Clients are always wondering what criteria they should follow when choosing a platform. They are mostly unsure of what to choose and doubtful of whether they are making the right decisions.

The answer boils down to a simple acronym—LEMMA.

LEMMA stands for:

• Load Rating
• Engineering Certification
• Manufacturing Warranty
• Material Temper
• Australian Standards

The criteria may seem overwhelming, but they come with pretty straightforward explanations. First, however, you have to be equipped with sufficient knowledge to ensure safety and quality in your work.

Read more to know how LEMMA can help you choose a work platform.

Load Rating

The load rating is an important feature. It is the key to determining how much weight a platform can carry.

Choosing a platform entails thinking of where you will be using the unit and how you want it to help your goal. For instance, how many people will stand up on it and what tools will be loaded.

Remember that a heavy Safe Working Load will allow you to carry heavier equipment onto the platform. In addition, a heavy SWL has higher durability as it is specially designed for heavy impacts.

Engineering Certification

When a platform has engineering certification, an engineer has approved and deemed it compliant with Australian standards. The Engineering Certification means that the platform is registered as fit for safe usage.

You want to choose a platform with an engineer\’s stamp of approval. Therefore, it should be one of the top priorities when choosing them that can satisfy your height needs.

The stamp of approval will also appease auditors as it makes them comfortable that you are using proper safety equipment. A happy safety auditor means a happy and productive work environment.

Manufacturing Warranty

Reliable manufacturers assure that their products come with a three-year warranty. The warranty means that the manufacturers stand by their product, ensuring 100% performance when in use.

The lack of a warranty is questionable as it lessens product reliability. You want the platform to be worth your money and a lack of support in case of any mishap will raise red flags.

Material Temper

Most people wouldn\’t know what alloy temper is. It is simply referring to the extrusion type of Aluminum. The temper determines how heat-resistant an alloy is.

For example, an alloy temper that starts at six means it has the most heat-resistant factor. Meanwhile, a T6 temper rating means it has the highest heat-resistant temper.

Material temper is essential in determining its structural integrity. It stands between the work platform and the platform operator\’s safety. Platforms with low-intensity tempered will be cheap, but they aren\’t worth risking the operator\’s safety.

Australian Standards

Another criterion you should consider is the product\’s compliance with Australian/New Zealand Standards. Platforms are under the 3 AS/NZ Standards, which are:

• 1657-2018 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders—Design, construction, and installation
• 1170.0-2002 Structural design actions
• 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders

You should find these standards indicated on the paperwork provided by the manufacturer. Ensure that the paperwork reflects all three ratings to ensure that it is safe and reliable. When choosing one, always remember LEMMA. It will help you determine which products are worth your money, ensuring the operator\’s safety.