Access Cage

Eichinger | 1, 2 or 4 Person | Crane and Forklift | Overhead Harness Points | BS EN 14502-1 and PM28 Compliant | Fully Certified

A fully certified access cage for safe at-height working by crane or forklift on construction sites. Three sizes are stocked: a compact single person cage for confined and restricted access situations, a two person platform for general at-height working, and a large four person platform for crew deployments requiring a wide working area. All three sizes are fitted with four crane lifting points and fork pockets as standard, making them fully universal for use with a tower crane, mobile crane, telehandler or forklift truck. Manufactured by Eichinger, a German manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in construction site equipment.

Technical Specifications

SWL is the maximum net load capacity including all personnel, tools and equipment combined. The total weight imposed on the crane hook includes the self weight of the cage plus the net load. A site-specific risk assessment and lift plan must be completed before use in accordance with LOLER 1998. The chain sling must be of the correct rating and be fully certified.

1 Person Cage (1074.1)

The 1074.1 is a compact single person access cage specifically designed for confined spaces and restricted access situations where a standard man cage is unable to reach. Its narrow 780mm x 810mm footprint allows it to be positioned in areas inaccessible to larger cages. Solid walled sides to half height with close mesh above provide protection from accidental injury while maintaining visibility for the operative and crane operator. Internal overhead harness anchor points are fitted as standard.

2 Person Cage (1073.2)

The 1073.2 is the contractor's universal working platform for at-height access tasks requiring two operatives. It features an overhead protection panel to shield operatives from falling objects, a high kick plate around the perimeter to prevent tools and materials from being kicked over the edge, and a large front-mounted tool tray for carrying equipment safely to height. Internal overhead harness anchor points are fitted as standard. The maximum combined crane hook load is 440kg (190kg cage self weight plus 250kg SWL).

4 Person Cage (1074.4)

The 1074.4 is a large capacity four person access cage with an extra-reinforced corrugated floor panel and a 1625mm x 2150mm working platform. Solid walled sides to half height with close mesh above provide protection across the full perimeter, and internal overhead harness anchor points are fitted throughout. The space-saving design allows efficient on-site storage when not in use. The maximum combined crane hook load is 1170kg (510kg cage self weight plus 660kg SWL). Confirm the crane is rated for this at the working radius before lifting.

Key Features Across All Sizes

• Four crane lifting points and fork pockets fitted as standard on all sizes, making each cage fully compatible with tower crane, mobile crane, telehandler and forklift truck.
• Internal overhead harness anchor points allow operative lanyards to be attached inside the cage for fall protection during the lift.
• Solid walled sides to half height with close mesh enclosure above, providing protection from accidental contact while maintaining visibility.
• Inward-swinging door with catch for safe entry and exit when the cage is fully grounded.
• BS EN 14502-1 and PM28 compliant, built to the technical regulations of the Health and Safety Executive.
• Heel retaining bracket on the 1073.2 and 1074.4 must be correctly fitted before any personnel enter the cage when using with a forklift or telehandler.

Suitable Applications

The access cage range is suited to a wide variety of at-height construction site tasks including cladding, glazing and facade installation, structural steelwork fixing and connection, services installation and maintenance at height, roof-level and parapet works, and general elevated access by tower crane or telehandler. The 1074.1 single person cage is the preferred choice for confined and restricted access situations. The 1073.2 is the most widely used format for general two person at-height working. The 1074.4 is suited to larger crews or tasks requiring a significantly wider working platform.

How to Use by Crane

1. Inspect the cage before each use. Check the structural frame, floor, door and catch, mesh panels, harness anchor points and all four lifting points for damage, deformation or corrosion. Do not use if defects are found.
2. Attach a suitably rated, fully certified chain sling to the four overhead crane lifting points. It is good practice for the chain sling to remain on the cage permanently to prevent it being misused for other purposes.
3. Ensure exclusion zones are in place. Personnel should only enter the cage when it is fully grounded and the all-clear has been given by the crane operator or banksman.
4. Open the door, enter the cage, and close the door ensuring the catch has fully engaged. Attach lanyards to the overhead harness anchor points. All tools and equipment must be placed in the tool tray and not carried by hand during the lift.
5. Confirm the total net load including all personnel, tools and equipment does not exceed the SWL for the size in use, and that the combined hook load does not exceed the crane rated capacity at the working radius.
6. Maintain radio communication between the operatives and the crane operator throughout the lift. A banksman or guide should be deployed at ground level.
7. Lower the cage fully to the ground before any operative exits. Ensure the cage is fully stable before opening the door.

Important: Personnel must only enter or exit the cage when it is fully grounded. The area below and around the raised cage must be kept clear of all personnel at all times during the lift.

How to Use by Forklift or Telehandler

Approach the grounded cage from the rear with the forklift; adjust fork tine width as needed. Remove the heel retaining bracket and drive the forks into the fork pockets at the base of the cage. Lift the cage to approximately 1m and replace the heel retaining bracket. Personnel must not enter the cage until the heel retaining bracket has been replaced and the all-clear has been given by the forklift operator. Enter via the door, ensure the catch is engaged, and place all tools in the tool tray. After use, lower the cage fully to the ground, close and secure the door, and return to the storage location.

Inspection and Maintenance

Inspect before every use, including checks on the structural frame, floor, mesh panels, door and catch, overhead harness anchor points and all four crane lifting points. Thorough examination by a qualified engineer is required at least every 6 months when used regularly for lifting personnel, in accordance with LOLER 1998. Remove from service if any structural member, lifting point or harness anchor point shows signs of deformation, cracks or corrosion. Clean after each use and store in a closed, locked condition in a secure location.

Frequently Asked Questions