Conquip Shaft Access Platform

Large, robust steel half-moon platform designed for use in shafts. Provides safe internal access for waterproofing membrane application to shaft walls and shaft maintenance. Adjustable A-frames for membrane rolls, retractable roof, multiple internal harness points, handrails. Capacity: 1 membrane roll + 5 operatives + tools. WLL 4500kg. Purchase only.

The Conquip Shaft Access Platform is a large, robust, steel platform specifically designed for use in shafts. It provides safe internal access to the inside of the shaft, allowing personnel to apply waterproofing membrane to the shaft walls and carry out other maintenance tasks. The half-moon-shaped design is the key engineering feature -- it allows the platform to be positioned close to the shaft wall on the curved side while leaving working space for operatives on the straight side, an arrangement that no rectangular platform can match. The platform incorporates adjustable A-frames that hold membrane rolls in place during transit and application, accommodating varying roll diameters as the application proceeds. The retractable roof allows fresh membrane rolls to be lowered directly onto the platform from above, increasing efficiency and eliminating the need to lift the platform out of the shaft to reload. Personnel safety is built into every aspect of the design: handrails throughout the cage, multiple internal harness anchor points so operatives can remain attached at all times, and durable designated crane lifting points engineered for the loaded platform. The 4500kg Working Load Limit accommodates one membrane roll plus five operatives and their tools simultaneously.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Half moon-shaped design allows the platform to be positioned close to the curved shaft wall
• Retractable roof allows membrane rolls to be lowered directly onto the platform from above
• Adjustable A-frames accommodate varying sizes of waterproofing membrane roll
• Handrails throughout the cage for fall protection
• Multiple internal harness anchor points throughout the platform -- operatives remain attached at all times
• Durable designated crane lifting points engineered for the loaded platform
• Large WLL of 4500kg accommodates one membrane roll plus five operatives and their tools simultaneously
• Manufactured from quality steel for durability and repeated use
• Robust steel construction suited to repeated heavy-duty deep-shaft work

Suitable Applications

The Shaft Access Platform is the specialist tool for applying waterproofing membrane to shaft walls and for carrying out shaft maintenance and inspection tasks at depth. Common applications include lift shaft membrane application during fit-out, deep utility shaft waterproofing on infrastructure projects, basement and lower-ground-floor shaft maintenance, and inspection of shaft structural elements at depth. For more general personnel access at depth, the Access Cage range is more appropriate (sizes 1 to 12 person). For shorter access tasks, the Excavator Lifting Platform may be a more cost-effective option.

How to Use

1. Carry out a pre-use inspection: platform frame, handrails, harness anchor points, A-frames, retractable roof mechanism, designated crane lifting points, structural welds
2. Confirm the platform's WLL of 4500kg is rated for the planned load (membrane roll + operatives + tools combined)
3. Confirm operative count does not exceed the 5-person capacity
4. All operatives don approved fall-arrest harnesses before boarding the platform
5. Connect the platform to the crane hook via a four-leg chain sling on the designated lifting points
6. Verify the harnesses are connected to the internal anchor points before the lift commences
7. Position the platform at the shaft head, then lower into the shaft
8. Once at working depth, position the curved (half-moon) side close to the shaft wall
9. Apply membrane or carry out maintenance work as required
10. For fresh membrane: open the retractable roof, signal a fresh roll to be lowered onto the A-frames, secure the roll, then close the roof
11. When complete, raise the platform back to the shaft head, secure it, then disembark with harnesses still connected until off the platform

Warning: Working Load Limit of 4500kg must not be exceeded. Maximum 5 operatives -- this is a hard limit. All operatives must be attached to internal harness anchor points before the platform leaves ground level. Inspect handrails, harness points, and lifting attachments before every use under LOLER 1998 and the Working at Height Regulations 2005.

Safety Information

• Working Load Limit of 4500kg must not be exceeded under any circumstance
• Person capacity is 5 operatives -- never exceed this limit, even briefly
• Fall-arrest harnesses must be worn by all operatives, attached to internal anchor points before the platform leaves ground level
• Pre-use inspection required before every shift; thorough examination every six months under LOLER 1998
• Platforms with damaged handrails, compromised harness anchor points, jammed retractable roof, deformed lifting attachments, or structural damage must be removed from service immediately
• Lifting must be carried out by an appointed person with a trained banksman or signaller in continuous communication
• Crane operations must follow a documented lift plan including emergency rescue arrangements
• Working at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all operations on this platform -- review before deployment
• Membrane rolls must be securely attached to the A-frames before the platform is lifted
• Do not modify the platform or its components -- contact Conquip for repair or refurbishment
• Confined space regulations may apply to shaft work depending on the specific shaft -- assess and follow site-specific requirements

Frequently Asked Questions