Gondola Suspended Platform

Gondola suspended platform

The gondola suspended platform is also known as the “rope suspended platform.” The name defines the technique. The Gondola is a high-efficiency model used at heights for several jobs such as installing glass facades, curtain wall installation, painting, external wall plastering, as well as maintaining the exterior surfaces of any building.

The Gondola is an efficient and even safe method to be reliable and opt. Scaffolding the old practice was unsafe for workers. In today’s days, getting a skilled workforce is challenging. So, to ensure the safety of people, contractors opt for this method nowadays.

Safety ensured by Gondola

• If the main rope breaks off the Gondola, the safety lock gets activated and holds the Gondola suspended platform with an excellent grip.
• An anti-tilting cut-off protection system is the mechanism of balancing the load uniformly over the platform. If the load gets concentrated on one side, it may lead to unsafe conditions. This usually gets activated if the platform angle is tilted more than 4 degrees and instantaneously results in cutting down the power supply.
• The centrifugal speed limiter is the device that acquires control over the platform’s speed when needed. In cases like brake failures as well as free-fall, this device helps. At the same time, travelling upwards or downwards, if there is an inevitable increase in speed beyond the limit, the device gets actuated and stops the operation.
• Locking of upper counterweights. The upper weights are locked with a lock and key firmly to avoid the unauthorized removal of consequences.
• The electric panel of the platform should also be locked to avoid unauthorized operations by anyone else other than the operator in charge.

Customization of cradle

These platforms or cradles can be customized according to their work, such as painting, plastering, etc. there are several shapes of cradle available, for example, ‘curve” shape cradle, “W” shape cradle, “L” shaped cradle, “S” shaped cradle, as well as a cradle for chimney works. A single suspended cradle is used for painting purposes on high rises.

Well-trained and experienced operators and workers

It is highly essential to have a well-trained workforce while working at such construction sites. The risks of any accident can be avoided if the workers and operators have basic knowledge of the devices they are involved with.

Every person operating the Gondola suspended platform or working with it should be:

1. At least 18 years old;
2. Has undergone training from any recognized commander or else the head operator of a suspended operating platform or even a local agent;
3. A fit and active person with no height phobia; and
4. Has a certificate from the respective person who trained them.

This training of a person before engaging in the actual work should include –

1. Basic knowledge about the suspended platform and its system.
2. About all the features and safety devices for security.
3. Appropriate uses of all the safety devices such as safety belts, self-sustaining lifelines, and other fittings.
4. Awareness should be spread about all the emergency procedures as well as precautions that need to be taken. In contrast, in instances such as malfunctioning, use of proper communications devices at the construction sites, manual cranking of a platform when power failure takes place, etc.

All this care should be taken and looked after as it is always better to be cautious.

Dismantling, maintenance, and more about suspended platforms

The dismantling and erection of any part of the suspended platforms should be done under the proper supervision. A well-experienced person with the help of an assembly manual in this field or even under the manufacturer’s supervision would work.

All the parts of suspended platforms should be maintained with proper instructions and taken care of. All the apparatus, the mechanical and the electrical, require maintenance. Under correct supervision, the parts perform the functions intended.

The broken or worn-out parts, damaged devices, and sticky switches that may interfere with the safety of a person should be replaced.