The custom inspection platform with a canopy is designed for safety and efficiency. The platform provides miners and maintenance crews with safe access to areas throughout the shaft for critical tasks such as pipe repairs, cable replacements, and bracket repairs. Fortis Designed, engineered, and manufactured the first version of the inspection platform before it was tested by the client.
After the platform was sent to the shaft for testing, Fortis worked with the client to improve the design for their specific situation. This included adding a sixth head-protection roof section and repositioning the rope slots in two of the winglets and their corresponding roof sections. The requested changes were engineered and implemented. Once complete, the platform was sent for its final coating/painting.
The final product included:
- The platform weighs 6,400 lbs and is constructed from steel and aluminum.
- Six optional headcovers that extend the canopy to protect workers from falling debris.
- Six aluminum floor extensions that can be lowered independently to get closer to the shaft walls when required. When in motion, these extensions are stowed upright, serving as handrails.
- Four tie-off points for 100% tie-off for workers.
- When stationary, the platform has adjustable stabilizing bars that lock the platform into position using shaft guides.
- An emergency escape ladder that allows workers to access the roof hatch.
- The platform can easily be mounted onto and dismounted from the top of the Service Shaft Conveyance using a larger zoom boom/telescopic forklift.