GB2452269A

GB2452269A - Lift Shaft Work Platform

Info

Publication number: GB2452269A
Application number: GB0716709A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek SHAW
Original assignee: AIRE VALLEY METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: AIRE VALLEY METAL PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-29
Filing date: 2007-08-29
Publication date: 2009-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-29
Also published as: GB0716709D0; GB2452269B

Abstract

A work platform for suspending in a lift shaft comprises a platform (12 fig 2) suitable for projecting into a lift shaft and a structure 30a, 30b upwardly extending in use from the platform (12 fig 2) for supporting a ladder 31 or an elevated platform 32 within the lift shaft. The structure may be a removable tower 30a, 30b and may include outwardly extending arms 39, 40 at an upper region to stabilize the tower against the interior of the lift shaft, the arms 39, 40 may extend telescopically to contact the interior of the lift shaft. The platform (12 fig 2) may be pivoted on a base (11 fig 2) between vertical and horizontal positions and may include a handrail 29 upon which the structure 30a, 30b is supported. The base (11 fig 4) may be L-shaped and may engage with the lip of an entrance to a lift shaft. The platform may also include a frame (14 to 20 fig 2) engageable with an outer face of a wall surrounding the entrance to a lift shaft.

Description

Lift Shaft Work Platform The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a work platform for working within a lift shaft.

During the construction and maintenance of lift shafts, access within the lift shaft at an upper or elevated level is required. It is currently known to use either a scaffold tower or a temporary work platform to provide a safe work platform within the lift shaft.

In the case of a scaffold tower, the scaffold tower must generally be erected from the base of the lift shaft up to a suitable working height. In some situations, this may require the scaffold tower to be constructed many floors In height. The process of constructing such a large scaffold tower within the lift shaft is difficult, time consuming and potentially dangerous.

When a known work platform is used to gain access to the lift shaft, installing the platform within the lift shaft is often problematic. Commonly, the access platform is lowered from a floor of a building into position within the lift shaft. During the initial lowering of the platform into the lift shaft, the platform is unsecured and can fall down the lift shaft oausing a danger to persons, machinery or the structure of the lift shaft itself.

Furthermore, securing the work platform in position within the lift shaft may be difficult, sometimes requiring fastening devices to be inserted into the lift shaft walls in order to secure the platform in position.

In addition, it is desired to allow access to a region of a lift shaft in-between floors. For example, to allow access to a region of the lift shaft in-between intermediate floors.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a lift shaft work platform and method of constructing a lift shaft work platform which is more convenient to install.

An aim of the present inventIon is to provide a lift shaft work platform and method of constructing a lift shaft work platform which is safer to install.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a lift shaft work platform and method of constructing a lift shaft work platform which is self-supporting.

An aim of the present inventIon is to provide a lift shaft work platform which allows convenient and safe access to a region of a lift shaft in-between floors.

Additional aims of preferred embodiments of the present invention will also become apparent from the

description which follows.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Preferred features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work platform for a lift shaft, comprising: a platform for suspending in a lift shaft; and a structure upwardly extending from the platform for supporting at least one of a ladder or an elevated platform within the lift shaft.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a work platform for a lift shaft, comprising the step of: suspending a platform in a lift shaft; arranging a structure upon the platform to extend upward into the lift shaft for supporting at least one of a ladder or an elevated platform.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a lift shaft work platform arranged upon a test rig; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the lift shaft work platform arranged upon the test rig; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lift shaft work platform having a platform arranged mid-way between a horizontal and a vertical orientation; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a base of the lift shaft work platform having the platform arranged mid-way between the horizontal and vertical orientations; Figure 5 is a side view of a pair of arms supporting the platform; Figure 6 is a front view of a base of the lift shaft work platform; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lift shaft work platform; Figure 8 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of lift shaft work platform; Figure 9 is a second side view of the preferred embodiment of lift shaft work platform; and Figure 10 is a view showing an upper-region of the lift shaft work platform.

Figures 1-6 and the description associated therewith are provided as background to explain the construction and operation of the preferred embodiment of lift shaft work platform shown in Figures 7-10.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 comprises a base 11 for supporting the apparatus 10, and a platform 12. The base 11 is arranged in use to support the apparatus 10 upon a structure, such as within an entrance way to a lift shaft or upon a floor of a building. The platform 12 is provided to project into the lift or elevator shaft and support a load within the lift shaft. The load may be workers or equipment to be used within the lift shaft at an elevated position.

The base 11 is shown in a test arrangement resting upon a table like structure. The table structure does not form part of the apparatus 10 and is merely provided as a test rig structure for elevating the support 11 above the ground, thereby elevating the platform 12, as though the platform 12 Is arranged in use within the lift shaft.

The platform 12 is attached to the base 11 by at least one hinge 13. The platform 12 is able to pivot about the at least one hinge 13 between a first horizontal position and a second vertical position. When arranged in use, in the horizontal position, the platform projects horizontally into the lift shaft.

The platform 12 is attached to the base 11 by a pair of hinges l3a, 13b. The hinges 13a, 13b are arranged at either side of the base 11 to provide lateral support to the platform 12.

In use, the base 11 of the apparatus can be arranged to rest within an open entrance or doorway of the lift shaft, whilst the platform 12, when arranged horizontally, extends into the lift shaft providing a temporary work platform within the lift shaft.

During installation of the apparatus 10, the platform 12 can be arranged in the vertical orientation until the base 11 is moved into a suitable position within the doorway or entrance to the lift shaft. Once the base 11 is suitably positioned, the platform 12 can then be pivoted about the hinges l3a, 13b into the horizontal position, so as to extend into the lift shaft and provide a work platform. In this way, the platform 12 is prevented from being able to fall into the lift shaft during installation as it is always secured to the base Ii. In addition, fastenings are not required to be inserted into the lift shaft walls in order to secure the platform i2 within the lift shaft.

Figure 3 shows the platform 12 being pivoted about the hinges 13a, i3b, mid-way between the vertical and horizontal orientations.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a frame 14, arranged perpendicular to the platform 12. The frame 14 is constrained to pivot with the platform 12 about the hinges 13a, i3b. The frame 14, when vertically oriented, is greater in height than the lift shaft entrance or doorway. In this way, an upper region of the frame 14 distal from the base 11 contacts an outer face of a wall above the lift shaft entrance. The frame 14 thereby prevents the apparatus 10 from travelling through the doorway and falling into the lift shaft. In addition, a downward loading force exerted on the platform 12 during use is distributed through the frame 14 to the wall above the doorway. The frame 14 is longitudinally extendable to allow adaptation to entrance ways of different heights.

The frame 14 further comprises plurality of cross members 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, which extend horizontally outward from the frame 14. The members 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, are also arranged in use to contact the outer face of the wall at sides of the lift shaft entrance or doorway. In this way, the members 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 further distribute the downward loading force exerted on the platform 12 during use to the wall around the lift shaft entrance.

The members 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are arranged in pairs at horizontally opposing sides of the frame 14 in order to evenly distribute the force to the wall around the entrance or doorway. In addition, the members 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 further prevent the apparatus falling into the lift shaft during installation and use.

Furthermore, each member 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 is telescopically extendable outward from the frame 14.

Advantageously, the telescopically extending members 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are able to have a greater reach from the frame 14, thereby distributing force over a larger wall area. Further, the apparatus can be arranged in use within doorways or entrances of varying width.

Referring to Figure 4, the base 11 of the apparatus 10 is L-shaped and comprises a first horizontal portion ha and a second vertical portion llb. The L-shaped base 11 is able to fit over an edge of an entrance or doorway leading into the lift shaft. The base 11 can be arranged to engage with a lip of a floor of an entrance or doorway to the lift shaft. During use, the downward loading force exerted upon the platform 12 is further distributed to an inner face of the lift shaft wall against which the downwardly extending portion hlb of the base 11 contacts.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the platform 12 is suppcrted from the base 11 upon a pair of telescopically extendable arms 21, 22. Each arm 21, 22 comprises an outer portion 21a, 22a attached to the base 11 via the hinges 13a, 13b, and an inner portion 2lb, 22b, moveably arranged within the outer portions 21a, 22a. The outwardly extending inner portion 21a, 22a support an under-side of the platform 12. A plurality of bolts 23 S are transversely arranged through the outer 21a, 22a and inner 22b, 22b portions of each arm, thereby securing each arm at a desired extension. It will be realised that other forms of fastening may be used to secure the inner portions 2lb, 22b at predetermined extensions within the outer portions 21a, 22a.

The extendabie arms 21, 22, aliow the relative distance between the base 11 and the platform 12 to be adjusted. Advantageously, this allows the apparatus 10 to be used within lift shafts of varying transverse depth.

Moreover, the position of the platform 12 can be transversely adjusted within the lift shaft as desired.

Further support is provided to the platform 12 by a pair of diagonal arms 24, 25 extending from the frame 14 to the platform 12. In the preferred embodiment, the arms 24, 25 extend from an upper region of the frame 14 distal from the base 11, to an end region of the platform 12 distal from the base 11. In this way, the downward loading force exerted during use upon the platform 12 is more efficiently distributed to the frame 14.

The diagonal arms 24, 25 are extendably adjustable.

When the platform 12 is moved outward from the base 11 upon the extendable arms 21, 22, the diagonal arms 24, 25 are also adjusted to have a suitable extension. In the preferred embodiment, each arm 24, 25 comprise an upper portion 24a, 25a pivotably secured about a pivot 26 to the frame 14, and a lower portion pivotably attached to the platform 12. The upper portions of each arm 24a, 25a have a threaded receiving aperture for receiving a threaded shaft extending from the lower portions 24b, 25b. By relatively rotating the shaft within the aperture, the extension of each arm 24, 25 can be adjusted to accommodate different locations of the platform 12 relative to the base 11.

As shown in Figure 6, the platform 12 and frame 14 are attached to a pair of hinges iSa, 13b which are each located within a runner 27, 28, thereby enabling the platform 12 and frame 14 to move longitudinally about the base 11. Although, two runners 27, 28 having corresponding hinges l3a, l3b are provided upon the base 11, it will be realised that any number of hinges iSa, l3b and corresponding runners 27, 28 can be used to support the platform 12.

Advantageously, because the hinges 13a, 13b move within the runners 27, 28 longitudinally about the base 11, the platform 12 and frame 14 can be moved from a position partially retracted from the lift shaft and a position inserted into the lift shaft whilst remaining horizontally or oriented vertically. When the apparatus is being installed, the base 11 can be placed in position with the platform in the vertical orientation, partially retracted from the lift shaft. The platform can then be lowered into the horizontal position whilst remaining partially retracted from the lift shaft before being fully inserted into the lift shaft by sliding the hinges 13a, 13b within the runners 27, 28 further into the lift shaft. This arrangement and installation method increases the operational safety of the apparatus.

The apparatus further comprises a handrail 29 extending around the outer perimeter of the platform 12 at an elevated position. The handrail 29 prevents persons from falling off the platform during use into the lift shaft. In addition, to allow easy storage and transport, the handrail is detachable from the platform 12.

The platform 12 can be removed completely from the base 11 by sliding the platform 12 and frame 14 upon the hinges 13a, l3b to an end of the runners 27, 28 furthermost from the lift shaft facing edge of the base 11. The hinges l3a, l3b are then removable from the runners 27, 28. In addition, the frame 14 is comprised of an upper portion 14b inserted into a receiving portion 14a so as to allow the upper portion l4b to be removed from the receiving portion 14a. In this way, the upper portion 14a of the frame 14 can be dismantled for storage and transport.

Referring again to Figure 1, the platform 12 has raised sides 30. In order to allow convenient access to the platform 12, the platform has raised three sides at either lateral side of the platform 12 and at an end of the platform 12 distal from the base 11. Advantageously, the raised sides 30 of the platform 12 prevent objects from falling off the platform into the lift shaft. Such falling objects could be a hazard to persons working within the lift shaft below the platform 12.

Furthermore, once the platform 12 has been removed from the base 11 by slideably releasing the hinges 13a, 13b from the runners 27, 28, the platform 12 can be used to form a storage box for the components of the apparatus 10. In other words, the base 11, upper portion 14b of the frame 14, handrail 29 and any other components of the apparatus can be placed within the platform 12, wherein the platform 12 having raised sides forms a partially enclcsed storage box. An additional panel (riot shown) can be used to cover the partial enclosure formed by the platform 12 and raised sides 30, thereby forming a complete enclosure.

Additionally, as shown in Figure 1, the platform 12 further comprises four wheels 31 on an underside of the platform 12. The wheels 31 can be used to aid movement of the platform between installations. For example, when the platform 12 is used to form a storage container, the storage container may be wheeled from location to location.

The preferred embodiment of lift shaft work platform will now be explained with reference to Figures 7-10.

Unless otherwise described, the preferred embodiment is as previously described and comprises identical features and components. However, to aid clarity, previously mentioned components are not identified in Figures 7-10.

The preferred embodiment of the lift shaft work platform allows access to a region of the lift shaft in-between floors. For example, to allow work or inspection of a region of the lift shaft above an entrance or doorway.

As shown in Figure 7, the preferred embodiment of lift shaft work platform 10 comprises an upwardly extending structure or tower 30 mounted upon the handrail 29. The tower 30 is arranged to support one or both of a ladder 31 or an elevated work platform 32 above the platform 12.

The tower 30 is formed by discrete portions sized suitably to be carried through an entrance or doorway into the lift shaft then assembled to form the tower 30. The tower is formed by a forward portion 30a, forming a distal end of the tower 30 and having arms extending part way down both sides of the tower 30, and a rear portion 30b forming an end of the tower 30 proximal to the doorway and comprising arms corresponding to those of the forward portion 30 which extend part way down both sides of the tower 30. The arms of the forward and rear tower portions 30a, 30b inter-engage to form a stable tower structure.

As shown particularly in Figure 8, the forward tower portion 30a is arranged to rest upon the handrail 29. The handrail 29 comprises downwardly extending apertures at each end-corner which run down upright sections of the handrail 29. The forward tower portion 30a comprises a pair of upright members 33. A lower portion of each upright member 33 is arranged to be received by the apertures in the handrail 29. In other words, a lower region of each upright member 33 is adapted to be inserted in the handrail apertures whilst the remaining portion of each upright member 33 rests upon the handrail 29. Also shown in Figure 8 is a section of an arm 34 horizontally extending rearwards from an upright member 33. The elevated platform 32 is supported between corresponding arms 34 at either side of the tower 30 to provide a raised platform for a worker or equipment.

Figure 9 shows the mounting of the rear tower portion 30b upon the handrail and the inter-engagement between the arms 34, 37 of the tower portions 30a, 30b.

The rear tower portion 30b comprises two upright members 35 forming rear corners of the tower 30. Each upright 35 is moveably mounted upon the handrail 29. A lower region of each upright 35 comprises a pair of downwardly extending fingers 36 arranged to extend downward either side of the handrail 29. A lower region of each finger 28 comprises an aperture having a fastener received there-through. The fastener causes the fingers 28 to grip the handrail 29, thus securing the rear tower portion 3Db upon the handrail 29. Advantageously, a position of the rear tower portion 3Gb may be changed to adjust a lateral depth of the tower 30.

As further shown in Figure 9, the arms 34 extending rearward from the forward tower portion 30a receive the arms 37 extending forward from the rear tower portion 30b.

The telescopic nature of the arms 34, 37 allows secure inter-engagement of the tower portions 30a, 30b whilst allowing movement of the rear tower portion 30b upon the handrail 29.

Referring again to Figure 7, in order to provide structural rigidity and stability to the tower 30, a pair of diagonal brace members 38 are provided. The brace members 38 are pivotally mounted to the platform 2 and are removably fastened to an upper region of the tower 30.

Further, an upper region of the tower 30 comprises outwardly extending arms 39, 40 to stabilize the t3wer 30 against an interior of the lift shaft. A pair of arms 39 are arranged to extend sideways from the tower 30. A pair of arms 40 are arranged to project forward from the tower Figure 10 shows one of each pair of arms 39, 40 in close up. The side-projecting arm 39 is shown contacting against a test structure 41 arranged to simulate a lift shaft wall and does not form part of the apparatus. Each arm 39, 40 telescopically extends to contact against an interior of the lift shaft and to provide stability to the tower 30.

In use, the tower 30 supports one or both of a ladder 31 or an elevated platform 32 to allow access to an upper region of a lift shaft.

A method of erecting a temporary lift shaft access platform will now be described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The component parts of the apparatus 10 previously described, such as the base 11, frame 14 and handrail 29 are stored within the partial or complete enclosure formed by the platform 12. The enclosure containing the component parts can be transported to a site upon the wheels provided at the underside of the platform 12. The enclosure is transported to a desired entrance to the lift shaft, such as to a doorway of the lift shaft. The component parts can then be removed from the enclosure to allow assembly of the apparatus 10. 1.5

The base 11 can be positioned upon a lip of the lift shaft doorway so that the downwardly extending portion lib projects downward into the lift shaft, contacting against an inner face of the lift shaft. The horizontal position ha rests upon a floor leading to the lift shaft doorway.

The frame 14 can then be installed upon the platform by inserting the upper portion of the frame 14b into the lower portion 14a. The platform is then lifted and raised into a vertical orientation by a user. The platform 12 can then be installed upon the base 11 by inserting the hinges 13a, 13b into the runners 27, 28. The hinges 13a, 13b are inserted into an open end the runners 27, 28 before being slideably moved along the runner 27, 28 to a desired position. Once suitably located within the runners 27, 28, the platform 12 is then pivoted about the hinges 13a, 13b into a substantially horizontal position, wherein the platform projects outward into the lift shaft.

At a convenient part of the installation process, the handrail 29 can be installed upon the platform 12. If desired, the longitudinal position of the platform 12 within the lift shaft, relative to the base 11, can be adjusted by extension of the arms supporting arms 21, 22, 24, 25.

When the handrail 29 is installed upon the platform 12, the forward tower portion 30a is mounted upon the handrail 29, followed by the rear tower portion 30b. The two tower portions 30a, 30b are inter-engaged by their respective arms 34, 37. To stabilize the tower 30 within the lift shaft the pairs of stabilizing arms 39, 40 are extended telescopically outward to contact an interior of the lift shaft. Finally, one or both of the ladder 31 or elevated platform 32 are supported by the tower 30 to provide an elevated working position.

Removal of the apparatus is the reverse of the installation procedure.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at. least some of such features and/cr steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A work platform for a lift shaft, comprising: a platform for suspending in a lift shaft; and a structure upwardly extending from the platform for supporting at least one of a ladder or an elevated platform within the lift shaft.

2. The work platform of claim 1, wherein an upper region of the structure comprises at least one arm for stabilising the structure against an interior of the lift shaft.

3. The work platform of claim 2, comprising a pair of stabilising arms arranged at opposing sides of the structure for contacting against opposing walls of the lift shaft.

4. The work platform of claim 2 or 3, comprising a pair of parallel arms arranged at opposing sides of the structure to stabilize the structure against a wall opposed to an entrance of the lift shaft.

5. The work platform of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure comprises a tower arranged to support at least one of the ladder or the elevated platform within an interior of the tower.

6. The work platform of claim 5, wherein the tower comprises an upright member at each corner thereof and horizontal arms extending there-between.

7. The work platform of claim 5 or 6, wherein the tower is formed by at least two disengageable tower portions.

8. The work platform of claim 7, wherein the tower is formed by first and second tower portions.

9. The work platform of claim 8, wherein each tower portion comprises a pair of upright members and at least one arm portion arranged to engage with a corresponding arm portion of an opposed tower portion.

10. The work platform of claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the tower portions are relatively moveable such that an interior size of the tower can be changed.

11. The work platform of any preceding claim, wherein the elevated platform is supportable at a plurality of elevated positions by the structure.

12. The work platform of any preceding claim, wherein the structure is removable from the platform.

13. The work platform of any preceding claim, wherein the structure is supported upon a handrail provided around the platform.

14. The work platform of any preceding claim, wherein the ladder is supportable between the platform and an upper region of the structure.

15. The work platform of any preceding claim, comprising: a support; wherein the platform is pivotal about the support.

16. The work platform according to claim 15, wherein: the platform is pivotal about the support between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

17. The work platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform is arrangeable in use in an entranceway tc a lift shaft.

18. The work platform according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the platform prolects into the lift shaft when in the horizontal position.

19. The work platform according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein the platform is partially retracted from the lift shaft when in the vertical position.

20. The work platform according to any of claims 15 to 19, comprising: at least one hinge pivotally connecting the platform to the support.

21. The work platform according to claim 20, oomprising: a plurality of hinges pivotally connecting the platform to a support.

22. The work platform according to claim 20 or 21 comprising: a pair of hinges pivctally connecting the platform to the support.

23. The work platform according to claim 20, 21 or 22, comprising: a supporting arm interposing each hinge and the platform.

24. The work platform according to claim 23, comprising a plurality of parallel supporting arms.

25. The work platform according to claim 23 cr 24, wherein: each supporting arm is arranged to support an underside of the platform.

26. The work platform according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein each supporting arm is extendable.

27. The work platform according to claim 26, wherein each supporting arm is telescopically extendable.

28. The work platform according to any of claims 25, 26 or 27, wherein: each supporting arm is extendable so as to move the platform relative to the support.

29. The work platform according to any of claims 15 to 28, wherein: the support is engageable with an entrance to the lift shaft.

30. The work platform according to claim 29, wherein: the support is engageabie with a lip of an entrance to the lift shaft.

31. The work platform according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the support is L-shaped and is arrangeabie over a lip of a doorway into the lift shaft.

32. The work platform according to any preceding claim, comprising: at least one member enagageabie in use with a wall of the lift shaft.

33. The work platform according to any preceding claim, comprising: at least one member enagageable in use with an outer face 0� a wall surrounding an entrance to the lift shaft.

34. The work platform according to claim 32 or 33, comprising: at least one member engageable in use with an outer face of a wall above an entrance to the lift shaft.

35. The work platform according to any of claims 32, 33 or 34, comprising: at least one member enagageable in use with an outer face of a wall at the side of an entrance to the lift shaft.

36. The work platform according to any of claims 32 to 35, comprising: at least one member extending substantially perpendicular to the platform for engaging in use with an outer face of a wall above the entrance to the lift shaft.

37. The work platform according to claim 36, comprising a pair of members extending substantially perpendicular to the platform.

38. The work platform according to claim 37, wherein the members are extendable in an axis substantially perpendicular to the platform.

39. The work platform according to claim 36, 37 or 38, comprising: at least one member extending laterally outward from the at least one perpendicular member for engaging in use with an outer face of the wall at the side of the entrance to the lift shaft.

40. The work platform according to claim 38 or 39, comprising: at least one pair of laterally opposing members for engaging in use with an outer face of the wall at the side of the entrance to the lift shaft.

41. The work platform according to claim 40, wherein each laterally extending member is adjustably extendable.

42. The work platform according to claim 41, wherein each laterally extending member is telescopically extendable.

43. The work platform according to any of claims 36 to 42, comprising: at least one supporting arm extending from an upper region of the perpendicular member distal from the support to an end region of the platform distal from the support.

44. The work platform according to claim 43, wherein each supporting arm is extendably adjustable.

45. The work platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform is slideably moveable about to the support.

46. The work platform according to any of claims 20 to 45, wherein each hinge is slideable in a longitudinal direction about to the support.

47. The work platform according to claim 46, wherein each hinge is located within a runner upon the support so as to slideably move in a longitudinal direction about to the support.

48. The work platform according to any of claims 15 to 47, wherein the platform is releasable from the support.

49. The work platform according to claim 47 or 48, wherein the platform is releasable from an end of each runner.

50. The work platform according to any preceding claim, the platform comprising a plurality of raised sides.

51. The work platform according to claim 50, wherein the support is storable, when not in use, within a temporary enclosure formed by the platform and raised sides.

52. The work platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform comprises a handrail.

53. The work platform according to claim 52, wherein the handrail is detachable from the platform.

54. A method of operating a work platform for a lift shaft, comprising the step of: suspending a platform in a lift shaft; arranging a structure upon the platform to extend upward into the lift shaft for supporting at least one of a ladder or an elevated platform.

55. The method of claim 54 comprising: arranging a plurality of structure portions on the platform; and inter-engaging the structure portions to form a tower.

56. The method of claim 54 or 55, comprising: supporting the elevated platform upon the structure.

57. The method of any of claims 54 to 56, comprising: supporting the ladder between the platform and an upper region of the structure.

58. The method of any of claims 54 to 57, comprising: arranging at least one arm to project from an upper region of the structure to contact an interior of the lift shaft.

59. The method of claim 58, comprising: arranging a pair of arms to project from opposing sides of the structure to contact opposing interior walls of the lift shaft.

60. The method of claim 58 or 59 comprising: arranging a pair of parallel arms to project from opposing sides of the structure to contact an interior wail of the lift shaft opposed to an entrance of the lift shaft.

61. The method of any of claims 54 to 60 comprising the step of: pivoting the platform about a support between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position.

62. The method according to claim 61, comprising the step of: engaoing the support with a lip of an entrance to a lift shaft.

63. The method according to claim 61 or 62, comprising the step of: releasably engaging the platform with the support.

64. The method of any of claims 54 to 63 comprising the step of: releasably engaging at least one member with the platform for contacting a face of a wall of the lift shaft.

65. The method of any of claims 61 to 64, comprising the step of: adjusting the position of the platform relative to the support.

66. The method according to any of claims to 51 to 65 comprising the step of: engaging a handrail with the platform.

67. The method of claim 66, comprising arranging the structure upon the handrail.

68. A work platform for a lift shaft substantially as described herein before with reference to the accompanying drawings.

69. A method of operating a work platform substantially as described herein before with reference to the accompanying drawings.