GB2470947A

GB2470947A - A safety loading platform

Info

Publication number: GB2470947A
Application number: GB0910074A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Sidney Pepper; Alan Lee
Original assignee: ARROMAX STRUCTURES Ltd
Current assignee: ARROMAX STRUCTURES Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-11
Filing date: 2009-06-11
Publication date: 2010-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-11
Also published as: GB2470947B; GB0910074D0

Abstract

A platform 1 for the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load comprises an elevated walkway 2 having at least one access point 4. The platform also comprises a loading side 9 which can be positioned adjacent the elevated load. A raised platform 5 is positioned on, and movable along, the elevated walkway 2. Guard means 7, 11 is fitted to the platform and includes height adjustable guard sections 11 along the loading side of the elevated walkway 2. The platform 1 is suitable for use on any surface and in any conditions and is particularly useful to gain access to an upper portion of an elevated load, such as those associated with lorry trailer beds. The present invention also provides a modular system (30, Fig 3) for the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load.

Description

TITLE

A Platform and System for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Elevated Loads

DESCRIPTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the unloading and loading of elevated loads. The invention comprises an apparatus and a system for allowing the safe manual loading and unloading of elevated loads, The apparatus and system of the present invention are particularly useful in locations where loading and unloading of elevated loads is only required in the short to medium-term and in locations with uneven ground.

Background

In many situations it is necessary to load or unload an elevated load. For example, many products are transported by road in trailers and the beds of those trailers are necessarily elevated from the ground. It is essential that the loading and unloading of elevated loads is done safely. This is not normally a problem for small and/or lightweight items that can be easily handled. For example, many loads are transported on trailers that have powered raisable platforms at their rear end that allow small and light items to be lowered to, or raised from, ground level with relative ease. However, the safe loading and unloading of heavier and/or larger items that are not suitable for use with such raisable platforms can be problematic.

In locations where the loading and unloading of elevated loads is regularly carried out there are often permanent means for facilitating the process. For example, many warehouses have elevated loading bays that allow trailers to be loaded and unloaded from a height that is substantially the same as that of the trailer bed. Loading and unloading is often most problematic when it is carried out in situations where there is no dedicated loading bay. For example, the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load is particularly problematic on building sites or other temporary locations, especially if the load comprises heavy building materials, such as structural elements.

In order to load or unload an elevated load in these situations it often becomes necessary for a person to be situated upon the elevated load or the platform upon which the load is situated. This can be hazardous as a person situated upon the load or platform becomes at risk of falling or being crushed by the load.

Several solutions have been proposed to increase the safety of a person situated upon an elevated load or a platform for an elevated load. The two main solutions are fall arrest and fall cushioning systems. Both of these solutions are intended to enable the safe loading and unloading of elevated loads by eliminating or greatly reducing the risk from falling for a person situated on an elevated load or the platform upon which the load is situated.

Fall arrest systems typically comprise a safety harness, which is worn by the person that will be loading or unloading the elevated load from upon the load or platform.

The harness is connected by a rope or cable to an anchor point. The available slack in the rope or cable is controlled such that if the person does fall from the load or platform they are prevented from injuring themselves by the rope or cable becoming tense and arresting the fall before impact. Fall cushioning systems consist of netting, inflatable cushion or other cushioned means. This netting or cushioning is positioned around the platform before loading or unloading is attempted. This means that when a person or part of the load accidentally falls from the platform or load that fall is cushioned thereby preventing injury.

Although both fall arrest and fall cushioning systems can work effectively in preventing injury they do not actually facilitate the loading or unloading of an elevated load. Instead they simply reduce the risks resulting from a fall from an elevated load. The procedures used to load or unload an elevated load using a fall arrest or fall cushioning system are substantially the same as the procedures where such systems are not available.

There is an additional difficulty in loading and unloading elevated loads. In order to increase storage and delivery efficiency, elevated loads are often stacked to substantial heights. The limit of the height to which elevated loads are stacked is typically determined by trailer dimensions and/or safety considerations and, as a result, the limit is typically much greater than the average person's height. Therefore, even for light articles, it is often necessary to use some sort of assistance to unload the upper layer or layers of an elevated load. The most common method of unloading or loading the upper layer of layers of elevated loads is to use a crane or fork-lift truck.

Fork-lift trucks are commonly used for relatively light and/or small goods whilst cranes are used for heavier and/or larger goods. However, fork-lift trucks and cranes are relatively expensive methods of unloading and loading elevated loads. Trained operators are needed to operate both fork-lift trucks and cranes. Furthermore, it is often impractical to use fork-lift trucks or cranes for example on sites where the ground is soft and/or uneven or may become soft or uneven in adverse weather conditions.

In light of the above, there is a need for a new apparatus and system for facilitating the loading and unloading of elevated loads that can be easily and safely used. The apparatus and system should be suitable for use in locations where the loading or unloading of unloading is only required over a medium to short-term period of time, Preferably the apparatus and system should be capable of being used on soft and/or uneven ground. The apparatus and system should also allow safe loading and unloading of the upper layers of an elevated load that are out of normal reach.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a platform for the safe loading or unloading an elevated load comprising: an elevated walkway having at least one access point and a loading side positionable adjacent the elevated load; a raised platform positioned on, and movable along, the elevated walkway; and guard means, including height adjustable guard sections provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway.

The present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows the easy and safe manual loading and unloading of elevated loads without the permanent need for further mechanical means such as fork-lift trucks and cranes. By positioning a platform according to the present invention adjacent a suitable elevated load it is possible to manually load or unload the elevated load without the need for further equipment or skilled operators. This is because a person loading or unloading an elevated load may stand upon the elevated walkway and thereby be positioned at substantially the same height as the platform upon which the elevated load is located.

A person situated on the elevated walkway may thereby easily load or unload the elevated load. Additionally, a person situated on the elevated walkway, is protected from falling off the walkway onto the load and from the load falling onto them by the guard means provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway. Furthermore, the height adjustable sections may be adjusted to provide protection to the person up to a suitable height. For example, if the elevated load is piled high then the height adjustable sections may be raised to protect a person located on the elevated walkway, whilst if the elevated load is piled relatively low the height adjustable sections may be lowered to allow easier access to the load.

The raised platform of the present invention further facilitates the loading and unloading of an elevated load. In particular, the raised platform can provide safe and easy access to the upper layers of an elevated load. A person situated on the raised platform can reach the upper layers of the elevated load when situated on the raised platform. Additionally or alternatively, a user may use step from the raised platform onto a suitable elevated load. As the raised platform is movable along the elevated walkway it can be used to reach different parts of the upper layers of an elevated load as the elevated load is loaded or unloaded. The height adjustable sections of the guard means can be used to protect a user positioned on the raised platform from falling from the loading side of the platform. This may be done by raising the height adjustable sections adjacent to the raised platform to a suitable height. In some embodiments of the present invention the raised platform may be able to be removed from the elevated walkway when necessary.

A platform according to the present invention is suitable for use in any weather and in any ground conditions. In particular, a platform according to the present invention is suitable for use outdoors and may be positioned on muddy or soft ground.

Platforms according to a first embodiment of a platform of the present invention may be used in conjunction with raised loading bays to facilitate the loading and unloading of elevated loads. In such embodiments the platform may be positioned between the raised loading bay and the elevated load with the loading side of the elevated walkway positioned adjacent to the elevated load. The elevated walkway of the platform may then be easily accessed from the raised loading bay.

Platforms according to a second embodiment of the present invention may be used in locations where there is no raised loading bay. Preferably such embodiments further comprise guard means provided alongside a side of the elevated walkway opposite the loading side. These guard means are advantageous as they may protect a person falling from the elevated walkway.

The guard means of the present invention may comprise continuous railings or may be provided in discrete sections that are joined by closeable guard means. Providing the guard means in discrete sections joined by closeable guard means may allow large items to be loaded or unloaded between the discrete sections when the closeable guard means are opened. Additionally, gaps between discrete sections may be uscd to access the elevated load or the platform upon which the elevated load is situated.

Platforms according to either the first or the second embodiment of the present invention may further comprise guard means provided at opposing ends of the elevated walkway, wherein the opposing ends of the elevated walkway are substantially adjacent to the loading side. Having further guard means provided at opposing ends of the elevated walkway is advantageous as they may protect a person from falling from the elevated walkway at the opposing ends.

The guard means or any other part of a platform according to the present invention may be brightly coloured in order to provide a user with a visual warning about their proximity to the edge of the platform. It is preferable that the guard means are brightly coloured such that the edges of the platform are immediately apparent to a person situated on the platform even if they are carrying a heavy load or are not paying full attention. The guard means or any other part of the platform may be painted in suitable colours or may be brightly coloured using any other method apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The upper surface of the elevated walkway of a platform according to the present invention should provide a safe surface for a person situated thereon. In particular, the surface should adequately and safely support any people who may be stood on the walkway and any parts of a load that are temporarily placed upon it. Therefore, it is preferable that the upper surface of the elevated walkway is substantially flat. It is also preferable that the upper surface of the elevated walkway is formed of a non-slip material. For example, the upper surface of the elevated walkway of platforms according to either the first or second embodiment of the present invention may be substantially formed of a non-slip mesh. The non-slip mesh may be a metallic mesh or may be formed of any other suitable material, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art. Forming the upper surface of the elevated walkway from a non-slip mesh is particularly beneficial if the platform is being used outdoors in inclement weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

The height adjustable guard sections of the present invention may be formed such that their height can be varied over a substantial range between an upper limiting position and a lower limiting position. Alternatively, the height adjustable guard sections of the present invention may only be able to be located in a plurality of discreet positions. In an embodiment of the invention the height adjustable guard sections may either be located in a lower position at substantially the same height as the guard means provided on the loading side of the elevated walkway or in an upper position that is raised above the lower position. Height adjustable guard sections may also be provided on other sides of the elevated walkway.

In order to further enable the loading and unloading from the elevated walkway the guard means provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway may include loading apertures. That is the guard means may be formed such that they are suitable for preventing a person falling from the elevated walkway but also contain apertures of a suitable size for allowing a load to be unloaded or loaded through the guard means.

A platform according to the present invention may be formed in any manner apparent to the person skilled in the art. However, it may be preferable that a platform according to the present invention is substantially formed of steel sections. This is preferable as any resulting platform will be strong, relatively light-weight and easy and cheap to manufacture. It is advantageous that a platform according to the present invention is relatively light-weight as this allows a platform to be more easily moved into and out of position when necessary.

Tn order to allow a platform according to the present invention to be used on uneven or sloped surfaces it may be supported on a plurality of adjustable legs. As will be understood, suitable adjustable legs may be integral with the elevated walkway and may be formed in any manner apparent to the person skilled in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention the adjustable legs are integral with the elevated walkway and are formed of upper and lower steel sections. The upper section of each adjustable leg is slidably received within or around the lower section and is fixable relative to the lower section. The upper section is fixed at an upper end to the elevated walkway. The lower section can be extended from, and fixed in position relative to, the upper section to form a leg of a suitable length. By adjusting each of the plurality of adjustable legs to a suitable length it becomes possible to position the elevated walkway at a suitable height and such that it is substantially level, even on uneven ground. Additionally, adjustable legs allow the platform to be positioned in a suitable position in any ground conditions.

In order to allow a platform according to the present invention to be placed in a level position on uneven ground level indicating means may be provided on the platform.

For example, one or more spirit levels may be integrally provided with the platform.

A platform according to the present invention may have only one access point or it may have a plurality of access points.

A platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention will preferably have a single access point. The single access point may be a side of the elevated walkway opposite the loading side. By positioning this side of the elevated walkway adjacent a raised loading bay the elevated walkway may be conveniently and easily accessed from the raised loading bay. In this situation it is preferable that either guard means are not provided along the access point of the elevated walkway or, if guard means are provided along the access point, then the guard means may include a gate or other simple means for accessing the elevated walkway without being required to climb over the guard means.

A platform according to the second embodiment of the invention may be used in isolation, without access from a raised loading bay. Therefore, it is preferable that at least one access point of a platform according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises a set of steps or other similar means for allowing easy access to the elevated walkway from ground level. The side of the elevated walkway adjacent an access point comprising a set of steps or other similar means may be open such that no guard means are provided at that point. Alternatively, if guard means are provided at the access point, then the guard means preferably includes a gate or other simple means for accessing the elevated walkway without being required to climb over any guard means. A set of steps or other similar means provided at an access point may be either removable or permanently attached to the elevated walkway.

It may be preferable that a platform according to the present invention comprises at least one access point positioned at an end of the elevated walkway substantially adjacent to the loading side of the walkway. It may also be advantageous that if an access point is positioned at an end of the elevated walkway the platform further comprises an additional access point positioned at an opposite end to that access point such that the elevated walkway can be accessed at each end.

In order to ensure the safety of a person situated on the raised platform it is preferable that a platform according to the present invention further comprises locking means for locking the raised platform in position along the elevated walkway. The locking means may comprise any means apparent to the person skilled in the art. Preferably the locking means should be sufficiently strong to lock the raised platform in position and should not be able to be accidentally disengaged easily but should be capable of being easily engaged and disengaged by a user when necessary. If the platform does comprise a locking means for locking the raised platform in position then the user should lock the raised platform in position, using the locking means, before getting on to the raised platform. Then, when they wish to move the raised platform, they should dismount the raised platform, unlock the locking means, move the raised platform to a suitable position along the elevated walkway and then lock the locking means again.

Preferably the raised platform of the present invention is easily accessed from the elevated walkway. Therefore, it is preferable that a platform according to the present invention further comprises access means for easily accessing the raised platform from the elevated walkway and that the access means is movable along the elevated walkway with the raised platform. The access means may comprise any suitable means apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the access means may comprise a set of steps attached to the raised platform. Such a set of steps may extend down from the raised platform substantially to the elevated walkway but will not be attached to the elevated walkway at their lower end in order to enable them to be movable with the raised platform. If a platform according to the present invention does comprise a set of steps attached to the raised platform the platform may further comprise guard means provided along at least one side of the steps to ensure that the steps can be safely climbed without the risk of falling and to allow the steps to be climbed more easily. Guard means provided along at least one side of the steps may comprise a handrail or other similar means.

In order to allow a person to be safely situated on the raised platform guard means may be provided around one or more sides of the raised platform. Similarly, the upper surface of the raised platform may be formed of a non-slip material in order to improve safety. For example, the upper surface of the raised platform may be formed of a non-slip mesh. Forming the upper surface of the raised platform from a non-slip mesh is particularly beneficial if the platform is being used outdoors in inclement weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

The raised platform of a platform according to the present invention may be movable along the elevated walkway in any manner that is apparent to the person skilled in the art. The raised platform may be supported on or above the elevated walkway on rollers or wheels. In such embodiments of the present invention the raised platform may be held in position with respect to the elevated walkway by providing raised edges or other limiting means about an outer edge of the elevated walkway and locating at least some of the rollers or wheels adjacent to the raised edges such that the raised platform is prevented from being accidentally moved off the elevated walkway as it is moved along the elevated walkway by the position limiting action of the edges or limiting means.

The raised platform is preferable manually movable along the platform, for example by simply pushing or pulling it into the desired position. However, it is to be understood that the raised platform may alternatively or additionally be mechanically movable. For example, a platform according to the present invention may comprise mechanical drive means for automatically moving the raised platform along the elevated walkway.

The present invention also provides modular systems for the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load. Modular systems according to the present invention are intended to be used for unloading or loading elevated loads when it is necessary to access the load from more than one side or where it is necessary for a person to be situated upon the elevated load. Modular systems according to the present invention are particularly suitable for loading or unloading elevated loads located on trailers.

A modular system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules of a modular system according to the present invention comprise one or more platforms according to the present invention, as described above, and may also comprise one or more sections of fencing for positioning adjacent a side of the elevated load for preventing falling from the elevated load and/or one or more platforms comprising an elevated walkway having at least one access point and a loading side positionable adjacent the elevated load and guard means provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway. The precise composition of a modular system according to the present invention is dependent upon a number of variables. These include the nature of the load being loaded or unloaded, the location at which the loading or unloading is being undertaken, cost and safety considerations.

An exemplary modular system according to the present invention is suitable for loading or unloading lorry trailers and comprises a platform according to the present invention, as described above, a section of fencing and a platform comprising an elevated walkway having at least one access point and a loading side positionable adjacent the elevated load and guard means provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway. When this modular system is in use, the platform according to the present invention is positioned adjacent one side of a iorry trailer and the other platform is positioned adjacent the opposing side of the lorry trailer. The section of fencing is positioned adjacent an end of the trailer to prevent the load falling from the end of the trailer. The lorry cabin may prevent the load from falling off the trailer at the end of the trailer opposite the fencing or, if the lorry cabin is not present, a further section of fencing may be positioned at this end of the trailer.

The sections of the exemplary modular system may be positioned using a fork-lift truck, crane or any other similar means. Importantly, the fork-lift truck, crane or other similar means need only be used to move the sections of the modular system into position. A fork-lift truck or other similar means are not required to load or unload the elevated load itself. Instead, the load can be manually unloaded by people situated on the elevated walkways. The exemplary modular system is particularly suitable for loading and unloading large but relatively light loads such as steel structural elements.

The platform opposite the platform according to the present invention is substantially the same as platform according to the present invention except that it does not comprise a raised platform positioned on, and movable along, the elevated walkway.

As a result this platform may comprise any or all of the features disclosed above that do not relate to the raised platform.

Further details of the present invention will be apparent from the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Drawings Figure 1 shows a platform according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged drawing of an adjustable leg of the platform of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a modular system according to the present invention comprising two platforms according to Figure 1 and two sections of fencing; and Figure 4 shows a section of fencing from the modular system of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the modular system of Figure 3 showing the system being used to unload steel I-beams located upon a trailer.

A platform 1 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The platform 1 comprises an elevated walkway 2 supported on a plurality of adjustable legs 3. The elevated walkway 2 has a set of steps 4 at each end that allow the walkway to be easily accessed from ground level. The elevated walkway 2 is substantially formed of a steel frame that is formed around and supports a walking surface. The walking surface of the elevated walkway 2 is formed of non-slip steel mesh. A safety bar 15 is provided at each end of the elevated walkway.

-13 -A raised platform 5 is positioned on and movable along the elevated walkway 2. Steps 6 are attached to and moveable with the raised platform 5 and allow the raised platform to be easily accessed from the elevated walkway 2. In Figure 1 the raised platform 5 and steps 6 are shown in dotted lines in position upon the elevated walkway 2 and in solid lines in isolation for clarity. The raised platform has a safety rail 12 formed around two sides and a handrail 13 extending down from the safety rail 12 along a side of the steps 6. The raised platform 5 is formed of steel sections and has a standing surface formed of non-slip steel mesh. Each of the constituent steps of the steps 6 is also substantially formed of non-slip steel mesh. The raised platform 5 and steps 6 are mounted on rollers 14 to allow them to be movable along the elevated walkway 2. The frame of the elevated walkway 2 prevents the raised platform 5 and steps 6 from being moved off or out of alignment with the elevated walkway. The raised platform 5 and steps 6 may be locked in position on the elevated walkway 2 by locking means (not shown) that can selectively engage the bottom of the steps 6 with the frame of the elevated walkway 2.

The elevated walkway has a loading side 9 and an opposite side 10. Guard rails 7 are provided along both sides 9, 10 of the elevated walkway 2. The guard rails 7 are formed such that they can prevent a person falling from the elevated walkway 2.

However, the guard rails 7 also include loading apertures 8 that allow goods to be passed therethrough. The safety bars 15 that are provided at each end of the elevated walkway 2 are pivotally fixed to a guard rail 7 at a first end and are connectable to the opposing guard rail 7 at a second end. The safety bar 15 is normally left in the lowered position to ensure safety, as shown in Figure 1 but may be swung out of engagement with the opposing guard rail 7 in order to access or leave the elevated walkway 2. The guard rails 7 are provided in discrete sections along both the loading side 9 and opposing side of the elevated walkway 2. The discrete sections are joined to one another by guard safety bars 19. The guard safety bars 19 are formed and operate in the same manner as the safety bars 15 and allow the gaps between the discrete sections of guard rails 7 to be opened and closed to allow large items to be passed therethrough when necessary.

-14 -Lifting lugs 26 are provided on the loading side 9 axd the opposing side 10 of the elevated walkway 2. These allow the platform I to be easily lifted into and out of position.

Height adjustable guard sections 11 are provided on the loading side 9 of the elevated walkway 2. In Figure 1 the height adjustable guard sections 11 are shown separate from the platform 1. However, the height adjustable guard sections 11 may be fixed in a lower position at substantially the same height as the guard rails 7 or may be fixed in a higher position.

When in the higher position the height adjustable guard sections 11 are positioned at a height above the guard rails 7 and the lower position of the guard sections is at approximately the same height as the height of the standing surface of the raised platform 5 above the walking surface of the elevated walkway 2. The height adjustable guard sections 11 substantially comprise metal frames with steel mesh panels. At each outer end of the height adjustable guard sections lithe frame extends downwards from the steel mesh panels to form attachment sections 16. The attachment 16 sections are substantially hollow steel tubes. The attachment sections 16 are used to mount a height adjustable guard section 11 in the lower position by sliding the attachment sections of a height adjustable guard section onto cooperatively positioned mounting rods 17 formed at the bottom of the guard rails 7. Alternatively, the attachment sections are used to mount a height adjustable guard section 11 in the higher position by sliding the attachment sections of a height adjustable guard section into cooperatively positioned apertures 18 formed in the upper ends of vertical posts forming the guard rails 7. In order to move a height adjustable guard section 11 from either the higher or lower position to the other position the guard section is simply lifted out of its current position and slotted into the other position, this may be easily done by an individual as the guard sections are formed in light and easy to handle sections. The guard sections 11 may also be temporarily removed from the platform 1 if necessary.

-15 -A spirit level 20 is integrally formed with the base of the elevated walkway 2 and is used when adjusting the adjustable legs to ensure that the elevated walkway 2 is level.

A close-up of an adjustable leg 3 is shown in Figure 2. The adjustable leg comprises an upper portion 21, a lower portion 22 and a foot 23. The upper portion 21 is fixed at its upper end to the elevated walkway 2 and open at its lower end. The foot 23 is formed at a lower end of the lower portion 22 and an upper end of the lower portion 22 is slidably received in the upper portion 21. It is to be noted that the upper portion 21 and lower portion 22 of the adjustable leg 3 are shown separately in Figures 1 and 2 for clarity, when in use the lower portion 22 is slidably received within the upper portion 21. The lower portion 22 of the adjustable foot 3 can be fixed in position relative to the upper portion 21 by means of a bolt 24 which can be fixed through any of a series of cooperative holes 25 formed through the upper portion 21 and the lower portion 22. In this manner the length of each adjustable leg 3 can be adjusted to allow the platform 1 to be level, even when positioned on uneven surfaces.

A modular system 30 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The modular system 30 comprises two platforms 1 according to the present invention, as described above and shown in Figure 1, and two sections of fencing 31. The platforms 1 are shown with their raised platforms 5 removed and their height adjustable guard sections 11 in the higher position. In Figure 3 the modular system 30 has been positioned for the loading of an empty trailer 32. The platforms 1 are positioned such that the loading side 9 of their elevated walkways 2 are adjacent to the trailer 32.

Furthermore, the adjustable legs 3 of the platforms 1 have been adjusted such that the elevated walkway 2 of each platform is level arid at substantially the same height as the trailer 32. The sections of fencing 31 have been placed adjacent the ends of the trailer 32.

A section of fencing 31 from the modular system 30 of Figure 3 is shown in Figure 4.

The section of fencing 31 comprises an upper mesh panel 33 and a lower supporting frame 34. The lower supporting frame 34 is open and is substantially the same height as a trailer 32, The mesh panel 33 extends upwards from the supporting frame 34 by -16-approximately the same distance as the height adjustable guard sections 11 extend from the elevated walkway 2 of a platform 1 of Figure 1 when they are in their higher position. The lower supporting frame has two feet 35 that extend outwards from the fencing to provide it with stability and prevent it from toppling over. When in use as part of the modular system 30 a section of fencing 31 prevents a load or a person positioned on the trailer 32 from falling off the trailer.

Figure 5 shows the modular system 30 of Figure 3 being used with a crane to unload a trailer 32 loaded with steel I-beams 36. In this situation the modular system is useful as it simply and easily allows a person 37 assisting with the unloading to access the load from the platforms 1 situated at either side of the trailer. As will be immediately appreciated by the person skilled in the art, in order to unload steel I-beams 36 it is necessary to have a person situated upon the load in order to attach the beams to the hook 38 of the crane in the suitable manner. Using the system 30 of the present invention, a person 37 can gain access onto the upper layers of the load from the raised platform 5 of the platform 1. When the upper layers have been unloaded the person 37 may gain access onto the lower layers of the load and onto the trailer bed directly from the elevated walkway 2 of the platform 1. In order to gain access onto the upper layers of the load the person 37 passes through the gaps formed between adjacent height adjustable guard sections 11. In order to gain access onto the lower layers of the load the person 37 opens the safety bars 19 and passes between the discrete sections of the guard rails 7. Whilst situated upon the load the person 37 is prevented from falling off the load by the prcsence of the guard rails 7 and height adjustable guard sections. -17-

Claims

Claims 1. A platform for the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load comprising: an elevated walkway having at least one access point and a loading side positionable adjacent the elevated load; a raised platform positioned on, and movable along, the elevated walkway; and guard means including height adjustable guard sections provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway.
2. A platform according to claim I further comprising guard means provided alongside a side of the elevated walkway opposite the loading side.
3. A platform according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising guard means provided at opposing ends of the elevated walkway, wherein the opposing ends of the elevated walkway are substantially adjacent to the loading side.
4. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the elevated walkway is substantially formed of a non-slip mesh.
5. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the guard means provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway include loading apertures.
6. A platform according to any preceding claim, substantially formed of steel sections.
7. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the elevated walkway is supported on a plurality of adjustable legs.
8. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the elevated walkway has a plurality of access points. -18-
9. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one access point comprises a set of steps allowing access to the elevated walkway from ground level.
10. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one access point is positioned at an end of the elevated walkway substantially adjacent to the loading side of the elevated walkway.
11. A platform according to claim 10, wherein access points are positioned at opposing ends of the elevated walkway, wherein the opposing ends of the elevated walkway are substantially adjacent to the loading side.
12. A platform according to any preceding claim further comprising locking means for locking the raised platform in position along the elevated walkway.
13. A platform according to any preceding claim, further comprising access means to the raised platform from the elevated walkway that is movable along the elevated walkway with the raised platform.
14. A platform according to claim 13, wherein the access means to the raised platform comprise a set of steps attached to the raised platform.
15. A platform according to claim 14, further comprising guard means provided along at least one side of the steps.
16. A platform according to any preceding claim, further comprising guard means provided around at least one side of the raised platform.
17. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the raised platform is substantially formed of non-slip mesh.
18. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the raised platform is supported on rollers and may be manually moved along the elevated platform.
19. A modular system for the safe loading arid unloading of an elevated load comprising a platform according to any preceding claim and at least one section of fencing for positioning adjacent another side of the elevated load for preventing falling from the elevated load.
20. A modular system for the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load comprising: a platform according to any of claims 1 to 18; and a platform comprising an elevated walkway having at least one access point and a loading side positionable adjacent the elevated load and guard means provided along the loading side of the elevated walkway.
21. A modular system for the safe loading and unloading of an elevated load comprising: a plurality of platforms according to any of claims 1 to 18.