MGF Gangway Ramp User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- MGF
Table of Contents
Gangway Ramp
User Manual
MGF Gangway Ramp – User Manual
Issue 1 – 17.05.21
Gangway Ramp
INTRODUCTION
The MGF Gangway Ramp is designed as an add-on access improvement, for existing
Laddersafe platforms. It is designed to fit onto existing unmodified Type 01 &
02 Laddersafe platforms via an Overshoe adaptor or will fit directly to a Type
3 Laddersafe platform for Staircase (4.3039).
It is to allow easier access onto the platform, where an upstand is present,
ie the Trench sheets or Trench boxes are above the ground level, or where
ground conditions are poor in the vicinity of the platform entry.
The ramps are modular and can be fitted together to cater to varying heights
and lengths of ramp required. Each 1.5m long ramp can cater for a maximum of
0.5m upstand. 3 No ramps max can be connected.
FEATURES
- Enables safe access to a Laddersafe platform when access would otherwise be restrictive either by being installed on an upstand or installed around the bad ground which is sloped/falling away around the shoring.
- Via the use of adaptors, the ramps can connect to the back face of Type 1 & 2 Laddersafe platforms, as well as the new Type 3 Laddersafe (4.3039) that has been designed to accept the new Stairsafe system.
- Ramps connect together to the required length/height and the angle can vary up to a maximum of 17.5°.
- Serrated open mesh floor to provide extra foot grip on the sloping ramp.
- Integrated chains and couplings to bridge gaps in railings.
- Can be fitted with access doors (optional).
SPECIFICATION
Length = 1500mm 1.5m.
Max Load = 1 persons max (150kg) or 1.5kn/M2 UDL
Unit Weight = 128kg
Construction material = Steel.
Lifting/tether points = 4 off. (1000kg ea lug)
Gangway Ramp Unit Dimensions:-
Overshoe Adaptor dimensions
Overshoe weight = 24kg
Technical Points
- Laddersafe platforms must not be used on any trench sheets less than 6mm thick or sheets in pure cantilever and the upper support frame must be no more than 1.5m below the top of the sheet.
- MGF Gangway Ramps are designed for man access to a Laddersafe platform they should only be used by 1 operative at a time and are suitable for max. 150kg point load or 1.5kN/m² UDL.
- Each ramp can be used at a maximum angle of 17.5° and cater for a 0.5m vertical height.
- Up to 3 ramps can be connected to cater for a maximum vertical height of 1.5m.
- MGF Gangway Ramps should not be used for transporting/storing plant or equipment and equipment should not attempt to be carried down the ladder.
- MGF Gangway Ramps are connected to the Laddersafe platform using 20mm diameter pins, and ramps connect together using 20mm diameter pins and M16x50 grade 8.8 bolts, nuts, and plain washers.
SAFETY
- Should questions regarding this manual arise, contact MGF.
- Proper shoring and safety precautions must be in place if working below ground level.
- Wear appropriate personal safety equipment including, but not limited to a hard hat, safety boots, safety glasses, and gloves.
- Cover exposed skin while working on/operating the equipment. Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, hair, or anything that could become tangled in moving equipment.
- If applicable – Ensure all safety gates are in place, orientated correctly, and in good repair.
- Only lift designated lifting points. DO NOT lift by lashing to any other points as this could cause damage or failure.
- Write a Lifting Plan, Risk Assessment and Method Statement prior to work, identifying safety procedures as deemed necessary by an experienced operator.
- Be aware of overhead obstructions including power lines.
- Ensure all Bolts, pins, and R-clips are securely fitted/tightened.
- Inspect all components before the start of every shift. Always provide suitable exclusion zones around the units during assembly and installation.
- Always be aware of individual component weights and final assembly weights using adequate lifting equipment and good manual handling practices where appropriate.
- Use suitably rated chains when lifting the item into position. Always use all four lifting points provided, and do not lift the item by any other features than its designated lift points.
PARTS DESCRIPTION
Pre Install SETUP & Installation.
To install an overshoe for type 01 or 02 ladder safe platforms…
With the Laddersafe already installed upon the box or panel, place the
overshoe on the ground.
Two operatives, one on each side of the overshoe will be required.
Remove the Pivot plate Lock Pin’ and tilt the pivot plates until the handles are pointing downwards. The plates can be locked in the open position, or alternately the plates can be left unlocked depending on operator preference. With two operatives, one holding each of theoperative lift points orientate
the overshoe so the ramp attachment points are facing out from the dig. Lift the overshoe, over the Laddersafe platform. Both pivot plates should be rotated to close and engage fully over the platform chassis. Each operative should transfer the load, so they move from holding theoperative lift point’
to be holding the pivot plate -operative lift handle’. Once correctly located, so that the location plate sits flush against the platform, each operative should fit theirpivot plate lock pin’ to complete the fitting of
the overshoe.
Correctly fitted overshoe
To fit a Gangway ramp onto an overshoe, or directly onto a Laddersafe
platform (if fitted with mount spigots):-
Place the Gangway ramp on flat ground near the platform to be fitted to. Two
operatives one on each side of the ramp will be required.
Remove the r clip and take off the loose Keeper plate’. Lift the ramp and maneuver so that thefemale blade’ on the ramp, locates
over the ramp attachment bar’ on the overshoe or platform. Fit thekeeper plate’ over the connection and re-fit the r clip. Test that
the ramp cannot be lifted or knocked off the connection. ( pic above = Fitting
the keeper plate.) At the top of the handrail, stretch out the chain to bridge
and handrail gaps between the ramp and platform. Connect the chain from the
ramp to the platform handrail, using the half swivel scaffold connector bracket’. Complete this for both handrails. Check platform door functionality. Note if door operation is obstructed, the door should be moved from the platform, and attached to the ramp instead. **Connecting together Multiple ramps:- (3no max)** Working on solid ground near the location where the ramps are to be installed. Line up the ramps to be connected, so that thefemale connecting blade’ is
orientated to the male connecting pin’ of the ramp to be connected to. Remove the r clip and take off the looseKeeper plate’.
Lift the ramp and maneuver so that the female blade’ on the ramp, locates over theramp attachment bar’ on the adjacent platform.
Fit retaining bolts through connecting flanges, on joined ramps. 4 off
M16x50 ISO4017 bolts, 8 washers, and 4 off M16 Nyloc nuts are required to do
this.
Fit the `keeper plate’ over the connection, and re-fit the r clip. Test that
the ramp cannot be lifted or knocked off the connection. Once connected the
ramps can be lifted using the outermost ramp lift points, and fitted to an
overshoe or platform, as per the instructions in that section.
Required Checks.
Regular checks are required to ensure safe operation and continued safe
use.
Daily
- Check Overshoe connections are good, and that locking pins and r clips are present.
- Check Keeper plates are in position and secured with r clips.
- (if applicable) Check Bolted connections are present and tight.
- Check doors operate properly and are secure.
- Check Lift points are undamaged and fit for use.
- Check for distortions and bending in the chassis, and handrails. Report any damage.
Removal.
Removal is a reverse of fitting operation.
- Ensure all items supplied are returned to MGF post-hire, otherwise charges will be made for replacement items.
Product Notes.
-
Ensure that Gangway Ramps, overshoe adaptors and Laddersafe platforms are not damaged or distorted and that the correct Laddersafe platform, connecting pins and nuts/bolts have been provided prior to use (please refer to MGF Technical File). Always replace damaged components.
-
Always install the Gangway Ramps and the Laddersafe platform from a position of safety. If working from an unsupported edge a full risk assessment should be carried out for installation. Once the Laddersafe is installed ensure the clamping bolts are fully clamped and it cannot be lifted, slide or rotate prior to securing the Gangway Ramp.
-
Ensure the Gangway Ramp is securely connected to the Laddersafe platform and that all 20mm diameter pins are secured using an r-clip and the supplied securing plate.
-
Ensure when connecting Gangway ramps together the M16 nuts and bolts are sufficiently torqued and that retaining clips are provided for the integrated pins. Gangway Ramps should be connected together prior to securing to the Laddersafe platform.
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MGF Gangway Ramps are modular and no more than 3 ramps should be connected together.
-
The maximum achievable angle of 17.5° must not be exceeded, which can cater for a maximum vertical height of 0.5m per ramp, up to a maximum of 1.5m for 3 connected ramps.
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MGF Gangway Ramps are designed for man access to an MGF Laddersafe system and should only be used by a single person and should not be used to transport/store equipment.
-
Laddersafe platforms should only be fitted to MGF excavation support systems using the clamps
specified. The customer must ensure that these support systems are installed in accordance with MGF guidelines and are sufficiently robust and stable to act as effective edge protection support. -
It is recommended that 2 operatives are used to install the Gangway Ramp overshoe adaptor and that this is installed prior to installing the Laddersafe platform onto the sheets.
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Gangway Ramp overshoe adaptors must only be affixed to the back face (retained side) of the Laddersafe platforms. Gangway Ramps are not designed for access within the excavation and are only suitable for access to a Laddersafe platform should the upstand be restrictive otherwise, or the ground around the installed Laddersafe platform be sloping away from the sheets/box panels or be of poor quality.
-
Be careful of finger trap hazards during the installation, and ensure suitable PPE is worn throughout the installation and assembly.
-
Always consult with MGF for the suitability of the system for any specific installation. MGF Laddersafe must not be clamped to trench sheets less than 6mm thick, or piles in pure cantilever or cantilevering more than 1.5m above a waler rail/brace. In addition, it is essential that the excavation support system (that the clamp is attached to) is installed robustly and fully supported by the ground (no voids/weak ground present).
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Take care when storing Laddersafe and Gangway Ramps onsite as they can be easily damaged. Always stack components on timbers and lift using suitable chains/plants.
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Ensure that the Gangway Ramp is adequately footed before use on firm, level ground and that the Ramp cannot sway, vibrate or deflect excessively during use.
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Prior to use it is recommended to use the supplied safety chain to close of the gap between the Gangway Ramp handrail and the handrail on the Laddersafe platform.
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Removal is a reverse of installation.