After any structural repair or modification, a personnel lifting platform shall be tested to what percentage of the platform rating?

When a personnel lifting platform undergoes structural repair or modification, it is essential to ensure that the integrity and safety of the platform are maintained. Testing the platform to 150% of its rated capacity serves several critical functions.

First, this testing percentage allows for evaluating the platform's ability to withstand loads beyond its normal operating conditions, essentially simulating unexpected stresses it may encounter during use. By exceeding the rated capacity, the testing helps identify any weaknesses in the repair or modification that may not be apparent under standard conditions.

Additionally, subjecting the platform to this rigorous testing fosters confidence in its reliability, ensuring that it can safely support the personnel and equipment intended during actual operations. This approach is consistent with industry practices aimed at maintaining high safety standards and reinforcing the structural integrity of equipment used in lifting operations.

Testing at a lower percentage would not sufficiently verify the strength and robustness of the repairs, potentially risking safety if the platform were then subjected to load conditions matching or exceeding its original design. Therefore, the practice of validating the repaired or modified lift platform at 150% of its rating is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel utilizing the platform.