SPREADER plate and crane mat firm Outriggerpads has introduced a new calculator for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), designed to promote the safe use of spreader plates and help users choose the right pads for each job.
The calculator takes into account factors such as the maximum allowable ground pressure and the machine load per outrigger or wheel.
Charles Grizzle, business development manager for Outriggerpads explaind, “Our goal was to develop a calculator that is intuitive and straightforward, making it as easy as possible to identify the best size and type of spreader plate for each job.”
Replacing the IPAF Ready Reckoner, the new calculator will be available as a web application from the IPAF website as part of its Spread the load! safety campaign.
Tim Whiteman, CEO of IPAF added, “MEWPs with outriggers are designed to be very safe and stable.
“However, an inadequate ground assessment or poor choice of spreader plates can cause instability and even lead to a machine overturning. This new calculator will help operators to choose the optimum outrigger pads, further improving MEWP safety.”
