Working platform
The term 'working platform' is defined by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 as: '...any platform used as a place of work or as a means of access to or egress from a place of work', including: '...any scaffold, suspended scaffold, cradle, mobile platform, trestle, gangway, gantry and stairway which is so used.'
Before the 2005 Regulations, working platforms were defined as fully-boarded platforms with handrails and toe boards.
For a platform to be suitable for working at height, it must be:
- Of sufficient size to allow safe passage and use of equipment and materials.
- Free from trip hazards or gaps.
- Clean and tidy.
- Fitted with handrails and toe boards if necessary.
- Not overloaded (this is particularly relevant to trestles that are loaded with blockwork).
- Erected on firm level ground to ensure equipment remains stable.
Before working platforms are used they must be inspected carefully to ensure they are fit for purpose and have been properly assembled or installed. If a platform is exposed to conditions that are liable to result in danger or damage, then it must continue to be inspected at regular intervals.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Construction plant.
- How to remove scaffolding.
- How to use a ladder.
- Lift table.
- Lifting device.
- Lifting platform.
- Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
- Piling mat.
- Post lift.
- Scaffolding.
- Scissor lift.
- Types of crane.
- Types of scaffolding.
- Work at height.
- Working at height - our duty to prevent harm and protect each other.
- Work at height checklist for managers.
- Work at height regulations.
- Working platforms for tracked plant: good practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working platforms.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.