Mast Climbing Platform Terminology as taken from IPAF Mastclimbing Committee.

The terms which are used here, with reference to the definitions below, are indicated in figures 1 and 2 below

3.1 rated load
The loads for which the MCWP has been designed in normal operation as stated in the load diagram.

3.2 load diagram
A notice displayed on the work platform showing the permitted number of persons and the weight and distribution of materials for the particular configuration.

3.3 rated speed
The vertical or horizontal speed for which the MCWP has been designed.

3.4 transfer
Any horizontal movement of the MCWP from one position to another on the same working site.

3.5 transfer condition
The configuration of the MCWP in which the MCWP is moved from one position to another on the same working site and any limitation on the weather and the load or persons on the MCWP.

3.6 transport
Any movement of the MCWP outside the boundaries of the working site.

3.7 transport condition
The configuration of the MCWP in which the MCWP is moved outside the boundaries of the working site (for example, road transport).

3.8 transfer and transport interlocks
Any design features on the MCWP which prevent unsafe transfer or transportation.

3.9 base frame
The part of the MCWP which provides support for the mast and elevating assembly.

3.10 chassis
The part of the MCWP which provides mobility and support for the mast and elevating assembly.

3.11 rail mounted chassis
A chassis designed to transmit horizontal as well as vertical forces to the ground via rails.

3.12 outriggers
Supports at the base frame level used to maintain or increase the stability of the MCWP within specified conditions. They may also be used for levelling.

3.13 outrigger beam
That part of an outrigger assembly which moves in a substantially horizontal plane and may be powered or operated manually.

3.14 mast
A structure that supports and guides the platform.

3.15 mast, fixed length
A mast whose length is fixed and cannot be varied, even by the attachment of further mast sections.

3.16 mast, variable length
A mast whose length can be varied by the attachment of successive lengths of prepared sections.

3.17 guides
The parts of the mast which provide guiding for the work platform

3.18 mast tie
The anchorage system used to provide lateral restraint to the mast from the building or other structure.

3.19 work platform
The vertical travelling part of the installation upon which the persons, equipment and materials are carried and from which work is carried out. This is as opposed to the MCWP, which refers to the whole of the installation, inter alia work platform, mast, mast ties, base and chassis. The work platform includes the main platform and any platform extension.

3.20 available platform area
The area of the work platform measured at the work platform floor level.

3.21 main platform
that part of the work platform which is built up using primary structural elements.

3.22 platform extensions
those additional parts of the work platform which are built up using secondary structural elements, whose support and location is dependent upon the main platform. They are used to extend the main work platform, usually along its longitudinal working edge. They may form irregular shapes which conform with the work site. They may also extend at a level just above or below the main platform level.

3.23 multilevel work platforms
Multilevel work platforms consist of two or more work platforms travelling on the same mast or an additional working level attached to and totally supported by a work platform (for illustration see annex B)

3.24 counter roller
A roller used to counter-react the gear meshing separation forces between a rack and pinion.

3.25 automatic brake
A device to decelerate and stop moving parts in case of interruption of the power supply.

3.26 buffer
A resilient stop at the end of the travel, comprising a means of arresting using fluids, springs or similar means.

3.27 overspeed
Any speed above rated speed.

3.28 safety gear
A mechanical device for stopping and maintaining the work platform stationary on the mast in the event of overspeed.

3.29 overspeed governor
A device which, when the work platform attains a predetermined speed above rated speed, causes the safety gear to be applied.

3.30 competent person
A person having such practical and theoretical knowledge and such experience of that MCWP as is necessary to carry out the function satisfactorily.

3.31 user (user organization)
The person or organization which has direct control over the MCWP use.