Mobile platforms are devices from the group of cranes. They consist of a platform resembling a gondola or a basket (hence it is also commonly called), suspended on a crane or a lifting boom. They are designed to work at heights, thanks to the platform that allows people or materials to be lifted vertically and horizontally. Mobile platforms are often used instead of building permanent scaffolding. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are used in assembly and construction works, as well as in works on power lines and poles. They will also be useful when washing the facade or changing advertising billboards.
A little brighter now? So we can move on to their classification.
Types and their application
Mobile platforms can be divided into three groups, taking into account various aspects of the device.
Ungrouped By the type of boom:
- Articulated - having a mast with a articulated joint
- Telescopic - whose mast has a telescopic structure
- Scissor lift - consisting of two levers, enabling vertical work
- Articulated telescopic - combining the two above-mentioned types
Ungrouped By the type of drive:
- Combustion
- Electric
Ungrouped By kind main features:
- Mobile, mobile (multi-speed, self-propelled and transportable)
- Movable hanging
- Movable mastheads
- Movable stationary
I will try to explain this last type of ungrouping in more detail, as it is the most important. This division was created by the Office of Technical Inspection.
Passable
They are the most popular group of platforms. These devices include a chassis, a platform and a load-bearing structure connected to the chassis, on which the working platform is located. Due to its functions and application, we can distinguish several types of mobile access platforms. It is very important to know the specifications of each available model and to choose the right one before choosing the equipment. At the time of making the choice, we take into account the place of work and the manner of its implementation.
Mobile multi-speed
Low-speed mobile mobile platforms facilitate access to specific places where a person or elements needed for work must be. The most important feature of these platforms is that they have their own two- or four-wheel drive or track drive. This makes it much easier, because then we do not have to install the drive in an external vehicle. They have electric or combustion power, and it is also in them that we distinguish the grouping into the type of boom, so they can be articulated, telescopic or scissor-type. When preparing for work, we need to choose the right device. It is easy to determine that we need a multi-speed platform, but whether it is to be, for example, a telescopic or a scissor lift, requires more understanding. First of all, we must pay attention to the transported weight and the type of work.
Mobile transportable
This type of platforms does not have its own drive. However, we have the option of mounting it on the trailer chassis, which is adapted to be towed behind the vehicle. As a result, mobile mobile elevated work platforms are approved in road traffic as a kind of special trailers. They are characterized by ease of use, mobility and, compared to other platforms, they are quite cheap devices. They are suitable for work that requires frequent changes of the area of activities.
Mobile self-propelled
Just like mobile platforms, they are approved for road traffic. This is due to the fact that they can be mounted directly on the car chassis. As a result, they do not even need to mount a trailer, which makes their transport even easier.
Hanging
Their structure consists of a working platform, two special ropes placed on cranes and a winch mounted on the platform. It is also equipped with a central control system and security devices. It is characterized by the possibility of permanent installation on building objects, e.g. roofs. It is used in work at bridges and viaducts, drilling platforms and chimneys.
Mast
This type of platform has a mast on which the platform is placed. Its movement is possible thanks to a rack and pinion crane. The mast can be folded, which enables its height to be changed. The structure is located on the chassis, which has wheels, so the whole thing is adapted to simple and quick transport. It is worth noting that not all mast platforms can be used outdoors, there are types intended only for internal use. We can use them, among others, for warehouse work, window installation, painting, plastering or building insulation.
Stationary
Their structure is connected to the ground. There is a working platform on it. This platform does not have a mechanism that allows it to be moved, so it is mainly suitable for working in one specific place. It is used both inside and outside buildings. It is used for work in heavy industry, renovation works, production processes and in combined heat and power plants.
Maintenance of mobile platforms
Maintenance of mobile platforms must be performed by an authorized person. Due to the fact that the technical condition of the devices is controlled by the Office of Technical Inspection, they must be periodically inspected once a year. You cannot forget about maintenance inspections every 30 days.
Permissions for mobile platforms
Mobile platforms are included in the group of devices that are subject to technical supervision. Therefore, the operation of such a device requires UDT qualifications, and it is nothing else than a qualification certificate issued only by the Office of Technical Inspection. In order to get them, you need to take a course that ends with an exam. During its duration, the trainee acquires theoretical and practical knowledge. They are prepared to perform their work in a safe manner, observing all the rules.
