Task of mobile platforms

Any type of mobile platform or platform is a device used for short-distance transport. They consist of a basket or platform that is protected by railings. The purpose of such lifts is to move a worker so that he or she can perform his or her work at height. Platforms are mainly used for construction or dismantling work.  

car platform on the road

Types of mobile platforms 

  • Mast-mounted mobile platforms have a mast, a platform for the worker and a drive that allows the lift to move. They are used during assembly and construction work. 

Suspended mobile platforms are made up of a special platform suspended from the roof of a building and secured by ropes. They can be installed permanently or only for the duration of a specific job. They are particularly useful for building maintenance and other such work. 

Mobile lifting platforms, which are among the most popular, are divided into: 

  • self-propelled - located on a vehicle chassis, 
  • mobile - attached to a trailer chassis and towed by a vehicle, 
  • Freewheel - having their own tracked or wheeled drive. They are divided into articulated, telescopic, articulated-telescopic and scissor-type. 

The most common types of mobile platforms 

The most commonly used mobile platforms include. scissor lift. It is a piece of equipment for lifting and transporting people that is used in many industries, especially in the mechanical and construction industries. The main advantage of the lift is its scissor-like mechanical structure, which provides the platform with stability, a high load capacity and a wide working area. All this, adds up to the great usefulness of this device. Mobile scissor lifts make it convenient to lift objects in workplaces. The handrail, which protects the worker on the platform, has specially made hinged joints to ensure stability. The operating platform also has an anti-slip strip to ensure worker safety. The scissor lift assists in height operations where there is a need to lift heavy materials to various heights. It can be used both outside and inside warehouses and production halls. 

scissor lift in the warehouse

It is used in industries that require work to be carried out at great heights, such as the chemical, energy and transport industries. Scissor lifts are also used in factories, warehouses and production halls. The lifts are easy to use, comfortable to work at height and provide a large working area and good balance. 

We also distinguish between the aerial work platform, which is a machine needed when working at heights. It consists of an arm and a personnel basket. It is subject to technical supervision. This means that if you want to use it, you will need a special authorisation issued by the Office of Technical Inspection. Such aerial work platforms can be stand-alone machines or ones that have been placed on vehicles, railway wagons or even car chassis. 

Aerial work platforms are used in renovation, construction or assembly work. It is a safer alternative to ladders or scaffolding. In addition, this type of lift is used by the fire service.  

They are also used when installing lighting, cleaning windows or setting up air conditioning, as well as when hanging billboards and trimming branches. 

scissor lift in the warehouse

Permit to operate mobile platforms

If you want to legally use a mobile platform, it will be necessary to have special authorisations issued by the Office of Technical Inspection. These are usually issued for 5 or 10 years (depending on the type of equipment). Sometimes a category C driving licence is also required. 

Today, mobile platforms are proving their worth in places where a person cannot get to without specialised equipment. They make it easier to carry out various activities at height while ensuring stability and safety. 

Questions and answers

What types of mobile platforms do we have?

We distinguish between suspended, mast and mobile platforms. The latter are divided into mobile, self-propelled and free-moving.

Where will mobile platforms be used?

Escalators are used for work at height such as assembly, disassembly or cleaning. 

Do the lifts have safeguards for male and female workers? 

Yes. All lifts have handrails and non-slip mats to protect those working on such a platform.  

Do we need a special licence to operate lifts? 

Yes. If you would like to operate mobile platforms, you must attend a preparatory course, which ends with a state examination. Once you have passed the test, you will be issued with a licence by the Office of Technical Inspection.