Nowadays, in public buildings, lifts for the disabled are one of the requirements for making the building operational. They are essentially all kinds of lifts and moving platforms designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to get around in places that are difficult to access. However, in order to carry out maintenance and repair work on escalators and other lifts for the disabled, it is first necessary to have the relevant permits. 

Authorizations to work as a conservator of devices for the disabled 

Moving platform at the stairs

Escalators and lifts for the disabled are part of a wider group of machinery known as Material Handling Equipment. This is a wider group that also includes equipment such as overhead cranes, mobile cranes or telescopic loaders. In Poland, they qualify as equipment under technical supervision. This means that in order to maintain and repair equipment for people with disabilities, it is necessary to complete an appropriate vocational course and obtain a permit issued by the Office of Technical Inspection. 

In addition to lifts and other equipment for the disabled, the handling equipment maintainer training course also provides certification for the maintenance and installation of many other pieces of handling equipment, such as cranes, derricks and mobile platforms. The wide range of entitlements that one gains by completing this one course makes it a popular choice among candidates eager to broaden their professional competence with new qualification benefits. 

Permits obtained during the course for the maintenance of handling equipment are valid for five years. After this period, it is necessary to pass the examination before the UDT board again with a positive result in order to renew the permit. 

Who can sign up for the course of material handling equipment 

Wheelchair lift

The course as a material handling equipment operator requires applicants to have a previous qualification to work with equipment under technical supervision. Anyone wishing to broaden their competence to become a maintenance operator of handling equipment must meet two basic conditions 

  • Completed 18 years of age, 
  • At least primary education. 

In addition, each candidate must have at least one of the following: 

  • a master's qualification in an occupation corresponding to work on technical equipment and 6 months of work in the maintenance or repair of such equipment, 
  • a certificate of secondary vocational education or at least 3 years of study at a relevant higher education institution and 6 months of professional work in the maintenance or repair of technical equipment. 

How long does the training for a conservator of material handling equipment last? 

The training consists of two parts - theoretical and practical - and a final exam. Depending on the trainees' level of experience, it can last from a few days to several hours. For those just renewing their vocational provision, many companies offer express one-day courses followed by an exam on the same day.