Maintenance of loading platforms, including for passenger transport

Loading platforms Loading platforms, commonly referred to as loading platforms, are materials handling equipment used for the transport of cargo and people. These platforms are usually used on delivery trucks, in warehouses or logistics centres.

Maintenance

The person referred to as a loading platform maintainer must have the relevant qualification issued by the Office of Technical Inspection. It is possible to obtain a certificate of qualification after passing a course and an examination conducted by the UDT. In order for loading platforms to operate correctly, they must be subjected to regular inspections and maintenance work thanks to which irregularities can be detected, often causing danger to users. Regular inspections of the performance of lifts and loading platforms can avoid considerable costs resulting from faults not detected in time, and ensure safety and comfort of use. The main document regulating the frequency of inspections and maintenance of lifts and loading platforms is the Regulation of the Minister of Economy, Labour and Social Policy of 29 October 2003 on technical conditions and technical supervision in the operation of certain materials handling equipment. This document indicates that the person responsible for the efficiency of lifts and platforms is the maintenance person. The document also includes deadlines for carrying out the activities in question. Based on the regulations, each lift and loading platform must undergo a technical inspection at least once a month. This allows basic maintenance such as lubrication or adjustment of components to be carried out. A general overhaul of the lift should be carried out once every six months. Each of these activities should be documented in an appropriate manner. Once a year, lifts and loading platforms are subjected to an inspection by the Technical Inspection Authority. During these examinations, an UDT-certified specialist thoroughly inspects all components. If the equipment passes the inspection, it is marked with a sticker, and if any irregularities are detected, the specialist indicates the need to carry out the relevant activities and a deadline by which all irregularities must be rectified.

Loading lift

Each loading lift has a hydraulic drive mounted on the truck. Based on their technological complexity and performance, any truck-mounted lift with a lifting capacity greater than 250 kg is subject to technical supervision. However, a simplified form of supervision has been established for mobile loading platforms with a load capacity of less than 250 kg. In this case, registration with the UDT and testing are not required. An exception to this rule is the case of passenger lifts. Common failures of loading lifts include oil leakage from the hydraulic system, damage to the controls or failure of the electrical system. Each of these faults can be avoided by regular servicing and maintenance of the loading equipment.