Mobile platforms - types and their application

A mobile platform is a lifting device that is most often used for assembly and construction works carried out at heights. Their main task is to lift people and materials for a specific workplace. The platform mechanism enables both vertical and horizontal movement, which is an additional advantage. The average mobile lift consists of two elements:

• boom + work platform or basket

In the construction industry, the mobile platform is characterized by ever decreasing popularity. Why? It is an excellent alternative to fixed scaffolding, which significantly restricts movement. The movable platform allows freedom of movement, which is associated with maintaining the smoothness of work and saving a lot of time.

Security

Operating the mobile platform requires appropriate qualifications, which is confirmed by a positive result of the state examination. This is not the only security requirement. The mobile platform must be in good technical condition. It is strictly followed and controlled by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT).

In accordance with the adopted regulation, devices used in work at heights, incl. mobile, mast and suspended platforms must undergo annual periodic tests under the supervision of UDT. Maintenance inspections are also required every 30 days. The performance of all the above-mentioned activities is supervised by a person with strictly defined rights.

What can be called a mobile platform?

On the official website of the Office of Technical Inspection, you can find the division of mobile platforms into several subgroups. They are:

• mobile mobile platforms - the most popular,
• mast climbing work platforms,
• hanging mobile platforms,
• stationary mobile platforms.

The most popular are mobile access platforms. They work well when there is a need to move people and loads to workplaces. Moreover, thanks to the work platform, a comfortable and SAFE assembly or construction work can be performed. Their design is based on a working platform (also known as a gondola or basket) with controls, boom and undercarriage. They also have an internal division into:

• self-propelled - approved for road traffic when attached to a car chassis.
• low-speed - electrically or diesel powered, with two- or four-wheel drive.
• transportable - when attached to the chassis, the trailers are approved for road use as special trailers.

There is one more division of the booms - this time due to the type of boom:

• telescopic (telescopic),
• articulated (the boom has a broken joint),
• scissors (composed of two levers that allow you to work vertically),
• articulated - telescopic.

How to get UDT qualifications for mobile platforms?

The process of obtaining the required qualifications consists of two stages: mobile platform service course and the UDT exam. As in many cases, the state examination is divided into theoretical and practical parts. After obtaining a positive result, a person participating in the classes is issued with an authorization for mobile platforms in the form of a qualification certificate. It should be remembered that these qualifications are valid in a timely manner depending on the type of platform for which the qualifications have been obtained:

• stationary mobile platforms (valid for 10 years);
• for hanging and stationary mobile platforms (also with a term of 10 years);
• for mast and stationary mobile platforms (valid for 10 years);
• for movable mobile platforms (with the validity period of 5 years);
• for platforms on railway vehicles (term - 10 years).

When is it worth using a mobile platform?

When the topic of the increases has already been explored, it's time for a practical question - in what situations is it worth reaching for them? Mobile platforms are a frequently used work tool by companies that specialize in working at heights. For example, aerial platforms (boom lifts) will prove useful in works such as: tree pruning, washing windows and glass surfaces in office buildings, construction, renovation and assembly works, as well as in large halls, industrial warehouses. The increases are important and widely used equipment in the industrial, service and construction sectors.

Aerial platforms, the so-called rises are mandatory equipment for the fire brigade. Thanks to elements such as a platform or a basket attached to the end of the hydraulic arm, firefighters can fulfill their tasks. And it is often associated with saving health and life.