The importance of personnel training on lifting platforms

Due to the rise of the logistics sector and the revitalization of the construction industry, training personnel to use aerial work platforms is one of the current topics. Aerial work platforms are versatile and useful machines in the daily operations of many sectors, but basic knowledge is required for their proper use.

This type of training is mandatory for any user of an aerial work platform and becomes an essential part for the staff. At Manain, we believe that these trainings provide long-term benefits that help improve worker integrity by preventing, for example, accidents and ensuring greater safety for the operator during their tasks.

According to the 2022 IPAF Global Safety Report, the number of deaths caused by elevating machinery accidents has decreased compared to previous years. It concludes that the most common causes of fatal accidents or injuries are falls, electrocutions, entrapments, and overturns. In 2021, there were 603 reports from 28 countries, involving 628 people, resulting in 109 deaths. This marks a slight decrease in the number of deaths from 2020, when there were 126.

Providing training to workers comes at a cost and requires extra time from employees. However, the return on investment in time and money is guaranteed. This also translates into better machinery knowledge, which provides greater safety to the worker. Regarding knowledge, it leads to better use, preventing potential mistakes and improper use of platforms.

Benefits of internal training and personnel

  • Less supervision: A well-trained employee will be familiar with the work and will need less supervision. Additionally, the worker can perform tasks with greater stability and confidence.
  • Fewer accidents: The more training an employee has, the lower the chances of workplace accidents, and they become more efficient in their tasks. This creates a much safer environment.
  • Greater productivity: Well-trained employees demonstrate both quantity and quality performance. There is less waste of time, money, and resources.

Training adapted to technological and social changes

With the arrival of new technologies and changes, there has been a rise in new systems and innovations that reflect a product more adapted to the current reality and needs. Mechanisms are being adapted to ensure greater efficiency and benefit the user in their tasks, making everything more convenient.

In this regard, we can highlight the incorporation of the anti-entrapment bar or Safe Man System, which prevents the user from getting trapped in risky situations once the bar is activated. Compared to the introduction of the first platforms in the market in the 1980s, the change has been remarkable, bringing new ideas to the lifting machinery sector.

In conclusion, thanks to these types of business initiatives, the benefit achieved is often much greater. Both the company and the worker benefit, as the knowledge tends to be reciprocal, thus both win.

New Haulotte Compact 12AE available for rental and sale!

We’re new! We now have the new Haulotte Compact 12AE available for rent and sale in our fleet. This electric platform offers a revamped version of its previous model, providing you with greater safety and ergonomics during your tasks. With a working height of up to 12 meters, it is particularly suited for indoor work, although it can also be used outdoors. A key feature is the switch from hydraulic motors to electric, which delivers greater efficiency.

 

Features of the Haulotte Compact 12AE

The new design of the chassis is more robust than the units it replaces, with all components fully integrated and protected against damage from impact with obstacles during operation.

For example, the steering cylinder and sensors are located behind the solid cross plate of the front chassis frame, while the rear ladder and battery charging connections are fully integrated into the counterweight, which also serves as a high-resistance bumper. To simplify transport loading, lateral and longitudinal anchors are provided for forklifts.

The new, heavier guardrails fold to facilitate access beneath obstacles. The onboard diagnostic tool Haulotte Activ’Screen is also available through the Haulotte Diag mobile app, which offers advanced diagnostics with detailed troubleshooting procedures.

By adding these factors to the lead-acid battery package, the more robust chassis, the guardrails, and the scissor stack, Haulotte has opted for a line of models that are tough and durable enough to withstand the extreme abuse of the real world. Additionally, we present in this video the most notable features of this platform, so you can learn more about its functionality. Take a look at the video! Remember, we have the new Haulotte Compact 12AE available for rent and sale, contact us for more information.

 

 

 

Top 10 most performed functions of aerial work platforms

There are different uses for aerial work platforms. Although it might not seem obvious, their great versatility makes them indispensable for a wide variety of tasks. In some environments, using them can even be beneficial as it allows workers to act efficiently and follow higher safety standards. Here are the 10 most common functions for performing these tasks. But if we take a closer look, there’s a long list of their uses.

1. In construction and renovation

Aerial work platforms in the field of new construction as well as building repair and maintenance are varied in their uses. They safely, cost-effectively, quickly, and comfortably elevate workers, materials, machinery, and tools. Articulating and telescoping platforms are mainly used due to their versatility for working from the platform itself or accessing the tops of buildings and terraces. Scissor lifts can also be used depending on the work area, such as facades or material loading tasks, as they provide a larger work area and higher load capacity.

2. In public or private outdoor lighting

Another frequent function of aerial platforms is to perform tasks like installing or placing outdoor lighting and repairing electrical and telephone lines. Streetlights, advertising lighting, or artistic lighting on buildings are some examples. Articulating or telescoping arms allow access to the work position. Bucket trucks are also an option for this type of task.

3. Tree pruning at height

Some trees are too tall to be pruned safely, efficiently, and profitably from the ground or with a ladder. From the aerial platform, cutting tools can be operated at height safely for the benefit of the tree and the safety of the public. In some agricultural areas, platforms are also used for fruit harvesting. Articulated platforms or truck-mounted bucket lifts are ideal for performing these tasks due to their movement versatility at height.

4. Window cleaning and repairs

Aerial platforms can greatly increase efficiency in window cleaning. Instead of using scaffolding that requires time and effort to set up or hanging from a harness, workers can be elevated directly to the work point using scissor, articulating, or telescoping lifts.

In both public and private buildings, cleaning gutters is a key task to prevent pest nesting, dirt buildup, and blockages that could obstruct the normal flow of rainwater. Easy access to high gutters for workers and their professional tools is essential for these tasks.

5. In warehouses and logistics centers

Aerial platforms play a fundamental role in logistics warehouses and commercial storage. Electric models offer the dual function of reducing carbon and noise emissions. The compact size and turning angle of platforms provide great mobility in narrow warehouse aisles.

Additionally, another popular option for these types of facilities are low-level or single-person platforms. These provide safety and efficiency compared to ladders or scaffolding. Electric low-level scissors lifts, such as the LGMG 0407 and 0507 models, can also be an option.

6. In building inspections

Tall buildings require strict periodic inspections to detect potential faults that could lead to larger problems in the future.

Thanks to articulated platforms, inspectors can safely and efficiently access roofs, windows, electrical, water, and gas systems, as well as heating systems, without the need for scaffolding or ladders.

7. In painting and restoration

Restoring and painting buildings require aerial platforms to make tasks more accessible without the need to move the platform back and forth. Both articulating, telescoping, and scissor platforms can be used to improve work efficiency and increase productivity, ensuring worker safety.

8. In sports events

Another use for aerial platforms is in the maintenance and improvements of stadiums and sports fields, as well as the installation of TV equipment that covers games and matches. In this case, articulating or telescoping platforms can be used.

9. In the installation of signs and advertisements

Among the tasks of aerial platforms, installing signs, advertisements, and stickers on billboards is a common function. It is recommended to choose an articulating aerial platform, as many times work is done on uneven terrain, and these provide greater stability for safe work.

The same applies to the installation and removal of Christmas decorations, public holiday decorations, or decorations for weddings and other events. They are also used for replacing elements like building sconces, bulbs, or window grills at height. In these situations, bucket trucks can also be an option for installation.

10. Structure assembly

Another key function of aerial platforms is providing machinery for assembling structures. Both in industry and outdoors, from scissor lifts to articulating or telescoping platforms can be used to assemble concert stages and other types of structures.

Other functions of aerial platforms

They can also be used for other work-at-height tasks, such as video production for aerial shots, restoration and cleaning of artworks, including sculptures, outdoor art installations, or artistic facades, to speed up and improve efficiency from an aerial platform.

Aerial platforms are often used for tasks that were once only possible with ladders and scaffolding. Thanks to technology, platforms have been integrated into various sectors offering versatility and safety.

For this and other uses, it is common for companies to buy or rent an aerial platform suitable for the required working height. If you need information for your next operation, feel free to contact us at [email protected].