Leveling equipment

Two types of equipment are used to level loads to facilitate working and handling conditions.

Devices used at workstations and which lift loads are represented by :

• lift tables serving workstations or production lines;

• tail elevators attached to the rear of vehicles to facilitate loading and unloading.

Devices designed to compensate for levels between means of transport (railcar, truck) and loading and unloading docks are represented by :

• adjustable dock ramps ;

• connecting bridges.

The essential difference between these categories is that the first is subject to lifting equipment regulations, while the second is not, as it is only a place where manual or self-propelled forklift trucks pass through to handle loads.

But in any case, the construction of this equipment, whose main purpose is to facilitate working conditions involving small loads, is subject to the general rules of the "Machinery" directive no. 89/392 modified by directive no. 91/368, transposed into French regulations by decrees no. ^os 92/765, 92/766 and 92/767.

Their use is governed by Directive 89/655, amended by Directive 95/63, and transposed into French law by Decrees ^os 93/40, 93/41 and 98-1084.