Suspended platforms

Manually or electrically powered platforms with mechanical winches replace trays suspended by ropes and pulley blocks, which are now banned from use. The advantages of these structures are that they can be adapted to any construction height, work can be carried out at any point on a wall, and lightweight equipment can be handled. On the other hand, the installation of a platform requires anchoring points at the top of the building, high resistance, or the use of suspension devices such as beams, metal goats or stools. There are also lifting platforms on masts resting on the ground; the major problem in this case is the strength of the supporting floor.

Before selecting and installing a lifting platform, a feasibility study and risk assessment must be carried out.

The assembly of these platforms must be carried out (by teams of qualified workers with appropriate training) in a series of stages, culminating in an end-of-stroke and start-of-stroke test, verification of the level controller and inclination limiter, and of the fall arrest and emergency descent devices.

Regulations are based not only on the French Labor Code, but also on construction and application standards. Among the rules to be complied with, steel wire ropes are subject to strict instructions on use, diameter and length, and must be inspected periodically to check their degree of wear.

Aerial work platforms and aerial work platforms are considered to be lifting devices for working at height. In the absence of a permanent installation, this equipment offers a temporary solution for work at height (maintenance, repair, cleaning, servicing, etc.); it must be designed to accommodate one or more people. It is fitted with collective protection against falls from height.

There are several types: mobile (self-propelled aerial work platforms), mobile in transport mode only (carrier-mounted aerial work platforms), temporary for worksites (mast-mounted platforms, suspended platforms, etc.) or permanent (facade-cleaning aerial work platforms). Some also allow the addition of a builder's own access platform.

These lifting devices must be operated by trained and authorized personnel, in compliance with the rules of use.