goods liftsI'm sure everyone has had to deal with a ladder more than once. For example, when you can't reach a light bulb and you want to change it or paint the walls and ceiling. It is true that a ladder for domestic use is only a few metres high, but a goods hoist is very similar to a ladder, except that it is much larger. There are different types of lifts that are used in many areas, for example on steep roofs and even on ships. In order to use them, it is necessary to acquire an UDT licence.

Lift, ladder or skip?

A goods hoist is a crane platform. By its design it resembles a ladder, which is why it is colloquially called this device. You may also hear the name "skip" - this is also the term used for the lift. The principle of operation is based on sliding the load platform along the mast. This is done by means of guides and ties, which can be either cable or chain. One end of the hoist is placed on the ceiling of the building or on the roof, and the other end adheres to the ground. The unit is inclined at an angle, so it is important to fix the whole structure properly. The goods hoist is used to move various materials, such as construction materials, from the bottom to the top. Thanks to the safety measures and stability of the unit, things can be moved efficiently without having to be carried .

Cranes on ships

Freight cranesBoat lifts are also used for launching ships. For the smaller ones, it is necessary to use a slip, and for larger vessels, a slipway. There are different types of ship lifts. One of these is the single-slope boat lift. This type is characterised by a simple layout, so that little intervention is needed to handle the vessel. However, it is not possible to launch a large number of vessels because the slip placed has little throughput and is high up. It is usually used in small harbours where up to three berths can be handled simultaneously. The double-slip has a similar throughput, but can be positioned lower. The pitches are arranged horizontally, unlike the single-pitch lift, but that is the only difference. There are also curved lifts, where ships are launched using separate rails for the front and rear wheels. The stations can be arranged both horizontally and vertically, and the surface on which operations are performed has two parts - horizontal and arched or sloped. There are also trolleys placed perpendicular to the shore, on which the rails are fixed - so the vessel will be pulled out.

Entitlements

The Office of Technical Inspection carries out inspections of goods lifts. These include inspection, operation and post-accident tests. Technical supervision is carried out on all equipment. Also, the Technical Supervision Office issues a certificate of the qualifications necessary to use a goods lift. In order to obtain these, it is necessary to attend a training course. A person wishing to take it must be at least 18 years of age, have no health contraindications to the use of the ski lift and have at least an elementary education. The entitlement one acquires after undergoing the course and passing the examination is valid for ten years. The training should include theoretical and practical elements.

If you need to purchase freight lift allowances - no matter where they are operated and maintained - sign up for training at the OSO Operator Training Centre! We hold classes at our branches in Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice and Bielsko-Biała. We are also able to travel to your workplace if required. You can contact us by phone, using the contact form or visit our branch in person.