The elevating work platform depicted above is deployed directly at a docking site in a Baltic Sea port. This particular location presents several challenges: The salty sea air can quickly cause rust on the metal surfaces without specific protective measures. Therefore, ensuring corrosion protection is of utmost importance.
Use of the elevating work platform in port operations
As soon as a container ship, cruise ship, or ferry docks at the port, various tasks must be completed so that the journey can continue. In addition to unloading cargo or disembarking passengers, several background tasks also need to be addressed. For example, the use of shore power is now mandatory in many ports. Additionally, the fuel supplies must be replenished.
Given the current dimensions of the ships, the supply lines are correspondingly large. To facilitate the work of the port staff, our client relies on the use of elevating work platforms: The workers can pick up the lines at the lower station and drive to the corresponding connection point on the ship without the need for scaffolding or a ladder.
Corrosion protection measures
Protecting the metallic surfaces of our elevating work platform from the salty sea air is a top priority. Wherever possible, a hot-dip galvanized surface protection was chosen. This provides effective protection against rust even in the aggressive marine environment. For components that could not be hot-dipped galvanized, such as hydraulic cylinders and free-wheeling rollers, high-quality stainless steel was used as the material.
In addition to mechanical protection, the safety of the electrical components is also essential. Circuit boards and electrical contacts are particularly susceptible to corrosion and could fail without adequate protection. Therefore, we have ensured that all electrical components meet a sufficiently high protection class.
Safety for port workers
Although corrosion protection plays a crucial role, the safety of port workers always takes precedence for us. In our mechanical design, we incorporate safety factors that exceed standard requirements. Additionally, the lifting cylinders are equipped with electric check valves, which ensure that the work basket is securely held at height even in the event of a hose rupture. For those interested in learning more about the safety aspects of different valve types, we recommend our article 'Safety through hydraulic valves'.
Furthermore, the work platforms have an uninterruptible power supply: in case of a power failure, a buffer battery allows reaching the lower station. Even if the operator becomes unconscious, a second employee can initiate an emergency descent from the lower station. The emergency release allows the scissor lift platform to be lowered quickly to assist the unconscious person as soon as possible.
