Platforms and goods lifts: 2025 technical guide

Introduction

In building and industry, working at height is an activity that calls for specific, safe equipment that complies with current regulations. Fork-mounted work baskets, self-propelled and spider platforms, truck-mounted platforms and goods lifts are essential tools for lifting and carrying materials at height efficiently and safely.

This technical guide, updated for 2025, will give you a clear overview of the technical characteristics, the reference standards and the best solutions to adopt on your sites or industrial plants.

1. Fork-mounted work baskets: versatile solutions for working at height

Fork-mounted work baskets are work platforms attached to the forks of forklift trucks or telehandlers. They allow operators to be raised safely for maintenance, installation or inspection work.

• Types: single or double baskets, with dimensions and capacities ranging from 200 kg up to 500 kg or more.
• Materials: certified high-strength steel, fitted with guardrails and safety gates.
• Standards: compliant with EN 14502-1 (safety requirements for equipment for lifting persons) and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
• Safety: crush-protection devices, anchor points for fall arrest PPE and locking systems on the lifting machine are essential.

2. Self-propelled and spider platforms: mobility and flexibility on any terrain

Self-propelled platforms are autonomous machines with extending or articulated booms, capable of reaching great heights and moving over varied terrain.

• Spider platforms: fitted with adjustable outriggers, they are particularly suitable for sites with rough ground or confined spaces.
• Working heights: from 10 to over 50 metres.
• Power units: diesel, electric or hybrid, with growing attention to emissions and noise.
• Standards: they must comply with EN 280 (mobile elevating work platforms) and the Machinery Directive.
• Safety features: stability sensors, anti-overturning devices, emergency systems and safety switches.

3. Truck-mounted platforms: efficiency in transport and working at height

Truck-mounted platforms are fitted on vehicles (lorries or commercial vehicles) and make it possible to travel to site and work from a raised platform.

• Advantages: they combine road mobility with the ability to work at height, ideal for jobs in urban areas or on scattered sites.
• Capacities and heights: vary by model, with capacities up to 300 kg and working heights up to 30 metres or more.
• Standards: in addition to the EN 280 standards, they must comply with the Italian Highway Code (Codice della Strada) and local road traffic regulations.
• Safety: automatic levelling systems, stability locks, and visual and audible warnings.

4. Goods lifts: handling materials in complete safety

Goods lifts are designed for the vertical transport of heavy materials between floors, with robustness and reliability.

• Types: electric, hydraulic or rope-driven goods lifts, with capacities ranging from a few hundred kg up to several tonnes.
• Applications: construction sites, industrial plants, warehouses and logistics centres.
• Standards: they must comply with EN 81 (safety of lifts and goods lifts) and the Machinery Directive.
• Safety: braking devices, door interlocks, overload sensors and emergency systems.

5. Standards and certifications updated for 2025

Equipment for working at height must comply with European and national standards in order to guarantee operator safety and legal compliance:

6. Tips for choosing and using

• Always check the capacity and dimensions of the platform against your operational needs.
• Check the compatibility of accessories with the machines you have (e.g. baskets for your forks).
• Make sure the equipment complies with the updated standards and carries the CE mark.
• Give preference to systems with advanced safety devices: stability sensors, emergency stops, alarms.
• Schedule regular maintenance and rely on suppliers with certified technical support.
• Train operators properly in operating and safety procedures.

Conclusion

The use of fork-mounted work baskets, self-propelled and spider platforms, truck-mounted platforms and goods lifts is a crucial component of safety and efficiency in building and industry. Choosing up-to-date products that comply with the 2025 standards and are fitted with innovative safety devices is a fundamental investment in safe, productive operations.

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