Leading access equipment professionals discussing the developments in aerial work platform (AWP) technology that is revolutionising work at heights, improving safety, increasing productivity, and driving growth in a variety of industries around the world.

The AWP industry has seen impressive growth, becoming essential in diverse sectors. These machines revolutionise work practises, ensuring safety and accessibility to elevated areas. AWPs are crucial in Construction, Infrastructure Development, Maintenance, Repair, Warehouse Logistics, Film Production, and Event Management. They enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity. With ongoing technological advancements, AWPs will continue to drive growth, innovation, and success in various sectors globally.

Performance metrics to assess the AWP safety and effectiveness 

With rapidly advancing technology, the manufacturing landscape has witnessed profound transformations. Today, manufacturers embrace new technologies to design innovative products, integrating user-friendly features and simplifying maintenance.

Safety standards, such as ANSI 92.5, are crucial in this domain. Mr. Souma Ray, Director of Haullote India Pvt. Ltd., emphasises the importance of adhering to these parameters. Machines must not override cutoff systems, ensuring safety when overloaded. Both ANSI and C standards, including the American NC standard, align on these parameters. Manufacturers prioritise safety, striving to deliver products that meet global safety standards, ensuring accident-free operations and optimal productivity. Every aspect, from safety features to maintenance facilitation, aims to provide customers with the best value for their machines.

Mr. Sagar Sawlani, Vice President at Rentease India LLP, stresses the importance of safety when working at heights, particularly in the precarious world of access equipment. He acknowledges the substantial improvement made by access equipment manufacturers in replacing scaffolding and enhancing safety. However, he urges that access equipment be equipped with comprehensive safety features, such as load cells, and thoroughly inspected and installed. Manufacturers bear the responsibility and actively collaborate to introduce innovative features that benefit end-users like them.

Mr Nitin Gokhale, Founder and MD at Dynamic Crane Engineers Pvt. Ltd., stresses that more than just safety technology is never enough for equipment maintenance from a rental perspective. He highlights the economic impact often overlooked by rental companies and the paramount importance of human life. Safety features like manual descent and motor-driven auxiliary motors during machine breakdowns ensure the safe lowering of personnel. However, a pervasive lack of understanding persists. Manufacturers must raise awareness about critical aspects such as descent, envelope protection, and entrapment prevention. Demand for ANSI- or CE-compliant machines should increase, prioritising safety.

Enforcing the safety regulations in the construction business

Enforcing safety regulations in the construction industry requires top-down commitment, with major players like Larsen and Toubro, Macro Tech, and others taking the lead and actively promoting adherence to these practices. Mr. Nitin emphasises the need for compiling accident data, as currently, there is a lack of awareness regarding when and why accidents occur, unlike in developed countries.

Dr. Raghunandan Jagdish, PhD, Managing Director & CEO, Nandan GSE Pvt. Ltd., highlights the advanced safety features of AWPs, including guardrails, harness attachment points, and anti-entrapment systems. These features create a secure working environment at height, minimising the risk of falls and accidents. Consequently, worker safety is greatly improved, reducing workplace injuries and associated costs.

Mr. Vijay Singh, Business Head for AWP at Gemini Power Hydraulics Pvt. Ltd., cites the Indian National Congress headquarters, constructed by L&T Larsen and Toubro, as an example. This 2-crore machine presents a unique challenge in supplying equipment like cradles. Cradles are suitable for flat facades but cannot be utilised for the top portion of the building. While progress is being made, much work remains to be done. Seeing that our country’s definition and orientation are moving in the right direction is encouraging.

Technology advancements add value to operational efficiency while e working at heights.

We must acknowledge the significance of operating at heights if we are to discuss building construction explicitly, Mr Vijay adds. It is crucial to have two persons present, with at least one serving as a helper, even in straightforward situations like utilising a ladder at home. Costs associated with labour alone might be considered to realise considerable savings. Furthermore, project completion times can be shortened, resulting in fewer damages and mishaps.

According to him, little equipment is operating brilliantly in buildings of all shapes and sizes, ranging in height from 40 to 50 stories, as our nation continues to develop. Each leg and hand contribute significantly to improving safety and reducing falls. These platforms are excellent at assuring safety compared to ladders or scaffolds, which only offer two contact points. They include all these advantages.

Dr Raghunandan says, “The AWP industry has grown rapidly, becoming essential in diverse sectors. These machines revolutionise work practices, ensuring safety and accessibility to elevated areas. AWPs are crucial in construction, infrastructure development, maintenance, repair, and warehouse logistics. They enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity. With ongoing technological advancements, AWPs will continue to drive growth, innovation, and success in various sectors globally.

According to Mr Souma, our focus has been on incorporating technologies that improve the working experience for operators. We understand the importance of allowing operators to work faster and more efficiently. We have addressed proportional control, ensuring smooth and controlled movements for operators as they approach their workspace.

The remarkable growth and vitality of the aerial work platform industry can be attributed to advancements in safety, increased efficiency, versatility, technological innovations, regulatory compliance, and the demand generated by infrastructure development and urbanisation. As these factors continue to drive industry growth, AWPs are poised to play an even more significant role in diverse sectors in the future.

Spokespersons and Quotes:

Manufacturers prioritise safety, striving to deliver products that meet global safety standards – Mr. Souma Ray, Director, Haullote India Pvt. Ltd.

Demand for ANSI- or CE-compliant machines should increase, prioritising safety – Mr. Nitin Gokhale, Founder & MD, Dynamic Crane Engineers Pvt. Ltd.

AWP advancements enhance safety, reach, control, telematics, power options, and smart integration – Dr Raghunandan Jagdish, PhD, Managing Director & CEO, Nandan GSE Pvt. Ltd.

Height activities demand teamwork and benefit from aerial work platforms – Mr. Vijay Singh, Business Head-AWP, Gemini Power Hydraulics Pvt. Ltd.

Access equipment manufacturers are substantially improving safety standards by replacing old scaffoldings – Mr. Sagar Sawlani, Vice President at Rentease India LLP