Summary
In the energy supply industry, every action counts – and every minute. Maintenance, troubleshooting, and new connections often take place under time pressure and under high voltage. Work platforms provide the necessary access at height – safe, precise, and tailored to the specific requirements of the power grid and transformer stations.
But which stage is right for you? What should you consider? And what mistakes should you avoid?
Areas of application: Where work platforms are needed in the energy supply sector
Typical application scenarios for work platforms in municipal and industrial network operations:
- Maintenance and inspection of transformer stations and substations
- Work on overhead lines and pylons
- Extension or conversion of medium-voltage systems
- Maintenance of technical building infrastructure (e.g. PV, lighting, air conditioning)
- Green maintenance and pruning along overhead power lines
Confined access in urban areas , unpaved surfaces, continuous operation, and high voltages. Selecting the right machine is therefore safety-critical.
Focus on safety: What must be considered when using energy
Work on the power grid is subject to the requirements of DGUV Rule 103-011 and the safety distances according to VDE 0105-100. This means in concrete terms:
- Strictly maintain safety distances to live parts: e.g., 1 m for ≤ 1 kV, 3 m for 10–30 kV, up to 5 m for high voltage
- Use only insulating cage designs , e.g. GRP for overhead lines
- Machines with precise control, fine dosing and emergency stop function
- Check the soil condition and support precisely: gravel, crushed stone, installations
- Registration and approval via the network operator are mandatory
Important: Anyone who works without instruction , unsuitable equipment or without agreement not only endangers themselves but also the network security.
Which stages are suitable for energy use – and why
Articulated telescopic platforms (electric or hybrid)
For precise work in substations, between switchgear bays, or in confined spaces. High mobility combined with a long reach.
Telescopic boom lifts (diesel or hybrid)
Ideal for mast work or large-scale access along power lines. Robust, long-reaching, stable.
Scissor and crawler lifts
The best choice for soft soils, gravel surfaces, or slopes. Low ground pressure, compact design, and all-terrain capability. For difficult terrain.
Scissor lift in use for maintenance of technical equipment in the turbine house of a hydroelectric power plant – safe, emission-free and precise in a confined space.
Truck-mounted work platforms
For rapid deployments, streetlights, camera masts, and building connections. Road legal, available at short notice. Optionally with a non-conductive basket.
Pay attention to:
- Insulating components (GRP basket)
- Control circuit galvanically isolated
- Low emission (for indoor installations or residential areas)
Typical requirements of municipal and industrial network operators
- UVV inspection, maintenance status, device inspection must be proven
- Exact appointment windows through shutdown or blocking times
- Professional delivery and on-site instruction
- No traces of oil or hydraulics on the site
- Documentation of machine cleaning before use
Energy suppliers do not expect experiments – but clean, compliant solutions.
Common mistakes – and how to avoid them
- Access underestimated: narrow, sloped, no space for trucks – check beforehand
- Wrong platform chosen: Too heavy, too big, not emission-free
- Safety distance not maintained: Ignorance can be fatal
- Improper support: soil damaged or load-bearing capacity insufficient
- Plant operator not involved: Consequence: Construction stop or refusal
Why rental solutions for energy use are often the better choice
Energy deployments are rarely predictable, often time-critical, and always safety-critical. Renting equipment offers clear advantages:
- Always the right platform – technical, legal, operational
- Documented safety and cleanliness
- Short-term availability without long-term commitment
- Technical feedback from landlord if required
- On-site instruction included on request
Especially when using existing systems, in densely built-up areas or on sensitive grid areas, it is worthwhile to use a specialized rental partner with experience in the energy sector.
Conclusion: Anyone working in the power grid needs technology that thinks for itself
No stage is better than its planning. And no operation in the power sector is safe without consistent implementation of the regulations. Anyone working for energy suppliers or municipal utilities should understand the importance of their work – and perform it with the right equipment. Because in the end, what matters most is functionality, safety, and responsibility.
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The subject content on biberger.de are editorially created, reviewed, and continuously updated. The basis is our daily work with aerial platforms, telehandlers, and industrial trucks – in rental, sales, operational planning, and technical support.
Each article draws on real-world experience and is editorially reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and practical relevance according to expert criteria. Technical statements are regularly compared against current industry standards and best practices.
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