How to maintain an aerial work platform?

What checks to run before every use?

Start by reading the model's instructions and the history of reported faults. Do a visual walk round: look for leaks, damage to the structure, worn tyres, loose wheels, worn hoses, a faulty guard rail or access gate. Check the ground, overhead obstacles, power lines, slope and the space needed to manoeuvre. Pre-use checks are carried out at shift start: they do not replace periodic inspections.

From the provided controls, test the movements, the emergency stop, the alarms and the emergency devices as per the manual, in a clear area. Make sure the relevant documents and the inspection report are available. If a safety component does not respond or a defect affects stability, immobilise the machine and report the issue. The detailed procedure also appears in the checklist at /controle-nacelle-avant-utilisation.

• Structure, guard rails, access gate, platform and the anchor points provided.
• Wheels or tracks, outriggers and supports depending on the configuration.
• Leaks, cables, hoses, controls, alarms and emergency stop.
• Ground condition and the presence of obstacles, traffic or overhead lines.

Scissor, articulated or telescopic platform: same maintenance?

The principles stay the same, but the inspection points change. On a scissor platform, pay attention to the scissor arms, guides, guard rails and travel components. On an articulated platform, examine the pins, joints, rams and areas where hoses flex with every movement. On a telescopic platform, check the visible condition of the sliding elements and guide devices as per the manual. Do not remove a safety component to save time.

An electric platform requires monitoring of the charging system and batteries; a combustion-engine one adds the engine, fuel, cooling and exhaust in particular. Some models combine both power sources. Identify the machine precisely before preparing consumables or interventions: a generic sheet never replaces the manufacturer's manual and diagram.

Aerial work platform battery maintenance: what to watch?

Before charging, inspect the charger, its cable and the connectors. Look for unusual heat, a damaged casing, corrosion or a sharply falling range. Charge under the conditions set by the manufacturer, with the proper charger and applicable ventilation rules. Isolate and secure the power supply before any work, and leave electrical work to a competent person.

Not all batteries are the same: instructions for an open lead-acid battery do not apply as they are to a sealed or lithium battery. Topping up water, where required, follows a procedure and schedule specific to the battery and the manual. Do not improvise adding liquid or repairing a swollen, hot or leaking cell. Record any abnormal charge or drop in range to find the cause before the next job.

When to schedule periodic maintenance?

Use the manufacturer's programme as your baseline schedule: it sets the deadlines in hours or time, inspections, any greasing, filters and wear parts. Intervals vary with the model and operating conditions. A machine working outdoors, in dust or on abrasive ground deserves extra care. The table shows tracking points, not universal replacement intervals.

In the workshop, record what was checked, adjusted, repaired or replaced. After a repair affecting a safety component, decide with a competent person whether a recommissioning inspection is needed before resuming work. Act on findings from the last inspection and never treat a valid VGP date as authorisation to use a faulty machine.

Aerial work platform maintenance logbook vs VGP: what is the difference?

The maintenance logbook records the work done on the equipment: date, machine, job, parts, finding and technician. Add the hour meter reading when the machine has one. Keep inspection reports and proof that observations have been resolved separately or alongside the record. This helps the workshop manager see what has been done and what remains open.

The VGP is a statutory inspection to detect dangerous defects; it replaces neither the manufacturer's maintenance nor the pre-use check. For MEWPs, the usual six-month interval is confirmed by the INRS and Prévention BTP. The report may contain issues to resolve. A rental company, a workshop and a user each have actions to organise; responsibility for use does not disappear because the platform is hired.