From the current situation to a feasible design
It always starts with an analysis. This involves examining production layouts, machine arrangements, maintenance intervals and walking routes. Discussions are also frequently held with those responsible for production, maintenance and occupational safety. Only then can it be determined whether a stationary crossover is sufficient, a mobile solution makes more sense, or a ride-on structure is required.
A modular design is typical of KRAUSE: standardised basic components form the technical foundation, whilst project-specific adaptations ensure a precise fit. This allows platform sizes, step widths, handrail guides and decking to be precisely tailored to the specific application without having to completely reinvent each project. At the same time, regulatory requirements, ergonomic considerations and operational safety concepts are incorporated into the planning from the outset.
Mobile work platforms in flow production
At EMS PreCab, a manufacturer of prefabricated cabins and wet rooms for cruise ships, there was a need to create a safe workspace that could be adapted to a moving assembly line ("flowline"). KRAUSE developed a mobile work platform for this purpose, with a chassis specifically designed for stability and controlled movement: braked castors run on the conveyor belt, whilst mobile castors maintain contact with the hall floor. In addition, an optional height adjustment via a hand crank was implemented to adapt the working height to different body heights and tasks. Also important for day-to-day work were flexible access to the work surface – including via a clip-on ladder – a self-closing, fall-protection swing door, and safety features such as a toe guard and impact protection to reliably safeguard both staff and the cabins being produced.
Stationary working platforms as part of the plant layout
Another project was carried out at the KAMAX plant in Homberg (Ohm). Maintenance and repair work is regularly carried out on the ceilings of several industrial furnaces there. As the tops of these units are heavily obstructed by supply and exhaust pipes, cable ducts and other fixtures, it is not possible to install standardised safe walking surfaces there. KRAUSE therefore designed three precisely tailored, stationary work platforms for two annealing furnaces and one hardening furnace. This was based on a detailed on-site survey, including measurements and coordination of the required work areas. The resulting walkways and work surfaces were constructed as grating platforms with high slip resistance and supplemented with guardrail solutions featuring knee and toe rails. Depending on the area, these are either permanently installed or designed to be plug-in. At the access points, swing doors ensure safe access; entry is via a mountable step ladder. This transforms furnace access into a clearly defined, permanently safe work process without makeshift aids or unnecessary movements.
At KRAUSE, development means understanding applications
These projects illustrate our internal working methods. The starting point is never the individual component, but always the workflow. Design engineers and application engineers work together to consider how people move within a system, where hazards arise, and how maintenance work can be organised as efficiently as possible.
This results in solutions that not only work technically but also measurably improve operational efficiency. Whether it’s a moving platform, a bespoke crossover or a complex custom design – every system is planned to remain low-maintenance in the long term, integrate seamlessly into existing structures and allow for future modifications.
Another advantage lies in our in-house manufacturing capabilities: custom dimensions, special handrail guides or alternative step and platform surfacing can be implemented directly. This shortens coordination processes and ensures that the design closely matches the final result.
Safety as a fundamental design principle
Workplace safety is not an afterthought, but an integral part of the design process from the very start. Handrail heights, tread surfaces, angles of inclination and transfer points are taken into account from the outset. The aim is to integrate safe access routes so seamlessly into everyday working life that they are perceived not as an afterthought, but as a natural part of the facility.
The added value of this approach is particularly evident in fast-paced industrial environments. When maintenance, inspection and material flow work together seamlessly, not only does safety increase, but so does efficiency.
At KRAUSE, engineering means working closely with the customer to develop technology based on real-world requirements. Process-oriented solutions are created through the interplay of analysis, design and manufacturing. Examples from production and logistics demonstrate that what matters is not the complexity of a design, but how well it supports day-to-day operations. This is precisely the core of KRAUSE’s development work.
Further information on bespoke solutions and project implementation can be found at https://www.krause-systems.co.uk/customised-solutions.html