Project report MPK Poznań
Product:
Three-lane roof working platform for various bus types
Customer:
Municipal transport company (MPK) in Poznań/Poznan
MPK Poznań, the city's municipal transport company, is pursuing a strategy to reduce emissions and is continuously investing in a climate-friendly fleet. MPK has been increasingly focussing on electric buses for several years now.
These modern vehicles place special demands on maintenance and require a specially adapted technical infrastructure. The fleet is supplemented by conventional diesel buses, which continue to be used in some areas.
In order to optimise the maintenance of the buses, the company has extensively rebuilt the depot in Warszawska Street. The KRAUSE team developed and installed a fully automatic working platform that is designed for both the electric and diesel buses.
As part of the ecological orientation of local public transport, many cities in Germany and abroad are increasingly focussing on electric buses. However, the switch from conventional diesel to electric drive requires modern depot systems that efficiently support the maintenance and repair of these new vehicles. The working platform developed for the MPK depot is one of the most innovative solutions in Poland and was specially developed for the maintenance of high-floor vehicles in depot operation.
Challenges in the project
The project at the MPK depot presented the KRAUSE team with various challenges:
Versatility of the working platform: The design had to be able to accommodate different types of buses with different dimensions. The platform also had to be flexible enough to be able to service both electric and diesel buses safely and efficiently.
Efficient use of space: The space available in the depot was limited. Precise measurements and careful planning ensured that the work platform was optimally integrated into the existing building.
Coordination with other project participants: The installation of the working platform had to be coordinated with other construction and installation processes, which meant that the work had to be carried out in several phases and over a period of several weeks.
More efficient maintenance thanks to flexible working platform
The work platform for the Warszawska depot in Poznań is the first fully automatic construction of its kind in Poland to be controlled via a control panel. The KRAUSE solution fulfils the highest requirements in terms of functionality, ergonomics and work safety and at the same time offers the flexibility that MPK Poznań needs for the maintenance of various bus models. Should future model series have different dimensions, operators can easily realise this. The versatility of the platform means that buses of different sizes and drive systems can be serviced efficiently. Vehicle downtimes in the workshop can thus be minimised and buses can be back on the road quickly.
In addition to the increase in efficiency and the associated cost savings, the investment in occupational safety also pays off for the client. Recognised studies show that companies that invest in the prevention of accidents at work have a competitive advantage. They can better protect their employees and thus increase their productivity and efficiency. They also benefit from a better image, which can have a positive impact on customer loyalty and staff recruitment.
Safety and comfort thanks to modern technology
When developing the work platform, the focus was not only on efficiency but also on the safety of the personnel. The most important safety features include:
Lateral contour adjustment with pressure sensors: The electrically operated extensions adjust the working platform precisely to the dimensions of the respective bus. Pressure sensors ensure that the bodywork is not damaged and enable safe working with a zero gap.
Light signals and safety control: The buses may only drive into the hall when the extensions are fully retracted. This is indicated to the drivers by light signals. The extensions are then docked to the bus via the control cabinet on the floor. Only when this safe state has been reached do the safety doors on the stairs open and allow access to the working level.
Integrated crane system: In order to transport heavy components such as batteries efficiently to the roof of the electric buses, the platform is equipped with two special crane runways that make transport much easier. These can be controlled ergonomically from the work platform using pendant controls.
Efficient connections: Compressed air and power connections in the working area make it easier to work on the bus roof and reduce the number of ascents and descents.
Removable safety railings: The work platform is equipped with railings all round, which can be removed from the inner area of the work platform if necessary to allow flexible access and at the same time ensure the safety of maintenance personnel. Railings at the front and rear, which can be flexibly adapted to the length of the bus, also allow the crane to drive through without compromising safety.
Convenient access to the work platform with emergency descent
Access to the platform is via two convenient staircases to the two inner main working platforms. In addition, each platform element has a lowerable emergency access ladder, which can be used to exit the roof working platform quickly and easily in an emergency. The safety concept is customised for each system of this type. In addition to the applicable standards, it is also based on the client's requirements.
Krzysztof Dostatni, Präsident MKP Poznań Sp. z o.o.:
Due to the high functional requirements, our project was a major challenge. For this reason, we decided to work with KRAUSE. The company has many years of experience in the construction of working platforms for the transport industry and is very familiar with the requirements of local public transport. It was a very good decision - the manufacturer has supplied us with a technologically advanced work platform that offers our employees complete safety and comfort during the daily maintenance work on the buses.
Advantages in many areas
The innovative roof working platform at the MPK depot in Poznań provides the company with optimum support for the maintenance of its modern bus fleet. It combines efficiency, flexibility and high safety standards and ensures that both electric and diesel buses can be serviced quickly and safely. The work platform therefore helps to make public transport in Poznań sustainable and future-orientated.
Working platforms for the maintenance of hydrogen buses
With KRAUSE work platforms, work on hydrogen buses is also possible safely and efficiently. Due to the high flammability of hydrogen, strict safety regulations apply here. The work platforms are designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (EX zones), which requires special safety measures. Special motors and antistatic materials are just some of the special features to ensure safety. In addition, special crane systems for this area make transporting the heavy hydrogen tanks and maintenance much easier. This ensures a smooth and safe maintenance process, even with the complex requirements of hydrogen vehicles.
If you have such requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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