FAQs

The ideal piece of equipment depends on several factors,such asworking height, reach, surface type, indoor oroutdoor use, availablespace, and intended application. We’d be happy to advise you by phone orin personat your construction site or business to help you find the best equipment for your needs.

The maximum working height is calculated as the platform height plus 2 meters. This allowance is standard in the industry and accounts for the average reach height of a person standing on the platform.

Yes, our rental fleet also includes specialized equipment for specific applications. This includes particularly compact units for tight indoor spaces, zero-emission units for cleanrooms, models with a long lateral reach for oversized applications, and units designed for challenging construction site conditions. We also offer bridge inspection equipment and two-way vehicles. Contact us—we’ll find the right solution for your project.

Yes, you can rent aerial work platforms and other equipment from us even on very short notice—often on the same or the next business day. Thanks to our large rental fleet and in-house logistics, we can respond flexibly to last-minute project assignments, emergencies, or weather-related changes.

We deliver our equipment throughout Germany—quickly, safely, and reliably. Depending on the type of equipment, we use specialized transport vehicles or flatbed trucks for delivery, and can provide on-site training upon request. This ensures that your new work platform is ready for immediate use.

Returning rental equipment is straightforward: You can either bring it back yourself, or we’ll pick it up at the agreed-upon time using our own vehicles. Before you return it, we’ll inspect its condition together—transparently and fairly. We’ll discuss the return process with you when you place your order.

The manufacturer specifies the operating conditions for its machine. Aerial work platforms approved for outdoor use may generally only be operated at wind speeds of up to 12.5 m/s (45 km/h). Higher wind speeds are not considered proper use. The operator is responsible for checking the maximum permissible wind speed on the nameplate or in the operator’s manual. Wind speed should be measured directly on the platform at working height using an anemometer, which is available as safety equipment.

An anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed. It is primarily used with aerial work platforms when the platform is located outdoors or at great heights. Strong gusts of wind can compromise the platform’s stability and pose a danger to operators and the surrounding area. An anemometer provides a reliable way to determine whether the permissible wind speed has been exceeded.

Lifting platforms are vertically movable platforms designed to lift people. This category includes, for example, our scissor lifts, which lift people—along with their tools—to a higher level. See also the definitions in DIN EN 280:

3.1 Mobile aerial work platform (FHAB)
A mobile machine designed to transport persons to workstations where they perform work from the work platform, provided that persons enter and exit the work platform only at access points near the ground or from the chassis, and which consists of at least a work platform with control devices, a lifting mechanism, and a base frame.

3.2 Work platform
a platform or basket with guardrails that can be raised to the required working position while carrying a load and from which assembly, repair, inspection, or similar work can be performed.

The lifting platforms in the aerial work platform industry should not be confused with the lifting platforms found in auto repair shops, which are used to lift cars for inspection or repair.

The term “Steiger” is often used colloquially as a synonym for aerial work platforms, but it is a registered trademark of Ruthmann GmbH & Co. KG, based in Gescher-Hochmoor, North Rhine-Westphalia. For over 60 years, the brand has been synonymous with the manufacturer’s truck-mounted aerial work platforms and is one of the best-known product names in the aerial work platform industry.

There is no official driver’s license for aerial work platforms in the sense of a government-issued document, as there is for cars or trucks. Nevertheless, proof of qualified training is required by law. The basis for this is the Industrial Safety Regulation:

(1) This regulation applies to the use of work equipment. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure the safety and health protection of employees when using work equipment. This is to be achieved, in particular, by 

1. the selection of appropriate work equipment and its safe use, 

2. the design of work and manufacturing processes suitable for the intended use, as well as 

3. the training and instruction of employees.

DGUV Guideline 308-008 serves as the standard for the duration and content of the training. The employee receives a certificate of completion.

Yes, our certified training center regularly offers training courses and safety briefings in accordance with IPAF and DGUV standards for all common types of aerial work platforms. Participants who successfully complete the training receive an official certificate of qualification. We also offer training for all other types of equipment, such as forklifts, telescopic handlers, indoor cranes, and mobile cranes, as well as other work equipment. Our training sessions take place at our facility, directly at your company, or on the construction site. Please contact us—we’d be happy to advise you on selecting the right training program.

The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) Guideline BGG 966 corresponds to the former numbering of the current DGUV Guideline DGUV 308-008. This guideline serves as a state-of-the-art procedural standard for the training and authorization of operators of aerial work platforms. The DGUV revised the classification system and numbering of the regulations on May 1, 2014, to avoid overlaps that would have resulted from the merger of the two umbrella organizations representing employers’ liability insurance associations and public accident insurance carriers.

The training and certification of aerial work platform operators is governed by DGUV Guideline 308-008 (formerly BGG 966). According to this guideline, proof of sufficient knowledge and skills to operate an aerial work platform independently must be demonstrated through a theoretical and practical examination. Our IPAF training complies with DGUV Guideline 308-008 and meets all requirements for the safe and compliant use of aerial work platforms.

IPAF stands for the International Powered Access Federation, a global association specializing in the safe and efficient use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). IPAF’s goal is to improve safety and standards in the operation of aerial work platforms. IPAF training courses are recognized throughout Germany and in many countries around the world, and are also recommended by leading platform manufacturers. We are a certified IPAF training center and offer IPAF training courses.

IPAF training courses are divided into different categories depending on the type of aerial work platform to be operated. Each category is identified by a code, which will also appear on the PAL Card (operator certification) later on.

(3a) Scissor lifts and telescopic boom lifts (operated from above)
(3b) Self-propelled articulating and telescopic boom lifts
(1a) Vertical passenger lifts (not operated from above)
(1b) Truck-mounted, trailer-mounted, and spider lifts

The PAL Card (Powered Access License) serves as proof of successful completion of IPAF training in the safe operation of aerial work platforms and is often referred to as the “license to operate aerial work platforms.” It lists the equipment category or categories for which the operator has been trained, along with the cardholder’s photo and signature. The PAL Card is valid for five years. Before this period expires, the validity can be extended by completing a refresher course.

With e-learning, you have the option to complete part of the IPAF operator training online—at your convenience, at your own pace, and on your device. After completing the e-learning portion, you’ll simply need to come to our facility to take the final theory exam and complete the practical portion.

The training and certification of operators of all-terrain telescopic forklifts are governed by DGUV Guideline 308-009. The German Social Accident Insurance Association (DGUV) republished this guideline in February 2016.

The telescopic forklift training course certifies operators, in accordance with DGUV Guideline 308-009, to operate all-terrain telescopic forklifts with variable reach safely, economically, and in a manner appropriate to their intended use. The training consists of a theoretical and a practical component and typically lasts two days. A one-day training course is available for experienced operators. Depending on needs, the training is structured in three progressive levels:

Level 1: Theory and practice for rigid forklifts equipped with pallet forks, a shovel, and a load hook.

Level 2a: Telescopic forklift with a rotating upper structure and a cable winch (crane function).

Level 2b: Telescopic forklift with a rotating upper carriage and work basket (platform function).