For operator safety when using tail lifts
Modern tail lift safety systems ensure maximum protection for the driver and optimum operational efficiency during every use.
The foundation: knowledge for expert operation
For the driver’s safety, the expert operation of the tail lift by the driver is of central importance. Professional driver training provided by fleet management is a prerequisite for this. Vehicle components such as the tail lift are often overlooked in this context. That is why BÄR offers its support: since 2021, every Bär Cargolift has featured a QR code within the lift’s field of view. This QR code links to the online operating instructions HowToCargoLift ». It shows exactly how this specific Bär Cargolift is operated – including the equipment the lift had when delivered by BÄR. The instructions can, of course, also be used by drivers afterwards. It is available in eleven languages.
A concise encyclopaedia entry with general information on the use of tail lifts can be found here ».
Operational safety through the selection of suitable control elements
Various control elements are available for every Bär Cargolift. Selecting the right control components ensures error-free workflows. They assist in the correct operation of the lift in various ways: To protect against crushing and shearing hazards, main control elements such as the Bär Control EVO control box can only be operated with two hands.
Foot controls are always operated with both feet and clearly define the operator’s position.
When using cable or radio remote controls, footprints on the platform mark the operator’s position, the so-called “assigned operating position”. Radio remote controls use different radio ranges to ensure that the operator is close to the lift in critical situations. Or to automatically deactivate operation if the distance to the Cargolift is too big. Further information on the Bär SmartControl radio control system » can be found on this website.
Quick access: Go straight to the control you’re looking for
The operation of a tail lift must be fast, safe and reliable – in all weather conditions, under time pressure and even after a long working day. Bär Cargolift has therefore developed control elements that are precisely tailored to the demands of everyday professional transport: robustly built and intuitive to use.
Click on the image of the control element you require to view further information directly:
Operating convenience through partial automation and integration of additional vehicle components
Operational safety and ease of use go hand in hand. That is why BÄR offers partial automation in der Nutzung seiner Cargolifts. Retractable RetFalt Cargolifts come with SmartSlide as standard: when the ‘Retract’ function is selected, the lift automatically corrects its position before retraction begins. This prevents collisions.
In case of the New VanLift, the “Close” command triggers the QuickClose function: the VanLift not only closes but first moves to the correct height. Watch the video on YouTube »
Optional equipment includes, for example, the complete EasyFold control system for under-run, hydraulically folding HydFalt Cargolifts: With the EasyFold function, the HydFalt lift automatically moves from the driving position to the working position (or from the working position to the driving position), including double platform folding.
It is also possible to link other vehicle components to the lift, for example a roller door opening automatically depending on the platform position. Or you can make other components, such as hydraulic jack legs, controllable via Bär control elements – such as the Bär SmartControl Plus radio remote control. Your contact at BÄR » will be happy to assist you.
Information on operating functions can be found in a separate article in the Tail Lift Lexicon ».
Safe working on the platform – slip resistance
BBÄR offers in-house manufactured aluminum platforms with various surface coatings ». These also vary in slip resistance class: the cross-milling on the platform walk surface, known as TracGrip, ensures sure-footedness even in wet and difficult weather conditions in class R11. It is standard equipment on Bär Cargolifts. The noise-reducing, blue SilentGrip is available in the same class. TracGrip Plus is required for safety class R13.
Fall protection for the driver
We have already discussed the protection of the operator via the control elements. Information on the goods being transported and their safe loading and unloading via the Cargolift follow in their own article.
To make the edge of the platform more visible to the operator, BÄR uses the flashing platform edge NightGuide ». It makes the outer edges of the platform clearly visible – even at night and in the rain.
As an additional safety measure for Standard Cargolifts – thus tail lifts with a platform positioned behind the vehicle body – BÄR also offers railings, although these often impede the workflow and consequently reduce work efficiency. Your contact at BÄR » will be happy to advise.
The liftgate’s feedback signal before departure
If the driver wishes to continue driving, the cab feedback – also known as cabin control switch (FHE) – assists: if the switch in the cab remains lit after being switched off, the tail lift is not in the driving position. The driver needs to correct this. The safe driving position is also important to avoid follow-up costs, such as those caused by bearing wear, if an inadequately secured lift swings too much whilst driving.
You can find more information on this in the practical tips on lift use » and in the blog post on maximum uptime ».
Practical aids for everyday use
Small aids such as a handrail on the bodywork and steps on the underrun bar assist the driver in everyday lift operation. These are also items of equipment that you can order from BÄR. On the pavement, side loading ramps help the driver to move the goods from the pavement onto the platform (or from the platform onto the walkway). This requires special preparation of the platform so that the loading rail can be securely hooked into the platform edge. BÄR refers to this fitting as the “Platform edging for side loading ramp”.
The arrow on the right takes you back to the top, whilst clicking on the image or the heading above takes you to the relevant topic.
Conclusion: Investing in driver safety pays off!
Driver qualifications, as well as tail lift equipment suited to the loading process, are key to efficient logistics. This encyclopaedia article focused on safety equipment for the driver. Find out more about the impact of the tail-lift’s operating location or the effect of your cargo on the liftgate, for a loading and unloading that is as safely as possible for the driver, the cargo and the surrounding area. Find out more about safety when using taillifts.
The other lexicon articles on lift equipment cover the following topics:
