Lift equipment to protect the driver, the surrounding area and the goods being transported
Safety features on taillifts are crucial for professional transport. When loading heavy goods, working in narrow city centres or unloading in busy areas, a variety of risks arise for drivers, the surrounding area and cargo. Modern Cargolift safety systems therefore cover three key safety areas:
Safe loading and unloading of cargo »
The link on the image or headline takes you directly to this section. Alternatively, you can scroll down to find out more about site-specific safety at the work site.
Safety with regard to the loading situation
The site of operation plays a decisive role in determining the safety requirements for tail-lift operation. Whether in a busy city centre, when operating at loading bays or in cold weather conditions – every loading situation presents specific challenges. Modern Cargolift systems take these different operational scenarios into account through tailored safety solutions.
The site-specific safety equipment covers three key areas:
These well-designed safety solutions ensure reliable Cargolift operation adapted to local conditions. Click on the image or heading to go to the topic. Alternatively, simply scroll down.
Loading and unloading in public spaces
Public roads present drivers and dispatchers with particular challenges: whilst loading bays on company premises generally offer optimal conditions, loading and unloading operations in residential areas, pedestrian zones or on busy roads must be carried out under difficult conditions. Parked vehicles, passing pedestrians, uneven ground and restricted visibility require increased attention and precise safety precautions.
Tail lifts enable flexible logistics processes even where no fixed loading infrastructure is available. Yet it is precisely this flexibility that brings with it a special responsibility: protecting bystanders, securing the work area and taking local conditions into account are essential components of safe loading operations outside protected premises.
Monitoring the work area
When operating a tail lift, the operator must always keep the platform’s movement area in view and react appropriately in the event of danger.
The operator must take care of themselves as well as of passers-by and surrounding traffic. Sufficient space for the open platform and the operator’s position during operation are of central importance. Only with a clear view of the platform’s range of movement can accidents be prevented.
At BÄR, tail lifts can be fitted with the VisionAssist assistance system: linked to two AI-powered reversing cameras, VisionAssist automatically stops the lift’s movement as soon as the camera detects a person in the danger zone. Find out more »
Safety when the platform is open
When rapid unloading is in full swing, various platform features signal the platform’s position to the surrounding area.
One option is safety lights that flash automatically when the platform has reached a defined opening angle.
The robust CargoFlash LED flashing light is fitted as standard on all Bär Cargolifts. It offers high light output and excellent lateral illumination whilst consuming very little power.
As a flashing light in the tip of the platform, TipFlash allows for a level platform. BÄR recommends combining this option with NightGuide to provide a side-facing flashing signal as well.
NightGuide offers maximum lateral visibility for both the operator and the surrounding area: on standard lifts, the LED strips are integrated into the top and bottom of the platform’s edge profile. Find out more »
As an established solution, warning flags – also known as warning markings – indicate the position of the open platform. Various warning flags are available from BÄR, although you must comply with the requirements of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVZO). You can find the full range in the digital spare parts catalogue ».
Serial equipment for Bär Cargolifts, as required by the German StVZO: red and white reflective warning markings.
Special versions of the warning flags are available for emergency services.
If there are no specific national regulations, blue and yellow warning markings may also be used.
Protection against unauthorised operation
With various options, you can ensure that your Bär Cargolift can only be operated with your consent.
As standard, all Bär Cargolifts can be switched on and off via a push-button in the driver’s cab – the cabin control switch. On vehicles with tail-lift pre-fitting, the switch in the cockpit may look different.
In the case of towed units – i.e. trailers and semi-trailers – the Cargolifts are fitted with the SwitchKey. This means that the lift can be switched on and off using the left-hand lever on the Bär Control EVO control box.
Alternatively, towed units can be fitted with an external, electric key switch. Both the SwitchKey and the key switch are available as options for lifts mounted on lorries.
The Bär SmartControl Plus radio remote control - has a special feature in this context – the so-called RadioKey: if the operator leaves the work area with the radio remote control, RadioKey automatically locks all controls.
Shh – early morning delivery in a residential area
For loading and unloading in noise-sensitive environments, BÄR recommends the PIEK specification. This ensures that the Cargolift operates at a noise level below 65 dB(A). Standard Cargolifts and RetFalt Cargolifts are available in this noise-reduced version. If PIEK is selected, the lift is fitted not only with a quiet power pack but also with the noise-reducing SilentGrip on the platform surface, as well as further equipment described in more detail in the portfolio brochure.
And last but not least: on the road at night
BÄR has received road traffic approval for NightGuide as a "direction indicator". You can now link NightGuide Plus to your vehicle’s indicators.
Click on the image or heading to change the loading scenario, use the arrow to navigate to the start, or simply scroll further.
» Loading operations at the ramp
The loading ramp or loading dock is the classic location for loading and unloading operations in logistics – a controlled environment with optimal infrastructure. If mobile flexibility is also required, tail lifts play a major role. This can give rise to specific requirements regarding the operation and positioning of the tail lift at the ramp to ensure a smooth, fast and safe loading process.
Selecting the suitable tail-lift system for frequent ramp use
If loading and unloading frequently takes place at the ramp, tuck-away tail lifts – known as Falt Cargolifts - or retractable tail gates - RetFalt or HydFalt Cargolifts - may be a suitable solution. In both cases, the platform remains stationary beneath the vehicle at the loading bay. Whilst Falt Cargolifts are unfolded manually when in use, RetFalt Cargolifts extend hydraulically, followed by the manual or hydraulic unfolding of the platform.
Use of standard Cantilever tail lifts at the loading dock
The correct use of the tail lift on the loading ramp requires expertise and adherence to important safety precautions. This is because the platform must either be expertly positioned on the ramp or driven underneath it.
If the platform is placed on the ramp, the forces generated simply by driving over it with a heavy load (and heavy pallet truck) must not be underestimated. Therefore, the competent use of the Cargolift is of great importance. The overlap of the platform’s leading edge is crucial for the safe operation of the Cargolift. Further information can also be found in the practical tips section of this encyclopaedia ».
BÄR offers different platform systems for its tail lifts with a load capacity of 1500 kg and above. The platforms differ in the thickness of the aluminum profiles and in their internal construction. This is because inside the profiles, webs provide the aluminium platform with its stability – adapted to the load capacity. Find out more here »
If the platform can be driven under the loading ramp, minimum clearances must still be observed. This is precisely where the Cargolift provides support:
Using the CabinControl, the driver can easily move the platform into the correct position without having to leave the cab: the Cargolift is switched on using the Bär SmartControl radio control in the docking station. The ‘Lower’ command activates the QuickShift function: the platform opens and lowers simultaneously – with an automatic stop at the correct height for driving under the platform at the ramp, if desired. If the platform is to be positioned on the ramp, the SplitScreen monitor provides an overview of what is happening at the rear of the vehicle. Alignment lines on the monitor (patented) make it easier to dock onto the ramp.
Would you like to go to another application? Then simply click on the image or heading. If you are interested in safety equipment for operators or cargo, the arrow on the right will take you to the top, where you will find the main navigation in blue. Next comes equipment for adverse weather conditions.
» Safe tail lift operation in all weathers
Tail lifts must function reliably under the most varied conditions – far beyond regular road traffic. Whether it’s the arctic cold of Scandinavian winters, gravel tracks on construction sites, salty sea air in coastal regions or extreme heat in southern European summers: the operating environments of modern commercial vehicles place the highest demands on materials, design and technology.
For transport companies operating in demanding environments – be it in construction logistics, long-distance transport through various climate zones, or supplying remote regions – the robustness of their liftgates is a crucial economic factor. After all, breakdowns not only mean delays and costs, but can also create safety risks for operating personnel.
As standard, Bär Cargolifts already feature robust basic equipment:
Bär Cargolifts and their components are designed with a focus on their subsequent professional use in everyday logistics operations and are tested in a wide range of trials.
The sensitive electrical components of the robust Bär Control EVO control unit are housed safely within the support tube. It features an aluminium housing and sturdy cross-lever switches that can be operated easily even when wearing gloves.
For long-term corrosion protection, all steel parts at BÄR are cathodic dip coated (KTL). If there is a high level of moisture, dirt and salt, BÄR recommends a KTL + powder coating, which is also standard on some Cargolift models.
Hydraulic cylinders are fitted with protective tubes or bellows to protect against stone and corrosion. Double-acting tilting cylinders enable smooth, rapid, motorised opening – even in winter.
The hydraulic unit and the control system are safely housed within the main beam.
If the Cargolift does not have a main beam, the power pack and control system are housed in an aluminum casing.
As optional extras, BÄR tail lifts can be fitted with equipment that ensures the operational reliability of your Bär Cargolift even under adverse conditions such as low temperatures:
For low temperatures down to -45°C, the biodegradable Syntofluid oil is available as an option for all Cargolifts..
As an alternative to the standard plastic version, the optional, robust main beam cover seals the support tube tightly.
Electrical connections on the rear of the support tube can be protected from stone chips using protective plates.
On request, the robust Bär Control EVO control box can be fitted with an aluminum protective cover.
You have reached the end of the article on site-specific safety for your tail lift. Click on a heading or image to jump to the relevant section or use the arrow to return to the top of the page.
Conclusion: The site of operation has an impact on the tail lift
Well-designed safety concepts for tail lifts minimise the risk of accidents and ensure efficient workflows. In this encyclopaedia entry, you have learnt about selected solutions for site-specific safety measures for tail lift operations. Of course, there are other requirements, such as the tail lift’s ability to operate in water. Unfortunately, BÄR cannot cover all equipment and special solutions in the tail lift encyclopaedia. Please feel free to contact your contact person for a consultation.
However, safety measures are not limited to the site of operation. In the next two articles, you can find out more about operator safety for the driver uand also about how your load affects the tail lift.