Semmco Launches World’s First Variable Height Swivel Top Maintenance Access Platform

The main door and windshield of narrow-bodied aircraft, such as the A320, incorporates the curvature of the nose section which, while fundamental to the design of the aircraft, presents a safety challenge to maintenance crews when using traditional platforms for working at height. Semmco, part of the HAKI Safety Group, has designed a world first variable height working platform with an adjustable swivel top that offers increased levels of safety for both main door and windshield access. Sliding and adjustable handrails ensure that this design assists maintenance engineers when accessing areas such as the wings, fuselage, and tail sections.  
 Semmco’s design team worked with its customers to make an accurate assessment of the safety issues for those working on this section of the plane. In response they designed a variable height platform with a unique swivel top that allows operators to adjust the platform’s fit, according to which part of the aircraft they are working on.  This enables the maintenance crew to effectively reduce gaps between the platform and the aircraft, not only significantly improving fall protection risks but also reducing the chances of materials or tools falling through any gaps and creating hazards for those working on the ground below.
Made from aluminium with a steel chassis, the platform can perform at heights from 8 to 14ft using an in-built hydraulic pump to adjust the height.  It also incorporates variable handrails to add additional safety features for the different height access points. 
Will McOnie, Managing Director, Semmco Group said: “Working at height accidents remains among the most common and serious in the US and the importance of providing the right fall prevention equipment is critical for the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector. Working with our customers, we identified a particular risk when carrying out main door and windscreen maintenance on narrow body A320 aircraft.  We have designed a solution that will ensure engineers have the safest and most efficient solution for working on different aircraft access points.  We are deeply committed to quality, safety, reliability and innovation. Our PAX Variable Height Main Door and Windshield platform is proof of that.”