The new track platform from Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik can be moved smoothly along the rail. | © MUNK GmbH The new track platform from Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik can be moved smoothly along the rail. | © MUNK GmbH

Working safely on rails

New track platform from Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik increases work safety during maintenance work

01/08/2022

Press release

A platform for all cases: With a newly developed track platform, Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik now enables particularly safe and efficient maintenance of rail vehicles. The special feature: The new track platform from Günzburg is the first ever linkable work platform for the track area. Thanks to the optional connecting part, any number of track platforms can be connected to each other without gaps, thus maximising work safety even when working over large areas and when crossing the track pit. The new development can be completely driven over and is suitable for the main track types S49, S54 as well as 60E. The working platform offers a working surface of approx. 1.70 m2. The track platform is designed for loads of up to 300 kg. From 20 to 23 September, the technology and innovation leader will present its solutions for top work safety at InnoTrans in Berlin (Hall 6.2/Stand 330).

"Falling heights when working around trains should not be taken lightly. With our new track platform we have developed a safe working platform and at the same time a stable transition to the hall crossing: The platform results in significantly shorter working distances and the maintenance team is not even tempted to quickly jump over the track pit. In this way, we significantly minimise the risk of accidents at work during the repair and maintenance of rail vehicles," says Ferdinand Munk, owner and managing director of the Munk Group. 

For the first time, Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik now offers a couplable track platform for maximum work safety. Due to the gap-free coupling, several track platforms offer a significantly larger working area on the track pit; if required, even complete track pits can be covered. Adjustable supports allow the aluminium work platform to be adapted to different track types such as S49, S54 and 60E.

Safe work throughout the track area

Whether changing windscreen wipers, working on the lights and the coupling, or even changing the oil: the innovation from Günzburg makes it easier for the workshop team in the maintenance halls to carry out a wide range of work around the train. Thanks to the ribbed platform covering made of aluminium with R9 slip resistance, safe standing is ensured. Another safety feature: the side edges of the platform not only provide a flush transition to the track area, their conspicuous warning marking additionally reduces the risk of carelessly stepping into the void.

In addition to the connecting part for gap-free coupling of the platforms, the track platforms can also be equipped with pluggable guardrails with knee and foot rail for the front sides.

User-friendly handling

"No matter whether locomotive, railcar or wagon. Every vehicle has its individual dimensions and that is why we have developed the new track platform for working on different types of vehicles with different lengths. Accordingly, it must also be flexible to move. To ensure that this can always be done safely, ergonomically and efficiently, our experts have installed an automatic brake based on the dead man's principle," says Munk. 

This is how it works: If the platform has to be moved, the user simply pushes the double operating lever forward and pulls or pushes the track platform safely to the desired position. Thanks to a cable pull on the spring brake and rollers on the underside of the track platform, the working platform can be moved smoothly. As soon as the platform is correctly positioned, the automatic brake is activated again and work can continue. Great for the workshop team: this technology is not only very efficient in handling, but also absolutely maintenance-free and low-wear.

The new track platform from Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik does not even necessarily have to be removed after the work is completed; it was designed in such a way that trains can still pass through even when the platform is still in the track bed. "This offers the maintenance teams full flexibility and minimises set-up times enormously," says Ferdinand Munk.

About the MUNK Group

With its business units Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik, Munk Rettungstechnik, Munk Service and Munk Profiltechnik, the Munk Group is one of the most important suppliers of access and rescue equipment as well as suitable service solutions. As a technology and innovation leader in access equipment, the name Munk stands for safety made in Germany. The company is now run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Munk family - true to the motto "One family. One name. One mission".

In the MUNK Günzburger Steigtechnik business unit for access solutions, the MUNK Group carries over 2,500 products in its standard range, from ladders for commercial, public and private use to mobile scaffolding, platforms, stairs and bridging steps to custom-made special constructions. These include, for example, work and maintenance platforms, docking systems, walkways and assembly platforms, which, in the era of digitalisation, can also be automatically adapted to the respective environment using the latest control technology.

In the MUNK Rettungstechnik business unit for rescue equipment, the company offers access solutions and transport logistics for fire, rescue and disaster relief operations. These include, for example, multi-functional ladders, scaling and push-up extension ladders, rescue platforms, toolboxes, station equipment and a wide range of mobile containers. In the MUNK Service business unit, the MUNK Group bundles the areas of installation, testing, repair and maintenance of access solutions and rescue equipment, as well as seminars. The youngest business division, MUNK Profiltechnik, offers high-quality technology for individual and professional configurations with a functional and sophisticated profile system.

The MUNK Group is always drawing attention to itself with new ideas that offer customers real added value in practice. It is certified with the "Work and Family" audit and has already received numerous awards for its innovations, its economic development, its responsible and sustainable actions and as a family-friendly employer. The Free State of Bavaria once again honoured the company with the Bavaria's Best 50 award in 2023.

The MUNK Group manufactures exclusively in its home region of Günzburg. It was also the first supplier ever to be audited by TÜV Nord in 2010 with the certified "Made in Germany" certificate of origin and offers a 15-year guarantee on all series products made in Germany. The Munk Group employs over 450 people at its headquarters in Günzburg and at the Munk Rettungstechnik division site in Leipheim. It is represented in Germany with 13 sales offices and its own branch in Austria. Over the past three years, the company has invested around 30 million euros in the development and expansion of its sites.

Press contact

PR Manager

Bettina Sauter-Kueres

MUNK GmbH
Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 23
89312
Günzburg
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