Become a hoist and hoist maintainer 

general-purpose hoist

At the ERGON Personnel Improvement Centre, we run professional courses for UDT equipment maintainers. The course for winches and hoists takes place under the supervision of highly qualified specialists. We conduct the courses in accordance with the examination requirements of the Office of Technical Inspection.  

What does the training look like? 

Our training is delivered by trained professionals. The course programme consists of two parts: theoretical and practical. Classes are conducted with a view to preparing for the state examination, in accordance with current requirements. 

Requirements 

A person interested in joining the course must: 

  • be over 18 years of age, 
  • have no health contraindications, as certified by a doctor, 
  • have at least a primary school education. 

Course flow 

During the course, students will acquire knowledge of, among other things: 

  • technical supervision, 
  • construction and operation of equipment, 
  • principles of control systems, 
  • correct operation of hoists and winches, 
  • carry out reviews, 
  • safety when working with winches and hoists, 
  • planning and organising maintenance work, 
  • service skills. 

Final examination 

maintenance man repairs hoist

After completing the course, in order to obtain the right to work as a general or special-purpose hoist and hoist maintenance technician, it is necessary to take the state examination, which will be held before a commission from the Office of Technical Inspection. Like the training, the exam will be in two separate parts: theoretical and practical. Upon successful completion of the exam, the training graduate will receive a hoist and hoist maintenance licence in the form of an appropriate document issued by the UDT. This licence allows you to work on winches and hoists in Poland and EU countries.  

The profession of hoist and winch operator 

Once all qualifications have been obtained, the hoist and hoist operator will have the opportunity to find employment in, among others: 

  • production halls, 
  • warehouses, 
  • transports, 
  • construction. 

Hoists  

Hoists are devices from the crane machinery group, which includes, among others, mobile platforms, cranes, HDS cranes, etc. equipment. They are used to lift a given load along a vertical plane. They use a special type of rope or chain for this purpose, which usually also has a hook or equivalent. This type of equipment is used to move materials to places at higher levels. In terms of design, hoists usually run on a track designed for this purpose. They also function in stationary versions, most often in locations that do not require the entire unit to be moved. The load-bearing part of hoists is also its housing. 

Division of hoists 

There are two aspects in terms of which hoists can be divided. The first is the drive. We distinguish between: 

  • pneumatic hoists, 
  • electric hoists, 
  • manual hoists. 

The second, however, is more of a design aspect. By the type of tendon used, hoists can be distinguished: 

  • ropes, 
  • chains. 
helmeted hoist maintainer

Winches 

Hoists, in terms of their purpose, are quite similar to hoists. They are cranes which, like hoists, are used to move a load vertically. Again, the components used for this purpose are ropes or chains equipped with a hook. The only significant difference here is the load-bearing part of the overall device. Unlike hoists, this is a separate component and takes the form of a suitable frame, which, depending on the type, can be movable, traversable or fixed. 

The division of winches is similar to that of hoists. 

Handling devices 

Handling equipment is a category of the Technical Inspection Authority that includes, among other things, all lifting equipment. Equipment in this group is typically used at construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing industries and transports. It is typically used to move materials, tools, people or even other machinery over relatively short distances or into places that are difficult to access. 

Where do we train? 

We conduct our training courses at our training centres, which are located in major cities across Poland, or at the client's premises.

Questions and answers

What are winches and hoists used for?

They are usually used to move a given load vertically, usually to a higher position. 

What is the difference between winches and hoists?

The only difference between these devices is the load-bearing part, which in winches takes the form of a separate structure.  

What needs to be done to get a conservation qualification?

In order to obtain the licence, it is necessary to take the state examination before the UDT commission. Only passing it guarantees the ability to practice as a maintenance technician. 

What are the requirements to take the winch maintenance course?

Potential trainees must be of legal age, have no contraindications to the profession, as certified by a doctor, and have at least an elementary school education.