Kranpunkten sets up high voltage training scheme

The electrification of construction and access equipment is creating new demands in terms of technology, safety and competence, according to Swedish rental company Kranpunkten, which is now training 20 technicians to work with electric-powered MEWPs equipped with high-voltage systems.

The initiative is driven by the rapid growth of electric-powered machinery and the specific safety requirements that follow as high-voltage technology becomes an increasingly natural part of modern equipment fleets.

Konsult’s Elsäkerhet Johan Bergvall and Robin Andersson from Würth helped design the course. (Image: Kranpunkten).

Kranpunkten was among the early adopters of large fully electric MEWPs and, in 2024, introduced fully electric boom lifts with working heights of up to 44 metres – among the highest available on the market. As these new machines were introduced, it became clear that electrification is not only transforming the equipment itself, but also the way service and maintenance work is carried out. In addition to traditional mechanical expertise, technicians now require knowledge of high-voltage systems, electrical safety and new methods for troubleshooting and repair.

“Electrification is transforming the entire workshop environment. The role of the service technician is evolving rapidly, and completely new skills are required to work safely with the next generation of MEWPs,” says Robin Andersson, Workshop Manager at Kranpunkten.

In-house competence model

As the company points out, when the need for new expertise first emerged, there were no established training programmes for servicing and working with electric-powered construction equipment. Together with assembly materials producer Würth and LHL Konsult, Kranpunkten developed a pair of training programmes: Informed Person – Electric-Powered Construction Equipment, and Instructed Technician – Electric-Powered Construction Equipment.

Today, all Kranpunkten employees have completed the Informed Person training, while selected workshop personnel have progressed to the Instructed Technician level. The company is taking the next step by launching the new specialised Qualified Technician – Electric-Powered Construction Equipment programme for approximately 20 service technicians from its depots across Sweden.

The programme provides advanced expertise for working with high-voltage systems and electric-powered machinery, in accordance with the industry standard for Voltage Class B, ensuring that technicians have the specialist knowledge required to carry out service and repair work safely and efficiently.

Kranpunten has grown it electric MEWP fleet with evere larger equiopment. (Image: Kranpunkten).

“I previously worked with the skills transition within the automotive industry when electrification gained momentum there. We are now seeing the same development within construction and access equipment. This technological shift is driving entirely new requirements for competence, safety and working methods for those who work with these machines,” said Johan Bergvall of LHL Konsult.

New industry standard

At the same time, a new Swedish industry standard for the safe handling of electric-powered construction equipment has been established. Developed by the industry association MaskinLeverantörerna (ML), the standard clarifies roles, competence levels and safety requirements for work within Voltage Class B.

“Interest in and questions about electric-powered machinery are increasing significantly, particularly regarding safety and competence requirements. At the same time, many companies in the industry are still unaware that an industry standard for safe work with this type of equipment now exists. Kranpunkten has been proactive and has taken a long-term approach to both competence development and safety,” said Therese Andersson, Learning and Development Specialist at Würth.