Whether they need to install windows, fix an air conditioning system, or reach the top shelves in a warehouse, workers rely on platforms to access areas that are more difficult to reach. Buying this kind of equipment can help businesses complete work more safely and efficiently, on time and within budget - but which platform is best for your business? Read on to find out.
Access platforms come in all shapes and sizes
Access platforms come in a variety of styles. However, choosing the correct access platform for your needs is really important. The right piece of equipment makes all the difference when ensuring a job is performed safely and effectively. Some of the most common platforms are:
Low level access platforms:
These operate in a similar way to ladders. As the name suggests, they fold out, and feature a wide platform at the top for workers to stand on. These portable access platforms are ideal for working on low-height jobs, like painting or electrical repairs.
Stationary or semi-stationary platforms:
Often referred to as 'access towers', these are tower-like structures that resemble scaffolding like a wide surface area at the top. Unlike folding platforms, they are often custom-built for specific workplace areas and are, again, ideal for painting, decorating, and small construction jobs.
Powered access platforms:
However, bigger, higher-reaching tasks call for powered access platforms. With these more advanced access platforms, workers can enter the machines at a stowed level and elevate to the height required. Featuring a more robust guardrail and easier manoeuvrability than the above alternatives, these access platform lifts are the safest, most efficient option for working at height. These platforms come in a variety of styles:
- Scissor lifts: a type of mobile access platform, scissor lifts consist of a large platform that moves up and down vertically using the scissor pack. The criss-crossed beams of the pack resemble a scissor - hence the name!
- Telescopic booms: telescopic access platforms have a straight arm that can be raised and extended to provide maximum outreach at various heights.
- Articulated booms: a more versatile counterpart to the telescopic boom, articulated booms feature a segmented, rotating arm to reach up and over obstacles and into small, challenging spaces.
Which is the right access platform for you?
There are a few things to consider when deciding which access platform is right for you. Carefully assessing the job requirements is crucial to deciding on a platform that is job-appropriate, safe and time-efficient.
- Working height and reach: how high does the platform need to go and how does it need to reach? Different styles of platform are better suited to lower or higher-placed projects.
- Safe working load: how much weight can each platform lift? Determine the maximum load: how much will the workers, tools, or equipment weigh?
- Terrain and work area: before choosing the platform, give consideration to the ground conditions you are working on. Can the ground/work surface bear the weight of a MEWP? Can the MEWP be manoeuvred at height or is the site too tight for space? Some MEWPs are designed to work on rough terrain whilst others on slab concrete.
- Transportation: how will you transport the platform between jobs and around the site? Think about how easily the equipment can be moved from area to area safely.