Access equipment plays a crucial role in the construction industry. Designed with a multitude of safety features, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) provide secure, easy access to hard-to-reach areas. When a project requires working at height, they can help enhance safety, boost productivity, and contribute to environmentally friendly practices.
There are several types of access platforms available, including scissor lifts, cherry pickers and articulated boom lifts. In this guide, we’ll explore 5 key benefits of access platforms for construction projects.
Enhancing Safety on Construction Sites
Safety is paramount in the construction industry. By providing stable, secure work platforms, access equipment can significantly help to reduce the risk of accidents.
Equipment such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts allow workers to easily and safely access hard-to-reach areas while carrying out jobs at height. This minimises the need for risky improvisations like ladders. Modern access platforms come equipped with various safety features, including:
- Guardrails: these protective barriers help prevent falls from the platform.
- Harness attachment points: secure anchor points for workers to attach their safety harnesses.
- Emergency stop buttons: quickly halt the platform’s operation in case of an emergency.
- Anti-slip surfaces: reduce the risk of slipping on the platform, especially in wet conditions.
- Tilt sensors: alert the operator if the platform is at an unsafe angle, preventing potential tip-overs.
- Overload sensors: monitor the platform’s load capacity and prevent overloading, which can lead to instability.
Combined with proper operator training, these safety features create a secure working environment that ensures the well-being of employees and contractors.
Boosting Productivity and Efficiency
Use of a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) can significantly increase productivity and efficiency in construction projects. By facilitating faster work completion, they help minimise labour and equipment costs, leading to more cost-effective projects.
When you buy or hire access platforms, you invest in a solution that can streamline your project and reduce downtime. By eliminating the need for multiple tools and equipment, access platforms can increase overall efficiency. Their ease of operation and quick set-up time save precious working hours, allowing construction teams to complete tasks more rapidly and accurately.
Furthermore, there are a wide range of access platforms available to cater to various working heights and outreach requirements. This allows construction companies to select the most appropriate equipment to maximise productivity for each specific project.
Adaptability and Versatility for Different Construction Projects
One of the key benefits of mobile access equipment is its adaptability to a wide range of environments. They can be used on a wide variety of terrains and surfaces, catering to diverse construction needs. Compact and space-saving options are also available, making access equipment suitable for indoor worksites too.
Access platform sales and hire companies, such as TAG Forklift Truck Services, provide a range of models to suit diverse project requirements. For example:
- Scissor Lifts: ideal for tasks requiring vertical reach on stable surfaces.
- Articulated Boom Lifts: suitable for projects with hard-to-reach areas, offering flexibility in movement and outreach.
- Telescopic Boom Lifts: perfect for outdoor projects with high vertical and horizontal reach requirements.
- Mast Lifts: Suited for indoor applications with restricted space, providing vertical reach and easy manoeuvrability.
The versatility of access platforms allows them to be used for a wide array of tasks, from painting and window installation to electrical work. This multi-functionality makes them an indispensable tool on construction sites.
Environmentally Friendly Solutions
The construction industry is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there are many electric and hybrid access platforms available that can contribute to greener practice. They produce significantly less noise and fewer emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered machinery.
These eco-friendly choices are ideal for projects in indoor, urban and noise-sensitive areas. Some of the most popular models include:
- The JLG E450AJ electric boom lift with an impressive lift height of 13.7m
- The JLG 3246 ES electric scissor lift: versatile and compact with non-marking tyres
Access equipment hire companies stock a range of environmentally friendly models, suitable for a range of working environments. This allows businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve energy, and comply with environmental regulations.
By embracing environmentally friendly access platforms, construction companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. Moreover, electric access platforms can lower operating costs due to reduced fuel consumption, resulting in long-term savings.
Flexible Access Equipment Hire and Sale Options
Access platforms are available for both sale and hire, accommodating the diverse needs and parameters of all construction projects. Whether you require equipment for a single task or an extended period, there are solutions to suit your needs.
At TAG, we provide a variety of simple, flexible, cost-effective mobile access platform hire options. Casual MEWP hire is ideal for one-off tasks or projects with a limited duration. Our short-term and long-term rental contracts are available on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. For construction companies that require equipment on-site permanently, we also offer both new and used access platforms for sale.
We pride ourselves on our high-quality equipment, competitive prices and fast delivery. Contact TAG Forklift Truck Services today to discuss your construction project and arrange a free consultation and on-site survey.
