Starting a project where working at height is essential? Do you know the right access solutions to keep you and your team safe? Working above ground level brings specific challenges, and selecting the right tools can be crucial. Choosing wisely can make all the difference in efficiency and safety.
Why Safe Access Matters When Working at Heights
Working at heights carries inherent risks. Choosing access equipment that suits the nature of your work, the terrain, and the height required can drastically reduce those risks. When selecting tools, ask yourself: how stable does this equipment need to be? Do I need to manoeuvre around obstacles, or will I be working directly beneath the area I need to access? Each piece of machinery offers unique advantages for safe height work, so making an informed decision is key to both safety and productivity.
Cherry Pickers: Flexible Solutions for Aerial Work
A cherry picker is a popular choice when you need access to elevated areas with multiple angles. This versatile machinery can be moved around easily, allowing you to reach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. Cherry pickers are ideal for outdoor tasks like building maintenance or tree work, offering freedom of movement in all directions. These lifts have a hydraulic arm, which can extend and elevate the work basket to various heights and angles. It’s important to remember that while cherry pickers offer impressive reach, operators must take special precautions when working on uneven ground.
Scissor Lifts: Stability and Height for Vertical Work
Scissor lifts are ideal for vertical access where a stable, steady platform is required. These machines are highly stable, providing a straight-up-and-down lift rather than the flexibility of a cherry picker. Scissor lifts are commonly used in construction and maintenance work indoors or on level ground outdoors.
The lift’s design offers excellent support, as it uses crisscrossing metal beams that rise when the lift is engaged. Although scissor lifts are safe for work in a fixed position, they have limitations. Unlike a cherry picker or boom lift, they can’t move laterally, so they’re best suited for projects that need only vertical access. Ensuring the lift is on stable ground before operation can prevent accidents and keep operators secure at height.
Boom Lifts: Extended Reach for Hard-to-Access Areas
Boom lifts are designed for projects that require both height and horizontal reach. If you’re working in a location with obstacles, such as buildings or machinery, a boom lift’s extended arm can manoeuvre over, around, and under barriers. Boom lifts are especially valuable for outdoor construction and industrial work, where reaching over obstructions is essential.
These machines are classified into two primary categories: articulating and telescopic. Articulating boom lifts, with jointed arms, offer flexible movement for hard-to-reach spots, while telescopic booms provide more height for elevated work. Operating boom lifts requires caution, as they can become unstable at extreme angles. Using safety harnesses and following operational guidelines helps protect operators.
Safety Precautions When Working at Heights
No matter which type of lift you choose, always prioritise safety precautions. Start by thoroughly inspecting the equipment before use, checking for any signs of wear or damage. Make sure that everyone involved understands proper operating procedures and knows the limits of each machine.
Personal protective gear, such as harnesses and helmets, is essential. Ensure that all workers on the lift are trained and know how to handle emergencies. Regular maintenance and daily inspections are necessary to keep equipment functioning well and reduce the risk of accidents. These actions establish a more secure setting for all participants.
Working at heights safely and efficiently depends on the equipment you choose and the precautions you take. Access equipment can be a game-changer for height-based projects. However, making the right choice and ensuring proper training and maintenance are what truly keep workers safe.
