Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial lift equipment is an essential piece of kit for construction sites, as it offers a safe and secure means for workers to reach inaccessible areas on the exterior or tops of buildings, monuments and other structures, and also overhead power cables.  There are several different types of aerial work machines including:

• Elevated work platform (EWP) – this is also known as a lift table, cherry picker or bucket truck, and provides a stable platform that people can work from that can be raised to different heights.  These are ideal machines for temporary maintenance and repair jobs that do not justify the costs of putting up permanent scaffolding, and also provide quick, emergency access to buildings so are an essential piece of fire fighting and rescue equipment.
• Scissor lift – an electric scissor lift is a type of platform can be elevated straight up and down, and the upward motion is achieved by extending supports formed in a distinctive crossing ‘x’ pattern, which are powered either hydraulically or pneumatically.

Safety

Aerial work platforms (AWPs) are fitted with safety rails around the working areas to protect passengers, and in most countries you will need a have a special license to operate this type of machine, as there are significant safety issues concerning tilting and tipping over.   To help prevent accidents most AWPs come with tilting sensors to help alert operators to potential problems and also weight sensors to ensure the platform is not overloaded.  There is also a significant risk from electrocution when using AWPS around live overhead power cables, and it is advised that if you are going to be using an AWP in an area with a high risk of electrocution then you choose one of the specially designed machines made from non-conductive materials such as fibreglass.

Rental

Most construction companies will only need AWPs for certain jobs, and as these are very expensive pieces of equipment it can be much cheaper to rent them when you need them, and this will also mean you don’t have to train any of your staff up to use AWPs as most rental companies also provide experienced operators.  You can find out more about where to go for scissor lift, EWP and bucket truck rental by visiting websites such as Aichi, who have been producing quality aerial work equipment since the 1960’s .

Related Tags

aerial work platform accidents , aichi ewp , aerial work platforms , aerial work platforms accidents , accidents aerial work platform , 0 , 0h , 2h , 3h , accident to aerial platform , accidents aerial work platforms , accidents on aerial lift , accidents using aerial work platform , accidents with aerial work platforms 2009 , aerial and scissor lift accidents in 2008

Related posts:

1. Construction Productivity Solutions