Not every construction site needs aerial access equipment. But for sites where they’re needed, they’re practically indispensable. If you need to carry out any construction, renovation, or maintenance tasks that require you to work in elevated positions, accessibility has to be one of your top considerations.
There is a wide range of options to consider when it comes to hiring elevated work platforms. This can be as simple as a ladder or something more advanced, like battery-powered scissor lifts for hire.
The right equipment depends mainly on the nature of your project, safety requirements, number of workers, and so on. However, to ensure an efficient and hitch-free project, you must follow the best approach for ensuring accessibility. In this article, we’ll list 10 tips to help you make the most out of scissor lifts to ensure accessibility on your construction project.
Select the Right Lift
When it comes to proper accessibility, choosing the right scissor lift is the starting point. As you will discover, there are different types of lifts, each designed for a specific purpose. Your scissor lift should be the proper match for your project in terms of height, size of the work platform, weight or loading capacity, and so on. You also need to consider factors relating to your work site, such as the terrain, space limitations, access to power sources, and so on. Taking your time to select the right lift will save you time, effort, and resources when the project starts.
Plan for Optimal Accessibility
For every construction project you intend to execute, you have to take your time to plan every aspect of the project. This is true for accessibility as well. You need to evaluate the layout of your site, determine the maximum height you’ll need to work, and take measurements where necessary. These factors will help you choose the proper size of the scissor lift, where it will be stationed, and how it will move around the site. Having a well-thought-out plan like this will help prevent disruptions and bottlenecks.
Understand Load Capacities
Any scissor lift you decide to get will have a specific platform capacity. This will be indicated by the manufacturer or, in the case of scissor lift hire, by the equipment rental company you’re hiring from.
Exceeding the stipulated limit is dangerous because it poses a safety hazard to users. It also increases the risk of damage to the equipment. Operators and workers working with a scissor lift must be adequately educated on the machine’s optimal loading capacity and made to adhere to it.
Operator Training
As mentioned above, equipment operators and users need to know how the access equipment you’re getting works. Proper training ensures that scissor lifts are used in the safest and most effective way possible.
In addition to learning about the controls, operators must be aware of the machine’s safety protocols, operation limits, and maintenance requirements. This knowledge will contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of your project, especially as it relates to access.
Regular Maintenance
It’s not enough to get scissor lifts for accessibility; you must also ensure the lift is always in proper working condition. This means taking adequate care of the lift throughout the hire period.
Ensure your hired scissor lifts are inspected before each use and serviced as necessary. Routine maintenance is particularly important for long-term projects where you need to keep the machine with you for a long time. Proper care prevents unexpected breakdowns, which can hinder accessibility and cause project delays.
Site Assessment
Before you proceed to get a scissor lift, you should first carry out a thorough assessment of your site. This will help you identify potential hazards or obstacles that can impede accessibility so that you can remove them before the work begins. Addressing these issues in advance will save time and reduce risks when the project eventually begins.
Get Scissor Lift From A Vendor Near You
These days, it’s easy to get construction equipment in your vicinity. By searching for “scissor lift hire near me,” you can find local vendors offering reliable equipment rental. Working with a local tool hire company has its benefits.
For one, you won’t have to worry about transporting the machine over a long distance, and you also get to save costs. Local vendors are also aware of local regulations and unique factors affecting the construction industry where you live. These are vital considerations when you’re thinking of accessibility on your site.
Comply with Safety Standards
Safety should be a top priority when using aerial access equipment. While most scissor lifts have features that make them safe to use, operators must also comply with other safety standards. These include wearing appropriate protective gear, adhering to recommended operating procedures, clearing out the work zone, using clear signage, and so on.
Establish Emergency Procedures
When using an elevated platform for work, it makes sense to be adequately prepared for emergencies. All team members should be trained on what to do if emergencies were to occur, and you need to have the right response equipment in place, too. This protects the well-being of all personnel involved in your project while preventing unwanted delays on the site.
Project Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and assessment are essential to maintain accessibility, even with scissor lift hire. As you work, you must periodically review your projects’ progress and safety. This way, you can make adjustments where necessary. Monitoring your project like this will make it easier to address accessibility issues promptly, so it does not get in the way of your project.
Conclusion
The tips above are necessary to ensure accessibility on your construction site when working in elevated positions. Talk to our experts at easyToolhire for diesel-powered or electric scissor lift hire for your next project. We have some of the most advanced access equipment in the market and will provide helpful tips to help you get the most from them. Call now to get started.
