When it comes to elevated work, there are many different types of equipment available. Two of the most commonly used are scaffolding and scissor lifts. While both provide a means of reaching high places, they have different strengths and weaknesses that make them more or less suitable for certain tasks. Choosing the right equipment for your job can be a critical decision affecting safety and productivity. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at scaffold tower hire and scissor lifts, examining the benefits and drawbacks of each, so you can make an informed decision on which is the best choice for your project.
Scaffolding vs Scissor Lifts
Typically made of wood or metal, scaffolding is a temporary platform used on construction sites to lift and support workers as they complete jobs at heights. A scissor lift is a motorised vehicle with an X-shaped platform that supports employees in raising or lifting loads.
Scissor lifts and scaffolding fall under the same classification by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Nevertheless, there are a few differences between scaffolding platforms and scissor lifts. The mobility, lifting capacity, and adaptability of scissor lifts, as opposed to scaffolds, which need to be disassembled before relocating, are key distinctions between them.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Scaffolding and Scissors Lifts
Scaffolding and scissor lifts are two of the most popular tools used for elevated work in various industries. They are essential equipment for reaching heights safely and efficiently. While both scaffolding and scissor lifts have their benefits, they also have drawbacks that need to be considered. Here’s a comparison of scaffolds and Scissor lift hire
Accessibility
As you work on your building project, you may encounter obstacles that prevent you from reaching certain locations. Fortunately, you can rely on scissor lifts to provide a practical and motorised solution for accessing high areas and tight spaces. These lifts are equipped with all-terrain wheels and foldable features that allow them to be used in difficult conditions. Unlike scaffolding, which can be difficult to install on uneven terrain or slick surfaces, scissor lifts can provide stability and accessibility in a variety of environments.
Cost
If you’re a construction manager, you may be faced with a decision between using scaffolds or scissor lifts for your project. Although hiring scissor lifts is costlier than scaffolds, choosing scissor lifts for hire might be a better idea. Scaffolds can get damaged or weakened by harsh weather, making them more expensive to maintain in the long run. Also, unlike a scaffold that you have to set up for several days or weeks during your project (even when it is not in use), you can hire a scissor lift only for when it is needed, ultimately resulting in cost savings for your project.
Time and Productivity
If you’re working on a building project that requires multiple scaffolds or has a time limit, you may find that constructing and disassembling scaffolds takes up valuable time. Scissor lifts can help you make better use of your time and better organise your workday. With scissor lifts, your team can quickly move on to the next area once they finish one, without the need to constantly pull down the structure and assemble it again. These lifts can be easily moved using tow vehicles, eliminating the need for time-consuming dismantling and reassembling of equipment spent on other tasks.
Safety
In 2020, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation published a report which revealed an average of 74 scaffolding-related incidents throughout the previous year. That’s an average of one injury for every 230 projects.
Many of these accidents could be attributed to improperly erected or positioned scaffolds, which may collapse or cause objects to fall. It’s crucial to consider various factors when setting up a scaffold, including the skill level of the worker erecting it, the weight it will support, and the foundation’s stability. Fortunately, the chances of falling from a scissor lift are extremely low. That’s because these lifts have a stable base and they have outriggers installed for added protection. The high sides of the lift also help to prevent falls.
Conclusion
Scaffolding is a popular choice for various types of construction or repair work, such as demolition services, cleaning, and upkeep. There are different types of scaffolds available, including exterior scaffolds that are placed along a building’s façade. On the other hand, scissor lifts are better suited for building development and maintenance. While both scaffolds and scissor lifts have their pros and cons, the advantages of scissor lifts outweigh those of scaffolds for many projects. But it is important that you carefully consider your options and choose the best equipment for the job. If you need an elevated platform for your next project, check out the easyToolhire website to find the different options available for you.
Here’s a list of where to get access equipment, alloy towers and scissor lifts in your region:
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