7 top tips from Hird experts on using powered access platforms

Powered access equipment has revolutionised working at height in recent years – not least in terms of improving safety.

To get the most out of MEWPs – mobile elevated working platforms – like cherry pickers, scissor lifts and personnel masts, and to make sure you get the safety benefits from using powered access platforms, there are some key rules to follow.

• Make sure your powered access machine, whether it be an aerial boom, scissor lift or personnel mast, has a full pre-delivery inspection and it is suitable for the job in hand. Ensuring your powered access rental supplier takes safety seriously is a massive first step towards completing your working at height project safely and efficiently. Accidents can be caused because operators try to use perfectly good powered access machines for the wrong purposes. If you are in any doubt, ask our fully-qualified and highly experienced experts about which powered access aerial platform best suits your needs.

• Make sure all work is planned and properly supervised, taking into account all people in the vicinity and the location. Powered access platforms are not complicated to use, but operators should have appropriate qualifications and experience. Using powered access in a public environments, such as a shopping centre, requires particular caution.

• Ensure everyone involved in the work is fully trained on the equipment they are going to operate. Hird offers a range of IPAF-certified powered access training courses. If you are unsure of what qualifications and experience are required to manage your working at height project safely and legally, just ask.

• Plan for emergencies and rescue. This is a standard requirement for any risk assessment, so is vital when using powered access platforms, when working at height.

• Check that ground conditions are suitable for using powered access machines, and that there are no overhead hazards. One of the main causes of accidents when using powered access platforms, such as aerial booms, is operators being trapped by overhead objects such as steel beams or ceilings.

• When using powered access rental machines, take account of working conditions, including wind speed. The behaviour or oversight of other people can cause a sudden hazard. Caution is the watchword when using powered access aerial platforms.

• Always use all the relevant safety equipment when using MEWPs. This includes wearing the appropriate safety harnesses and other protective equipment, such as hard hats, while working in aerial access platforms.

Using powered access machines can significantly improve productivity, in terms of the speed and quality of work. But these seven basic rules should be followed to ensure they are also used safely. Pre-planning pays off.

If you want us to advise you on IPAF-approved powered access training courses that will make sure you get the most out of powered access platform rental from Hird, call us today. We’re here to help.

Hird powered access platforms are available for rent nationwide, via our three rental and sales centres.

The full range of machines available in our powered access hire fleet can be viewed on our website or in our brochure.

Call us to obtain a copy or use our online request form here

Northern – 01482 227333

Central – 01302 341659

Southern – 0203 174 0658