How to Choose the Right Access Platform in Construction Projects

When working at height in construction, choosing the right access platform for hire is essential for both safety and productivity. With a wide range of machines available here at Hire Safe Solutions, it’s important to properly assess the specific needs of your project in order to find the perfect platform.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the ideal access platform for your next construction project.

1. Terrain and ground conditions

The terrain of your construction site will heavily influence the type of access platform required. If your construction site has unseen, rough, or sloped ground, you’ll need construction equipment designed for tough conditions.

For example, our fleet of rough-terrain scissor lifts, like the Dingli 3225RT and Dingli 2825RT, are built to navigate challenging landscapes and ensure optimal stability. For more challenging environments, extreme terrain vehicles like the Almac Bibi 1090 and Almac Jibbi 1890 EVO offer unrivalled performance with their self-levelling capabilities and tracked undercarriages.

When working on flatter, more stable surfaces, you may want to opt for one of the many other scissor lifts or boom lifts we have available for hire, which boast working heights ranging from 6 metres up to 70 metres and offer more flexibility and ease of movement.

2. Project Scale

The size and scope of your construction project will play a key role in determining which access platform is best suited. For smaller jobs, like residential or light commercial projects, a more compact platform, like a small scissor lift, may be sufficient.

However, for larger projects like multi-story buildings or industrial construction, you’ll need platforms that can handle both height and heavy lifting, such as the JLG 1500AJP, which is currently the largest articulated cherry picker on the market.

3. Platform Size

The size of the platform itself can affect the overall efficiency of your work. Larger platforms offer more space for workers and equipment, which is especially important for tasks that require multiple people or large tools at height. By choosing a machine with the right size platform, it will significantly improve safety and productivity, especially in complex construction environments.

Scissor lifts like the Dingli 2223DC along with cherry pickers like the Manitou 280TJ all come with spacious platforms allowing for multiple occupants to work safely at height, and for those projects where an even bigger platform is required, our customers can benefit from an extra-large 7 metre wide basket that has been developed exclusively for Hire Safe Solutions, and can be fitted to our entire range of Magni rotating telehandlers and heavy lift telehandlers.

4. Height Requirements

Height requirements are often a key consideration when choosing the appropriate access platform for hire. For projects that need considerable elevation, you’ll need construction equipment that can safely reach higher levels.

Boom lifts like the JLG 1850SJ or Scissor Lifts like our Dingli 3730HRT are ideal for these applications, offering reach capabilities of up to 185 feet and 115 feet respectively, making them perfect for large-scale projects. For less demanding height needs, you can opt for one of the smaller MEWPs in our fleet which are far more compact, offer great manoeuvrability and come in a range of power sources.

5. Power source

Access platforms come in a variety of power options, including electric, diesel, and hybrid models. Electric platforms are perfect for environments where emissions need to be kept to a minimum, such as inside a shopping centre or commercial property. On the other hand, diesel-powered lifts, like many of our boom lifts for hire, deliver more power and are perfect for outdoor projects or rough terrain.

Additionally, hybrid models offer flexibility, allowing operators to switch between electric and diesel power depending on the environment. When choosing which power source is right for your needs, consider where you will be using the machine, whether there will be any charging facilities available, and how long you will be needing to use the machine at any one time. These three factors will massively influence which type of machine is best for your needs.

Thankfully, Hire Safe Solutions run a number of machines that are available in all three power sources, giving you the greatest flexibility when choosing the right access platform for your project.

6. Load capacity

Another important factor to consider is the load capacity of the access platform. Depending on your project, you may need to lift heavy materials or multiple workers at once.

Be sure to choose a platform with an appropriate load rating. Scissor Lifts traditionally offer far greater lift capacities than boom lifts thanks to their robust & sturdy design. Scissor Lifts such as the Dingli 2825RT and Dingli 3225DC both offer 1000kg lift capacities, providing ample lift for multiple occupants and materials.

Boom Lifts on the other hand, although offering significantly lower safe working loads, still provide enough to comfortably get the job done. Boom Lifts like our Genie ZX135/70 are equipped with higher lift capacities, making them suitable for construction sites where large materials or additional workers need to be safely lifted at height; and MEWPs like the Genie SX135 XC come equipped with dual lifting capacities as standard, allowing for greater flexibility depending on the operator’s needs.

7. Safety Features and Compliance

Ensuring safety on site is paramount when working at height. Most powered access machines now come fitted with secondary guarding devices straight from the manufacturer, such as anti-entrapment devices and shrouded controls. For added peace of mind and safety, several other secondary guarding devices can also be retrofitted to your equipment.

Furthermore, it’s important that the equipment complies with all relevant safety regulations to protect workers and ensure smooth operations. At Hire Safe Solutions, we take our customer’s safety very seriously. Our team of CAP qualified Engineers ensure every machine that leaves our depot is operating at peak performance.

Conclusion

Selecting the right access platform for your construction project is a key step in ensuring both efficiency and safety. By considering the factors outlined above, you can make an informed decision on which equipment will best suit your needs.

Need some guidance? Get in touch with our expert team here at Hire Safe Solutions for expert advice and reliable access platform hire tailored to your project’s specific needs.

Or explore more of our services like cherry pickers for hire, scissor lift for hire, and more.