Access equipment is necessary for many activities such as various installations at height, fixing the roof, painting the exterior of your house, cleaning the windows, and many other things. Of course, there’s a couple of different types of access equipment, and choosing between them can sometimes be tricky.
If you’re not sure which type to choose, tool shop UK is here to help you! In this article, we’ll give you a detailed overview of our favorite tools for gaining access to seemingly unreachable areas.
So, without further ado, let’s get to the bottom of it!
1. General ladders
The first thing that comes to mind when we’re talking about access equipment is the general ladders. This simple tool can be very useful for simple installation and cleaning projects. It’s exceedingly portable, easy to store, not to mention inexpensive. So, if you’re in a need of a tool for simple work around the house, getting some general ladders will be enough to do the job.
Of course, for unusually high areas, it might be better to look for alternatives. Reaching these areas might be impossible with general ladders. Other than that, safety is a huge concern when it comes to general ladders. Make sure to get the most stable ones, be careful when climbing them, always check for possible weak spots, and practice frequent maintenance. Ideal general ladders should be sturdy and durable, and they shouldn’t be used for complex installations since losing focus while you’re up high can lead to serious injury.
2. Platform ladders
You can consider platform ladders to be an upgraded version of general ladders. The addition of a platform is a great way to ensure additional safety when climbing high. It also allows for better mobility while you’re working. Just like when you’re purchasing general ladders, you should look for features such as height, sturdiness, material, and stability.
When you’re using platform ladders make sure to keep your balance, and always wear protective gear. While these types of ladders usually don’t have a significant height reach, falling from them can lead to severe injury and harm. So, be careful, stay focused, and don’t try to work above the maximum safe working height that’s provided by the supplier.
Overall, platform ladders are a safer alternative to the general ones, but they’re still not the optimal choice for extreme heights.
3. Access platforms
Access platforms are an exceptional pick for all of your warehouse needs and installations at height. If you’re trying to find an access tool for your business needs, access platforms might be the optimal solution. They’re safer and more stable than ladders, but they also come at a higher price. You’ll also need to be properly trained to use them and maintain them, so generally speaking, these tools will require a bit more effort than general and platform ladders.
Of course, when you’re browsing for access platforms, make sure to invest in durable and high-quality models such as those here. You don’t want these to break or malfunction since they’re usually used for complex tasks at extreme heights. Make sure to equip yourself and your workers with adequate protective gear, and do your research to find the access platform model that best fits your needs.
4. Scissor lifts
Scissor lifts are incredibly mobile and versatile. They’re mostly used for commercial purposes and can be quite expensive. Still, these are great for complicated tasks as they allow for greater mobility. Just like any other type of access equipment, you’ll need to properly equip and protect yourself or anyone who attempts to use scissor lifts.
Scissor lifts come in various types based on how they’re powered: there are hydraulic, electric, diesel, and pneumatic scissor lifts. Make sure to do your research and find the type that best fits your needs, and always consider the maintenance costs. Every kind requires a specific care routine, so don’t forget to learn more about it before you make your purchase.
Like always, ensure you’re getting the top-quality equipment by reading the reviews and recommendations from industry professionals. Getting a low-quality scissor lift is not only a safety hazard, but it can be very costly, especially in the long-term.
5. Truck-mounted platforms
For jobs at extreme heights such as painting the exterior of a building, truck-mounted platforms might be the safest solution. These access tools have an incredible height reach, so you should opt for them if you need to reach any remarkably tall structures.
Naturally, these can be extremely expensive, and they require a lot of care and maintenance. Also, you’ll need to invest in proper training, some costly protective equipment, and possibly some additional workforce to be able to operate on truck-mounted platforms.
If you need these for only a couple of jobs, renting them might be a better option since they’re quite expensive. Do not ever let any untrained personnel anywhere close to these platforms. As safe as they are when you know what you’re doing, letting an amateur operate on these is extremely dangerous. Safety should be your number one concern, so always keep that in mind.
The bottom line
There are many different types of access tools that can be used for reaching those awkward areas. Many jobs require some type of access equipment. The key is to find the model that adequately fits your needs and preferences, and always do the necessary research before purchasing the tools.
In this article, we’ve covered the most common types of tools that all have a different reach and are used completely differently. General and platform ladders are sufficient for a small warehouse or at home jobs, while access platforms, scissor lifts, and truck-mounted platforms are used for more complex tasks. Of course, there are many used for all of these tools, and finding the right one is sometimes a bit difficult. If you’re not sure which one to choose, you should try renting first. Whatever you do, make sure to prioritize safety while using any of these and invest in adequate protection gear and proper training.
