Ever wondered how workers at construction sites reach those soaring heights when undertaking a construction project? Well, they use what is called access equipment. These are tools that aid people to reach very high sections and/or inner parts of a construction site. This is because a building under construction does not have entry points like the staircase and lifts, and even if they do, it is still not safe to use them since the building is still being constructed. It is therefore important for workers to access those high and inner areas using this very important equipment.
Mobile elevating work platforms
This is a very useful piece of equipment that enables the worker to perform his tasks at very high levels of the project. It is fitted with guard rails and toe boards to prevent the worker from falling to the ground. With this, the worker access his work area faster and easily, hence is able to complete the job in good time. Mobile elevating work platforms has scissor lifts, cherry pickers and vehicle-mounted booms.
Ladders
These are the most common access equipment in construction sites. There are two main types of ladder, namely leaning ladders and step ladders. Most accidents in the sites are a result of falling from a ladder. As such, their use is constricted to when the task to be performed is considered low risk and the duration of that task is anything between 15 and 30 minutes.
Scaffolding
This is a temporary structure that supports workers and material in construction sites. It is a rigging constructed from metal pipes and thick wooden planks which are securely fastened together in a way that should be strong enough to offer support to construction workers.
Renting self drive access equipment
Contractors prefer renting access equipment for their own operation so as to cut on costs. It is therefore imperative that they consider some very vital factors before renting the equipment. They need to check with their employer (the owner of the project) if there are any regulations to be adhered to at the site once they bring the access equipment on site. They should also consider if they will need the hiring company to transport the materials to the site or if they will arrange for the transportation themselves. The working environment of the rented equipment should be looked into as well. There should not be any obstructions that will affect the operations of the machine. If it is to be used indoors, then adequate lighting and ventilation should be in place.
Once they feel they have met all requirements to allow them rent the equipment, then they can proceed and place an order. They should fill in all the necessary documents and retain their own copies for reference. Since this is a self drive, they should ensure that they have enough time on the day of the hire to collect the equipment and drive it to the site. The weather should also be very favorable since adverse weather conditions can affect the state of the equipment to the detriment of the hirer.
Operators both from the construction company and the renting company must assess the machine as soon as it arrives at the site and endorse on the forms that it is in good working condition before any operations can begin. As soon as the work is completed, the machine should be returned to the owner promptly and if there are any damages, they should be settled soonest possible as per their agreement.
Summary
Here I have given some brief information on the various types of access platforms available for use on a construction site. I have given specific mention to renting self self drive access equipment because I believe it to be one of the most powerful and effective type of access platform currently available.