What Types of Elevated Work Platforms Are Available on a Rental Basis?

Various commercial applications require employees to work high above the ground level. Elevated work platforms are mechanical devices used to facilitate access to otherwise inaccessible areas at height.

There are various types of equipment used as elevated platforms, which are available to commercial entities on a rental basis. Three of these are discussed in the below article.

Scissor Lifts

A scissor lift looks like a giant, fully open, stacked pair of scissors. As a result of their design, scissor lifts provide crisscross support when used as an elevated work platform. They are most suitable for use in commercial applications for which employees require directly overhead access to the work area.  

The use of scissor lifts is preferred over other elevated work platforms for a number of reasons. For one, an employee using a scissor lift will not need to bend and stretch repeatedly. This reduces the likelihood that such an employee will suffer repetitive strain injury. Secondly, a scissor lift is relatively easy to move and operate, which reduces the chances of accidents or incidents during the commercial activity. Scissor lift operators also benefit from the lifts' ease of use and operation in the form of lower levels of fatigue. For the commercial entity, this translates to increased productivity.

Scissor lifts can run on mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic power in accordance with the power requirements for the specific application.

Mast Lifts

The work platform on a mast lift is supported by a thin vertical structure usually made of metal. Mast lifts can either be self-propelling or manual push. Of course, the operation of manual push mast lifts is more labour intensive than that of their self-propelled counterparts.

The use of mast lifts as commercial elevation platforms is mainly preferred for the fact that some of these lifts have a dual mast feature. This allows the lift to support more than one employee at a time.  Mast lifts are therefore the most suitable platforms for activities that require the input of multiple employees.

Telescopic Boom Lifts

Telescopic boom lifts are commonly used on construction sites and for activities related to commercial repairs and maintenance. These lifts are referred to as stick booms in some quarters for the reason that their work platforms travel straight from the base of the lift.

A telescopic boom lift can be raised vertically and extended straight out to horizontal positions at varying heights. This unique type of movement distinguishes telescopic boom lifts from other types of elevated work platforms.

Now that you know more about your options, contact a local rental facility to hire the equipment you need.