Why Arborists Use Powered Access Platforms
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- 19-12-2022
This article looks at the benefits of powered access platforms for tree cutting. If you need to carry out arborist work on a tree at height, find out if you can benefit from a powered access platform.
What Is Powered Access?
There is a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) for you whether you're working outside or in a small space, and this is true for the majority of usage situations.
Powered access platforms include, but are not limited to, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and vertical lifts. However, they are all used to help you perform activities from a height; the task at hand and the preferred method of access will decide the type of MEWP you require.
When attempting to work securely at height, the proper tree pruning tools and equipment are necessary yet sometimes cumbersome. There are occasions when using conventional operating methods might reduce production and put the arborist at risk in order to raise people, tools, and equipment to the proper height.
Since they are completely transportable and can access locations with limited space, powered access platforms provide a flexible solution to reach work at height that also improves site safety and reduces costs.
A variety of business sectors, from window cleaning to working on building sites to saving lives, can benefit from various motorised access platforms kinds.
Benefits Of Powered Access Platforms For Tree Cutting:
Mobility
According to the requirements of the task, spider lift access platforms have the benefit of being swiftly and simply transported, put up, and used.
The low ground pressure and light weight of spider lift access platforms make them particularly useful while working next to mowed lawns and garden paths.
By properly positioning the MEWP and elevating the platform, the operator may receive a close-up view of prospective tree-cutting issues that are sometimes difficult to perceive from the ground.
Accident risk can be decreased by identifying hazardous branches and locations where chopped wood may fall. Without running the risk of being hauled up by a rope, tools may be transported safely to the desired location.
Depending on the needs of the project, powered access platforms can be swiftly and conveniently transported, set up, and used. Vehicle-mounted platforms give the most versatility, while larger platforms may be road hauled for setup on location
One significant advantage of some models is their ability to securely complete several tasks in various places on or off-site while the platform is raised. The lightweight, low-ground-pressure access platforms for spider lifts are ideal for confined places or interiors of buildings.
They fit through standard-sized entrances and gates and may be used both inside and outside without harming floors or walkways. All-terrain vehicles, which offer four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering choices to access difficult-to-reach spots and levelling controls to stabilise on steeply sloping ground, make even work in harsh circumstances accessible.
Safety
The arborist may have a good perspective of the work that needs to be done without exerting themselves or others by working from a solid platform without hard ascents to the crown. A pre-work risk assessment and familiarising yourself with the powered access equipment instructions are both necessary readings.
Laws requiring access equipment usage training can help companies since access equipment can be utilised quickly, safely, and effectively by a small number of staff members.Lifting people and necessary equipment at a height is an easy problem that may be solved with powered access platforms.
Lifting is done securely and rapidly for bulky tools or materials, specialised machinery, or breakables. Laws requiring access to equipment training would ultimately help firms since fewer staff members will need to utilise the equipment swiftly and effectively. Even road-towable boom lifts, which can be positioned by one person and can reach heights of 10 to 26 metres, include an onboard driving system.
Access To Challenging Locations
MEWPs are one of the safest and most effective ways to operate at heights when used properly. They may be quick and simple to put up and operate, and they offer a sturdy platform for the operator and tools.
Cost-Effective
Individual tasks may take less time to complete if less time is spent manually ascending the tree and carrying tools up there. Increased workloads each week will aid in increasing productivity and profit.
Additionally, the shorter amount of time spent on site may result in fewer obstructions and disruptions for other people.
When offering a tree-trimming service, a motorised access platform enables the best tools to be utilised when working on the tree.
Working effectively and efficiently will improve the job product, resulting in more client satisfaction and referrals to your tree services.
Time is money in the majority of occupations, and enabled access platforms will increase productivity and cost savings. They save time on risk assessments and the onsite setup of tools like scaffolding since they are practical and safe.
They are versatile and simple to transfer between jobs, requiring fewer employees to run them and saving on labour expenditures. Additionally, they can move specialised equipment and big objects that would be expensive to transport using conventional lifting techniques.
MEWP Tree Worker Guidance
Without enough planning and preparation, using Mobile Elevating Operations Platforms (MEWPs) for tree care work is unsafe. The findings show that employees who take care of trees make up around one in five of all MEWP-related fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to have a secure workplace for those who take care of trees.
Always keep both feet firmly planted on the platform's surface. Never stand on the guardrails or sides to heighten yourself. Always maintain your work-positioning system fastened to the platform's anchor point. Never lower lumber on the platform floor, and keep it clear of debris. Never place the platform underneath a branch that has to be trimmed or cut off. Make sure it is placed at or above the cut's level.
Before beginning work, a risk assessment must be done. A plan of operations and emergency procedures must be agreed upon and understood by all employees in the event of, say, a control failure or injury. Determine the necessary tools, PPE (personal protective equipment), and the number of workers.
The work must be feasible for everyone. To the management, report any issues that could have an impact on performance. Choose the appropriate MEWP for the job. Take into account the terrain, the required height and reach, and the nature of the operation.
A work-positioning mechanism should be used to secure the operator inside the MEWP carrier (bucket/basket). Typically, a seat harness and lanyard are fastened to a specially designed connection point within the carrier. As required by the Department of Transportation's Safety during street works and road works: A Code of Practice, make sure all operations close to roadways are properly marked with the relevant notices.
We hope you got some useful information about the benefits of powered access platforms for tree cutting. If you require access equipment hire in Daventry and Northampton contact our specialists today.
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