12 Things to Consider When Purchasing Working at Height Equipment...

I talk to people all the time that need equipment but don’t really know where to start. You can very easily lose sight of your goals, tasks and sometimes your budget.

Hopefully this simple infographic can give you some guidance, help you set some realistic goals and make sure you get the equipment you really want and need.

First things first, what do you want to do with the equipment? Is it a single task or does it need to meet multiple requirements?

How high is the task you are looking to complete? The working height of a piece of equipment is exactly that, what height do your hands need to be at to actually to the do the job? 

For powered access platforms the working height is generally quoted as 2 meters above the platform height. For someone quite short like me that working height might be at my maximum reach, so keep in mind who will actually be doing the tasks.

If you are unsure of how to best measure the height you need to be at I would recommend a laser measure. They are the easiest and most accurate way to measure vertically, especially in busy production areas or ceiling voids. 

I talk to clients all the time who need to get to 6-8m only to find out when we arrive on site it was actually 11 meters high. That is one of the great things about getting an expert recommendation or site survey conducted, it will be measured accurately and a demonstration of the equipment is often possible.

Another thing that is often not factored in is lead time, not all equipment is immediately available. Popular models can have a lead time of over 3 months and they are often made specifically to order. So, if you need equipment for a specific project or date make sure you start this process well in advance and ask about the lead time. It could be a huge factor in your decision-making process if two pieces of equipment are almost identical in specification and price but one is available 8 weeks sooner than the other.

Having said that equipment is available for short term hire so with any purchase make sure you buy the equipment that is right long term. Equipment now is robust, reliable and durable so should be an asset to your business for many years to come.

Click here to download a copy of the “12 Things to consider when purchasing working at height equipment checklist”.

I’m always happy to answer any questions you might have email me or leave a comment below. I hope this was helpful.