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Changes to duty with regards to red diesel

Access platform hire specialists Rapid Platforms, (part of the AFI group of companies) have been awarded a prestigious 'Contractor of the Month' award

Access platform hire specialists Rapid Platforms, (part of the AFI group of companies) are adding the new and improved Alimak Scando 65/32 goods and passenger hoist to their popular Rack and Pinion Hoists hire division.

Picture: Hoist being delivered and installed by Rapid Platforms

Rapid Platforms part of the AFI group of companies has increased their hoist range to include the GEDA 1500ZZP for transporting both materials and personnel.

Comment the maximum number of 600g eggs that can fit in the basket of a Skyjack 3219 to win a Super-Sized egg!

Selecting the right hoist for your refurb project

Anyone who plans and supervises working at height must be trained and competent. The IPAF MEWPs for Managers course addresses this training need for supervising and planning MEWP operations

Let's suppose you've had IPAF training on a typical 30ft to 45ft boom lift or 24ft to 30ft scissor but then you're asked to operate a 150ft boom or a 100ft scissor.

Rapid Platforms has been awarded FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Silver accreditation for its good working practices in the way it operates its powered access machine delivery and service van fleets.

Do you always wear a harness when operating a boom lift, do you make sure that it’s fitted correctly and do you inspect it for wear and tear? Knowing about harnesses could save your life, so make sure you attend one of our IPAF half day training courses. The course will cover the following:

Truck and track mounts from the Rapid Platforms fleet helped contractors to complete glazing inspections and repair work to a tight deadline at an office complex in Bracknell, Berkshire.

A Niftylift boom lift from the Rapid Platforms fleet has helped to safeguard the future of a 700-year-old monument for generations to come.

If you're working at height inside a building where space is restricted it's essential that you use the right machine for the job in hand.

Rapid Platforms, one of the UK’s oldest powered access rental companies, marked its 35th anniversary in October.

Before an operator begins to use a MEWP, he should carry out a static pre-use inspection to ensure that it is structurally safe and has no faults that could put themselves or others at risk.

If you've decided to book an IPAF course or you're about to go on one, this blog will give you an idea of what to expect.

If you've decided to book an IPAF course or you're about to go on one, this blog will give you an idea of what to expect.

Most site breakdowns or down time on battery powered MEWPs are due to lack of maintenance or incorrect use by the hirer. However, a little care and maintenance can help you to save time and money, and ensure optimum safety and productivity.

Let's suppose you need to work at height on ground that is rough and uneven – do you opt for a 4WD MEWP or a track mounted MEWP? Let's consider the pros and cons of each type of machine:

If you’re a manager, supervisor or director responsible for people using MEWPs, it’s essential that you know what your management and legal responsibilities are – otherwise you could face a hefty fine or even end up going to jail!

Sam has been helping Breyer Group plc with its truck mounted platform hire requirements as the company saw its workload increase.

Consider the possible consequences if you are working at height in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform and you became injured or ill? Would you have the knowledge to rescue yourself and would people on the ground be available and trained to safely lower the platform if you were unable to?

Before you consider operating a MEWP on ground that may not be familiar to you, bear in mind the following points:

For legal, safety and productivity reasons it’s vital that owners of powered access machines have them inspected and serviced by a CAP Certified engineer.

Rapid Platforms is investing over £1 million in new machines and is also recruiting four new employees.

While our cherry pickers, hoists and truck-mounted access platforms are clearly designed for outdoor use, we also offer access equipment that can be used indoors

When renting or buying access machinery it is vitally important to choose equipment that matches your requirements exactly. Attempting to

Having first-aid training can be beneficial for both personal reasons and work-related issues; therefore, it is always a highly recommended

Do you own a small business that specialises in building maintenance, repairs or alteration? If you’ve been running your business

Purchasing the right access machinery can ensure you have the machine you need to work at height, whenever you need

When operating a cherry picker or other types of access machinery at height, there are numerous weather conditions that can