Construction projects involve a wide range of work-at-height requirements, from groundworks and house building through to roofing, steel erection, cladding and internal fit-out. Rapid Platforms provides powered access equipment for construction projects, helping contractors select suitable machinery for different stages of their work.
The right access platform depends on the working height, outreach, platform capacity, ground conditions and available space on site. Our range includes scissor lifts, articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, spider lifts, truck-mounted cherry pickers, van-mounted platforms and other specialist access equipment.
For larger or more complex projects, several types of MEWP may be required at different stages of construction.
MEWP hire for construction provides an efficient way to access elevated work areas while keeping machine selection focused on the task requirements.
Cherry pickers and other powered access platforms can support work from ground level through to high-rise applications. Compared with basic access methods, a powered platform provides a dedicated working area for operators and suitable tools, while allowing the machine to be positioned around the work area.
Select the machine based on the actual height, reach, and load requirements, rather than choosing the largest available platform.
Construction sites can present multiple hazards when work is carried out at height. Uneven ground, moving vehicles, overhead obstructions, other contractors and changing site conditions can all affect how access equipment should be used.
Effective planning should include selecting suitable equipment, assessing the working area and ensuring operators have the appropriate training and familiarisation.
Complete pre-use checks before operating a machine, and always use equipment within the manufacturer's specified operating limits.
Rapid Platforms can provide a range of machines for different construction applications, including:
The available machine should match the project's working height, outreach, platform capacity, ground conditions, and access requirements.
House building projects can require powered access for snagging, roofing, installation and finishing work. Truck-mounted cherry pickers can be particularly useful where elevated access is needed at different points around a new-build development.
A mobile access platform lets contractors address snagging and other work-at-height requirements without establishing a permanent access system for every task.
The required equipment depends on the building design, working height, site layout, and type of work being carried out.
Roofing work often requires access to elevated areas around the roofline, including installation, inspection, maintenance and finishing tasks.
A suitable cherry picker or boom lift can provide a raised working platform for roofers while allowing the machine to be positioned at an appropriate distance from the building.
Before selecting equipment, contractors should consider the required working height, outreach, ground conditions and available positioning area.
Steel erection involves handling and positioning structural steel at significant heights, making access equipment an important part of many projects.
Boom lifts and larger scissor lifts can provide the height, outreach and platform capacity required for suitable steel erection applications. The machine should reach the required work area while staying within its operating limits.
For larger steel-frame projects, machine selection may involve several access platforms with different specifications to support different stages of construction.
Cladding installation can require access along the external face of a building, often at considerable height. Powered access can provide a flexible working platform for suitable installation and finishing work.
Truck-mounted cherry pickers, boom lifts, and scissor lifts can all be used on cladding projects, depending on the building design and working area.
The required outreach is particularly important where the platform needs to work away from the machine's base position.
Internal fit-out projects often have different access requirements from external construction work. Offices, commercial buildings and other interiors may require compact machines that can manoeuvre through restricted areas.
Small electric scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts can suit certain indoor fit-out applications where low-emission operation, manoeuvrability, and non-marking tyres are important.
Check the available floor space, ceiling height, doorway dimensions, and surface conditions before selecting the equipment.
Fire protection systems often require installation at elevated positions within commercial, industrial and other buildings.
Powered access equipment can provide a stable working platform for suitable installation work involving fire protection systems. Select the machine based on the building layout, required height, and available working space.
For indoor projects, compact electric machines may be appropriate where their specifications meet the application requirements.
Data centre projects can involve detailed installation and fit-out work in controlled indoor environments. Access may be required for cabling, infrastructure installation, equipment installation and ongoing maintenance.
Small electric scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts can be useful for suitable applications where space is restricted, and manoeuvrability is important.
When selecting access equipment, consider machine dimensions, floor protection, working height, and the need to minimise disruption to other activities.
Drylining work requires access to elevated sections of walls and ceilings, often within buildings where space is restricted.
Small electric scissor lifts can provide a stable elevated platform for suitable drylining installations, while mast lifts can offer compact vertical access where a smaller footprint is beneficial.
The equipment should provide sufficient platform capacity for the intended work and materials while remaining suitable for the available indoor space.
Some construction projects require access at substantial heights. Rapid Platforms can provide larger access equipment for applications where standard compact machines do not provide the required working envelope.
Large scissor lifts, diesel articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts can provide different combinations of working height, outreach and platform capacity.
Select the machine specification based on the actual requirements of the work, not maximum height alone.
Construction hoists can support the movement of people and materials around suitable construction projects. They can complement powered access equipment where the project requires vertical transportation as well as elevated work platforms.
The appropriate hoist depends on the site requirements, including building configuration, lifting requirements, and the project programme.
Where both MEWPs and hoists are required, the equipment can be planned as part of the wider site access strategy.
Choosing the right machine before delivery can help prevent delays caused by unsuitable equipment. A site survey can be particularly useful where the project has restricted access, difficult ground conditions, unusual working heights or limited positioning space.
The assessment can consider:
These factors help establish which type of powered access equipment is most appropriate for the project.
Operators using powered access equipment should have appropriate training for the category of machine they operate. IPAF training can provide the relevant knowledge and practical skills for different powered access categories.
Machine-specific familiarisation should also be completed where required so that the operator understands the controls, safety features and operating limitations of the particular equipment.
For construction sites with multiple machines, ensuring that operators are suitably trained for the equipment they use is an important part of work-at-height planning.
Construction equipment can be exposed to demanding working conditions, so regular servicing and maintenance are important.
Machines should be maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations, with appropriate inspections and examinations completed as required. Pre-use checks should also be carried out before operation.
Well-maintained equipment can help reduce avoidable downtime and support reliable availability throughout a construction project.
Construction projects can change as work progresses, meaning equipment requirements may also change between phases.
A project may require compact electric scissor lifts during internal fit-out before switching to larger boom lifts for external work. Similarly, truck-mounted cherry pickers may be useful for short-notice snagging or finishing tasks.
Planning equipment around each stage of the project helps ensure the machine provided is appropriate for the work being carried out.
Rapid Platforms supports construction projects across the UK with powered access equipment for different working-at-height applications.
Whether the requirement involves house building, roofing, steel erection, cladding, fit-out, fire protection, data centre construction, or drylining, the equipment should be selected to meet the project's requirements.
Providing details of the required height, outreach, application, location and site conditions can help identify a suitable access solution.
What powered access equipment is used on construction sites?
⌃
What is the best MEWP for construction work?
⌃
Can cherry pickers be used for roofing?
⌃
What access equipment is suitable for steel erection?
⌃
Which MEWP is suitable for construction fit-out?
⌃
Can powered access be used for data centre construction?
⌃
What equipment is suitable for drylining?
⌃
Can construction hoists be used alongside MEWPs?
⌃
Should a site survey be carried out before hiring a MEWP?
⌃
Do construction MEWP operators need training?
⌃
