Anyone working at height in the construction, farming, or warehousing industry will instantly tell you how risky it is. Aside from the danger, manually lifting and lowering items is also very time-consuming.
To avoid the risk of staff injury, delayed work, and damaged goods, it’s always recommended to use the scissor lift hire Bendigo companies rely on for safe work practices. If you’re about to hire a scissor lift for the first time, then this post is a must-read. Keep reading as we highlight the most important factors to keep in mind.
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Simplify Your First Scissor Hire
The concept of machine hire was designed to simplify a wide range of processes in many different work sectors. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the ins and outs of scissor lift hire that you should know.
Understand Why Scissor Lifts are Ideal
For the unversed, scissor lifts are little machines that feature crisscrossing metal bars and a platform on top. The metal bars expand to raise the platform. One or two workers can stand on the platform, allowing them to safely work at height.
Scissor lifts are a go-to option in many industries as they are much safer and more reliable than ladders. There’s also no need to build them up as you need to do with scaffolds. Since the space on top is strong and sturdy, workers can easily take tools, equipment, and materials up to the area where they may need to build or repair something.
Availability in a wide range of sizes makes it ideal to work in any industry. If you’re working on a construction site, you can choose an all-terrain model that will allow for safe use anywhere. Unlike scaffolding, there’s no assembly and climbing required. This nifty piece of equipment also doesn’t have to lean against a wall to remain upright. Workers simply get on, are raised up and then lowered once the work is complete.
The most common uses of scissor lifts include the following:
- Installing light fixtures and other ceiling work
- Regular maintenance tasks at height
- Working on power lines
- Bricklaying at height
- Sign hanging
- Removing, stacking, or accessing inventory on warehouse shelves
Review the Options Available
As with everything else in machine hire, there are no one-unit-for-all jobs. Scissor lifts are available in different sizes and weight capacities making it super easy to find the right unit for the space. That means a scissor lift can work out in the open on a construction site where there’s a lot of space as well as in a warehouse between narrow aisles.
We recommend checking the specifications of each model for hire if you’re looking for additional features and technological advancements. Typically, you can choose from the following:
- Electric
- Diesel
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Rough terrain (ideal for working outside on a construction site)
Hire or Train an Operator
While scissor lifts are relatively easy to operate, it’s essential to note that you will need a certified operator to use them. Current Australian law requires scissor lifts to only be operated by a licensed person.
Typically, operators require an EWP Operator Ticket, commonly referred to as a yellow card if they’re going to be operating anywhere above 11 meters. For any higher jobs, the operator will be required to have a High-Risk Work Licence.
Since training for and getting the licence takes about 1 -2 days, your operator will be ready to work in no time. If you’re training someone from scratch, it’s a good idea to factor these training days into your planning to avoid unnecessary downtime.
Be Sure to Understand the Hiring Process
If you’re hiring machinery for the first time, it’s important to start the process by finding a reliable agent in the area where you’re working. This will eliminate any time wasted waiting for the unit to arrive from further away.
Next, you’ll want to review the reputation and credibility of the company you’re going to use. Do this by checking online reviews and customer feedback on their official website or social media pages. It’s equally important to check the contract before signing up. Ensure that all the potential costs are listed and explained in full. This will reduce the likelihood of unforeseen costs cropping up later on.
You’ll also want to review the quality of the machine you’re going to hire. Ideally, the unit should be clean, recently serviced and in 100% working condition. Our experts recommend always testing the unit beforehand to ensure that you’re not delaying any work and jeopardizing safety by using a faulty machine.
Final Thoughts
These days, machine and equipment hire has become more economical than having to purchase a new unit. Speak to your local machine rental agent for the best scissor lift for all your various height work needs. You’ll be surprised at how simple the process is and how quickly the job gets done once your team can safely reach the spaces where they have to work.
