How To Choose The Right Aerial Work Platform For Different Project Stages

While on the surface, choosing among aerial lifts might seem like an easy task, it takes due diligence to pick the right one. Not only should you pay attention to the signs that indicate you are using the wrong lift, but you must also factor in the very specific access requirements of the phase your project is in.

For example, structural work requires maximum height and outreach, while interior work demands the use of more compact and lightweight equipment. Taking these subtle yet critical nuances into account is essential to maintaining productivity and safety onsite.

So rather than relying on one machine and hoping it will do all the work, Platform Basket Canada – manufacturer of fine Italian-engineered platforms – will show you how to match the machine’s capabilities with the very specific demands of the phase your construction or renovation project is in.

Site Preparation

The starting point of any project, the preparatory stage involves a myriad of sub-steps which include site surveys, utility installations, structural inspection, and in the case of construction projects – preliminary steel work. Most unfinished job sites are likely to feature uneven terrain, gravel, mud, and narrow access points, making a stable machine the need of the hour.

Recommend Aerial Lift Option: At this stage, we strongly recommend using a tracked spider lift. Their built-in tracked undercarriage and self-leveling outriggers offer exceptional stability on uneven ground conditions while maintaining low ground pressure. They are perfect for tasks such as temporary site lighting installations since they do not require excessive surface preparation.

Structural Construction or Building Envelope Installation

In construction, this stage is all about building vertically. As the frame of the project rises, you have to shift the installation of steel structures, cladding, curtain walls, windows, and exterior facades into high gear. Such elevated installation activities require machines that offer safe and stable vertical and horizontal access.

Recommended Aerial Lift Option: Aerial lifts with articulating booms are a great choice for elevated work. They can help operators work around obstacles, scaffolding and other architectural elements without limiting access. Such platforms simplify complex installation tasks that require precision, such as the placement of structural beams, curtain walls, or glass panels. No frequent repositioning required.

Mechanical, Electrical & Interior Fit-Outs

A lot of interior installation and maintenance work goes on in buildings – especially at heights. Installation of HVAC systems, electrical conduits, lighting systems, fire suppression systems, and communication infrastructure requires safe vertical access in cluttered sites where multiple trades work simultaneously. This can restrict access, so it is important to exercise caution before selecting equipment for this stage.

Recommended Aerial Lift Option: We recommend an atrium lift for all indoor installation activities. They are generally compact enough to fit through a standard doorway and feature a light footprint, which prevents damage to delicate interior flooring. Moreover, their low emissions and noise levels permit safe indoor work with as minimal disruption as possible. They are perfect for installing high-level lighting or other similar infrastructure.

Finishing Touches & Inspections

Whether it is a renovation or a construction site, adding finishing touches is a critical part of every project. These finishing touches can take the form of painting, signage installation, ceiling repair work, glass cleaning, inspections, or other commissioning activities. Since they are high-priority tasks, using machines that offer easy maneuverability is a must.

Recommended Aerial Lift Option: Thanks to their lightweight construction, compact dimensions, and unparalleled maneuverability, electric spider lifts are undoubtedly the best choice for finishing touches and inspections. Even in completed projects, they can help with facade cleaning, ceiling fixture inspections, and signage repairs without causing any damage to the floor whatsoever.

Conclusion

Aerial lifts are a critical component of construction, repair, renovation, and maintenance activities. Different types of aerial lifts serve different purposes during the various stages of these projects. It is essential to use the right kind for each phase – especially as far as site safety and damage prevention are concerned.

Platform Basket Canada is one of the major suppliers of efficient and safe industrial aerial platforms in Ontario. Our range of machines keeps projects moving through their various phases – from start to finish. Contact us to get elevated access solutions that optimize project planning and productivity.

FAQs

Which aerial lift is best for rough construction sites?

Tracked spider lifts are the best choice as their tracked undercarriages, self-leveling systems, robust stabilizers, and outriggers ensure operator safety and machine stability in challenging conditions.

Can a single aerial lift be used throughout an entire construction project?

While it is certainly possible, matching the aerial lift’s specifications with the requirements of the task ensures maximum on-site safety.

What should project managers consider when transporting aerial lifts within a jobsite?

They should be mindful of the machine’s weight, dimensions, and site accessibility before moving the machine from one end of the site to the other.