Top 5 Uses Of Industrial Aerial Platforms On Construction Sites
If there is one thing industrial platforms are known for, it is their versatility. They can be used to carry out all kinds of elevated tasks – from property maintenance to heritage site renovations and beyond. In fact, they are a construction site staple too, helping crews complete a wide range of activities that would be risky with traditional scaffolding or ladders.
Efficient and powerful, these machines provide greater mobility and faster deployment on construction sites, which is necessary for projects with a quick turnover schedule. As for where they fit into the construction process, that is what this blog is all about.
Today, Platform Basket Canada, manufacturers of Italian-engineered aerial lifts in Ontario, will tell you about their uses on construction sites.
5 Major Applications Of Industrial Aerial Platforms On Construction Sites
From installing structural components to facade work, industrial aerial platforms serve multiple purposes on construction sites, with the most major ones being:
Structural Installation & Framing
Industrial aerial lifts make structural construction work more efficient by providing crews with a safe and stable way to work at heights. They can be used for:
- Installation of steel beams
- Structural framing
- Elevated fastening work
With their self-leveling mechanism and precise positioning, these platforms allow crews to work close to the site of the task while providing ample room to keep tools and other materials. Furthermore, their articulating boom makes it easy to move quickly between different work areas, thereby preventing productivity loss.
Building Envelope & Facade Installation
Extensive elevated access is required for facade work. While traditional cranes can help here, their large frame makes them a poor choice for constricted worksites. Compact and lightweight spider lifts solve the access challenge on such sites while enabling:
- Precise glass placement
- Curtain wall installation
- Waterproofing work
- Cladding tasks
- Exterior sealing and finishing
With their easy maneuverability, spider lifts allow workers to reach around difficult areas, corners, overhangs, and other architectural features to access spots that need work. This flexibility ensures the speedy and safe completion of exterior construction tasks.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Installation
A typical construction project moves through several phases, and MEP installation is a part of many of those phases. With industrial aerial platforms, workers get access to:
- Install electrical conduits
- Affix lighting systems
- Carry out HVAC ductwork
- Install ventilation systems
- Fit fire protection systems
- Accommodate plumbing infrastructure
Most high-rises feature incredibly high ceilings, which can complicate MEP installation. However, aerial lifts simplify vertical access, making installation a safe and efficient process.
Roofing & Overhead Construction Tasks
The safe positioning of personnel, materials, and equipment is critical for roof-related work. Spider lifts remain stable even when extended so that crews can use them to:
- Install roofs
- Conduct structural inspections
- Place mechanical equipment
- Install solar panels
- Work on waterproofing projects
These machines also provide exceptional reach, allowing crews to access roof edges from ground zero – something that could be quite dangerous if only makeshift scaffolds are used.
Interior Construction & Finishing Work
Projects close to completion require a lot of interior work. Many of these tasks take place at heights, which means aerial platforms can be used for:
- Ceiling installation
- Interior glazing
- Lighting upgrades
- Painting and finishing
- Signage installation
- Facility commissioning
Compact aerial platforms, when folded, can travel to different floors via freight elevators to support the completion of interior construction work. They also fit through standard doorways, have lower emission levels, and feature outrigger pads to prevent damage to tiled floors, making them perfect for indoor use.
Conclusion
Industrial aerial platforms can support nearly every facet of construction – from exterior work to interior installations. They provide crews with the kind of safe and flexible access they need when working at heights. They also cater to the demands of complex construction projects and can significantly improve onsite productivity, efficiency, and safety.
Platform Basket Canada is the leading manufacturer of the most advanced and versatile industrial aerial platforms in Ontario. Our state-of-the-art machines are compact, lightweight, and perfect for both exterior and interior work on construction sites. Contact us to explore our range of vertical access solutions, their capabilities, and height and weight capacities.
FAQs
Can industrial aerial platforms be used on unfinished construction sites?
Yes. Their in-built stabilizers ensure they stay stable on uneven terrain, while their articulating boom allows crews to work around obstacles.
Which industries, apart from construction, can use industrial aerial platforms?
Sectors such as facility maintenance, manufacturing, warehousing, utilities, and infrastructure commonly use aerial lifts to carry out tasks that require elevated access.
Can electric industrial platforms be used on construction sites?
Yes. Electric models feature lower emissions and noise levels, making them a safe choice for urban construction projects.