The 5 Types of Aerial Work Platforms

Articulated Boom Lifts

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An articulated boom lift, also known as a knuckle lift, has a work platform on an extended arm that can reach up and over obstacles, resembling your finger when you bend it. Articulated boom lifts have a turntable at the base which allows the lift to swivel in a full circle. This type of machine is used mainly for maintenance work and other tasks that are difficult to access. Unlike a scissor lift which can only extend directly above itself, articulated boom lifts are types of aerial lifts that can be used for repair jobs on the exterior of buildings, including piping. They provide convenience for hard-to-reach areas and can be used on uneven terrain.

 

Telescopic Boom Lifts

This type of aerial lift is used for tasks that require maximum reach capabilities. A work platform is mounted on a straight, long arm that sits on a movable turntable. Telescopic boom lifts are not like articulated boom lifts that can bend and curve over obstacles; telescopic lifts are types of aerial lifts that can only access areas that are straight above or at a direct angle. Electrical repair, window washing, and other maintenance jobs are the most common that employ the assistance of a telescopic boom lift.

 

Scissor lift

One of the most preferred lifts, scissor lifts are a type of platform that can typically only move vertically. According to Wikipedia, the upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically. The platform may also have an extending &#;bridge&#; to allow closer access to the work area, because of the inherent limits of vertical-only movement.

Scissor lifts are much more limited in use compared to the other types of aerial lifts including articulated and telescopic boom lifts because they have to be situated directly underneath itself. They also cannot reach maximum heights. Therefore, they are best for indoor use like basic maintenance work and painting since the larger-sized bucket can accommodate multiple workers and equipment. There are rough terrain scissor lifts available to handle slightly uneven terrain when outdoor work is required.

 

Aerial lift

Resembling the cherry picker, the aerial lift is often a popular choice for getting to higher ground. According to OSHA, Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platforms. These lifts are used to access utility lines and other above ground job sites. While aerial lifts can be a blanket term used to describe boom lifts and scissor lifts, the original design of an aerial lift was used to drive to outdoor job sites to access electrical lines, trees, and more. Aerial lifts are usually controlled by the operator on the platform.

 

Safety is also a huge priority with these lifts. OSHA states that the major causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, collapses, or tip overs. Employers must take measures to ensure the safe use of aerial lifts by their workers if they are required to use this equipment.

 

Operators must take their lives into their own hands and be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially when working near electrical power lines that may be live. Safety products like lanyards that attach to the bucket as well as hard hats and rubber clothing are needed for utmost safety on the job.

 

If you&#;re an aerial lift worker, and you still need to complete your aerial lift certification, check out CertifyMeOnline.net. On our website, you can read more about the various types of aerial lifts, the dangers involved with operating, and how you can avoid hazards that lead to serious accidents

 

Aerial Work Platforms

If you need to get somewhere very high up without being in danger, you&#;re looking for a lift. Literally. Known more formally as aerial work platforms, these devices are useful on jobsites and beyond. Whether you&#;re repairing the roof of a warehouse or painting street art on the side of a wall, you would benefit from using one on your project.

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An aerial work platform (or AWP for short) is, by definition, any device that is used to reach high places. Their wide platforms are designed for both people and material handling, so an operator can bring their tools and materials up with them. Although, this definition is very broad. AWPs come in several forms that work better for different circumstances.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aerial Work Platform

Reach

Where are you trying to get, exactly? The distance is, of course, relevant to this question, but it&#;s also worth analyzing other parts of the jobsite. Consider any awkward or tight spaces you need your operators to fit into, or what angles you would need the work platform to move in.

 

Environment

Not every AWP is suited for every jobsite. Working indoors will require a more compact machine, while working outdoors might require something that can handle rough terrain. 

 

Job

Aerial work platforms are popular because they vary so much. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you should consider what kind of work your operator will be doing once they are off the ground.

 

Safety

Although operating an AWP might not seem as intensive as driving an excavator or backhoe, it is still a piece of heavy machinery. You could get seriously hurt if you don&#;t know what you&#;re doing. Anyone who operates an AWP needs to go through safety training first. Check with your staff members to make sure they are certified to operate an AWP before deciding.

 

Common Types of Aerial Work Platforms

Boom Lifts

Likely the most common type of AWP, boom lifts are recognizable by the boom arm that lifts the platform. Boom lifts can reach up to 100 feet away, depending on the manufacturer and model. Some even have a turntable, so the lift has 360-degree rotation.

 

Boom Lift Variations

Articulated Boom Lifts - have multiple joints in their arms, making them better to maneuver in hard-to-reach places. Sometimes, they are referred to as knuckle booms. They&#;re especially useful for electrical work and piping repairs.

Telescopic Boom Lifts - have an extending arm that gives them a longer reach. You can regularly find people using these for highly-specialized jobs that require a lot of reach and a straight angle.

Cherry Pickers - have a jointed arm mounted to the top of a truck. Although it has a shorter reach than other boom lifts, it&#;s much better at moving around quickly. The cherry picker is aptly named for its usefulness in tree trimming and fruit picking.

 

Scissor Lifts

These compact machines might not look like other aerial work platforms, but they&#;re just as useful. Scissor lifts use an accordion-style support system to raise or lower people and materials&#; anywhere from 20 to 50 feet. They can&#;t extend laterally, but that often works to the machine&#;s advantage. The combination of their lifting ability and their especially wide work platform make them popular for jobs that require plenty of room, like building repairs and window installation.

 

Scissor Lift Variations

Electric Scissor Lifts - run on electricity. These machines are quieter and better for the environment, but aren&#;t as powerful as other varieties. Usually, you can find these in indoor operations.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts - require diesel fuel to operate. As the name suggests, these are meant to operate outside in heavy construction. Although they are loud and release fumes, they carry a heavier load and move better on rough terrain.

Suggested reading:
Articulating Boom Lifts: Pros and Cons

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Pneumatic Scissor Lifts - powered by compressed air, they do not require electricity or fuel to operate. As far as environmental health is concerned, this is the best option, although it is not suited for rougher environments.

 

Atrium Lifts

Also known as a spider lift, an atrium lift carries people and materials in its relatively small platform with an articulated arm. Its most obvious difference are the four extendable legs that help stabilize and level the machine. Unlike other types of AWPs, atrium lifts do not move while in operation, but they make up for it with their compact shape. Most models can even fit through a standard double-doorway, and they have reaching capabilities similar to a boom lift (typically around 60-100 feet). Atrium lifts are especially useful for cleaning and maintenance of large rooms like libraries, gymnasiums and atriums&#; hence the name.

 

Atrium Lift Variations

Z-Style - the boom of the atrium lift has one joint much lower on the boom, giving it the ability to form a &#;Z&#; shape.

S-Style - the joints on the boom of this type of lift are placed high on the boom, giving it a curvier &#;S&#; shape.

 

Scaffolding and Ladders

The time and place might be entirely different, but humanity has used scaffolding for centuries as a means to reach elevated heights. Scaffolding redistributes your weight and keeps you elevated without using machinery. Ladders are used in tandem to help navigate the scaffolding system. They&#;re extremely versatile because they can be built to suit the job&#;s needs, whether you&#;re working on a residential home or a skyscraper.

 

Scaffolding Variations

Supported Scaffolding - built from the ground upward, work platforms are supported by a network of lumber or steel support beams. This is useful for any exterior work that has ample ground space.

Suspended Scaffolding - hangs from ropes and chains. The pulley system lets you raise or lower the work platform as needed, although the work platform can hold less. You would normally use this for jobs that would otherwise be unreachable.

 

Renting vs Buying

No matter which aerial work platform you choose, it will be a significant financial investment. Even after you have decided on an AWP, you need to consider how you will acquire it. Renting and owning your AWP are both equally advantageous, depending on your circumstances.

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Owning your equipment has obvious advantages. You don&#;t have to worry about the availability of AWPs at rental yards if you own the equipment. Plus, you don&#;t have to compete with other contractors to find the equipment you need. The only downside to buying your equipment is the sizable upfront investment. You would also be responsible for the maintenance and storage of your equipment. Buying an AWP is a smart choice if you anticipate using it regularly.

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Renting, on the other hand, takes a lot of responsibility off your shoulders. The company you rent from will take care of maintenance issues and storage costs. You also have a considerable amount of control over your spending if you&#;re renting. Once you&#;re finished using a piece of equipment, you can simply off-rent it and save money. If you don&#;t typically work at high elevations, it&#;s worth it to just rent your lifting equipment for the project and then off-rent once you&#;re finished.

 

Types of Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial work platforms, also known as cherry pickers or hydraulic lifts, are mobile devices used to elevate workers to high areas for a variety of tasks. These platforms offer a safe and efficient way for workers to access otherwise difficult-to-reach areas, such as the tops of buildings or the upper levels of warehouses. There are several different types of aerial work platforms, each designed for specific tasks and environments.

 

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts are a type of aerial work platform that consist of a platform at the end of a hydraulic arm, or boom. The boom allows the platform to extend horizontally and vertically, giving workers access to high areas without the need for a ladder or scaffolding. Boom lifts are available in both self-propelled and trailer-mounted models, and can be either electric or gas-powered. They are often used in construction and maintenance tasks, such as painting or repairing the exterior of a building.

 

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are another type of aerial work platform that uses a system of crisscrossing supports to raise and lower a platform. Unlike boom lifts, scissor lifts do not have the ability to extend horizontally, but they can reach higher vertical heights. Scissor lifts are typically self-propelled and are available in both electric and gas-powered models. They are often used in warehouses and factories for tasks such as stocking shelves or changing light bulbs.

 

Vertical Lifts

Vertical lifts, also known as vertical personnel lifts, are a type of aerial work platform that uses a telescoping mast to raise and lower a platform. Unlike boom lifts and scissor lifts, vertical lifts do not have any lateral movement, but they can reach very high heights. Vertical lifts are typically electric-powered and are designed for indoor use. They are often used in situations where space is limited, such as in shopping malls or office buildings.

 

Towable Lifts

Towable lifts are a type of aerial work platform that is mounted on a trailer and can be towed by a vehicle. They are typically smaller and more portable than other types of aerial work platforms, making them well-suited for use in remote or difficult-to-access areas. Towable lifts are available in a variety of sizes and can be either electric or gas-powered. They are often used in landscaping and tree trimming tasks, as well as for building maintenance and repair.

 

Articulating Boom Lifts

Articulating boom lifts are a type of aerial work platform that combines the features of both boom lifts and scissor lifts. They consist of a hydraulic arm that can extend horizontally and vertically, as well as an articulating joint that allows the arm to bend and rotate. This gives workers greater flexibility and range of motion compared to other types of aerial work platforms. Articulating boom lifts are typically self-propelled and are available in both electric and gas-powered models. They are often used in a variety of tasks, including window washing and HVAC maintenance.

 

Telescopic Boom Lifts

Telescopic boom lifts are similar to standard boom lifts, but they have the added ability to extend the arm in a telescoping motion. This allows workers to reach even greater heights and distances than they could with a regular boom lift. Telescopic boom lifts are typically self-propelled and are available in both electric and gas-powered models. They are often used in construction and maintenance tasks that require a long reach, such as cleaning the exterior of a tall building or installing overhead signage.

 

Personnel Lifts

Personnel lifts are a type of aerial work platform that is designed to transport workers and their tools to high areas. Unlike other types of aerial work platforms, personnel lifts do not have a platform for workers to stand on. Instead, they consist of a cage or basket that workers can enter and be lifted to the desired height. Personnel lifts are typically electric-powered and are designed for indoor use. They are often used in situations where a regular aerial work platform would be too large or cumbersome, such as in tight or confined spaces.

 

There are several different types of aerial work platforms available, each designed for specific tasks and environments. Boom lifts, scissor lifts, and vertical lifts are the most commonly used types of aerial work platforms, while towable lifts, articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, and personnel lifts offer more specialized capabilities. By choosing the right type of aerial work platform, workers can safely and efficiently access high areas for a variety of tasks.

 

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