Working at heights is a necessity, which calls for access equipment - mechanical aids to reach heights, safely and comfortably. From ladders small and large available in various versions and materials of construction, raised platforms, towers and scaffolding, access equipment comes in a wide range, and one has to select the most suitable for a given requirement. By all accounts it appears that ladders have been around for centuries. Every home and shopfloor is likely to have one, even if it is just a small step ladder to reach the height inaccessible to an average human being, which means anything above 8 to 10 feet.

When selecting the right access equipment for a given application, one may ask the following questions:

• What is the access equipment going to be used for?
• For how long does the person have to stand on the access equipment?
• How many people need to work using the access equipment?
• What material needs to be taken up for the work?
• How complicated is the work?

Once you know the answers to these questions, then it will be easier to select the safest and right access equipment to use. The overview below will help you assess which would best suit your needs.

Step Stools - compact and handy

As a rule, step stools feature up to four treads and the top tread or platform is safe to stand on. The maximum platform height is 1.00 m. Step stools are suitable for short jobs and are used for heights up to 3.00 mtr.

Examples of use:

• Assembly work at low levels
• Cleaning jobs
• Access to machines

Ladders - tall and lightweight

Ladders can be quickly deployed and are very light and compact in terms of their dimensions. We differentiate between single ladders, stepladders and multi-purpose ladders. Ladders are primarily suited to short-duration jobs involving low levels of risk.

Examples of use:

• Measuring & alignment work
• Changing lamps/lights
• Access to a workstation
• Maintenance & repair work

Mobile Scaffolds - height & stability

Mobile scaffolds feature a very large working platform with minimum dimensions of 0.75 x 1.80 m and are easy to move about on swivel castors. They are comfortable and safe to work at high levels (up to 12.00 m platform height) and can be used by several persons at the same time. Guardrails and knee rails together with toeboards offer allround protection.

Examples of use:

• Fitting name plates at high levels
• Dry construction work
• Maintenance and repairs to factory ceilings
• Work of lengthy duration on walls or facades

Mobile Work Platforms - Ease & Flexibility

Mobile work platforms feature a large platform and castor wheels for easy movement. Guard rails, knee rails and toeboards offer additional safety.

Examples of use:

• Long maintenance & inspection jobs
• Mobile access to high-level workstations
• Installation work with a heavy item of equipment
• Shelf work involving bulky and/or heavy items

Aerial Work Platforms - convenient & safe

Aerial Work Platforms and/or Mobile Elevated Work Platforms make it possible tocarry out activities at high levels (approx 14.00 mtr); they are suitable for work that requires both hands and are particularly safe thanks to the use of bars and railings. They offer infinitely variable and flexible height adjustment at the push of a button and can either be operated manually or be automotive. Due to this, aerial work platforms are also regarded as the most convenient and comfortable solution for "high level work".

Examples of use:

• Maintenance of ceilings in department stores and factory premises
• Decorating large rooms or halls
• Window cleaning
• Servicing of ventilation or heating systems

Bridging & Steps - stationary & comfortable

Bridging may serve either as a stationary or a mobile walkway over in-plant obstacles. Deep treads and a roomy platform ensure ease of ascent and descent. Additional safety features include guardrails, kneerails and toeboards.

Examples of use:

• Bridging over production lines

Stairs - fixed and convenient

Stairs serve as a fixed means of access to workstations or equipment. Deep treads and railings ensure ease of ascent and descent. The safest and most ergonomic solution for frequent usage.

Examples of use:

• Fixed access to raised loading ramps
• Fixed access to tanks or bulk containers

Customised Solutions - tailor made & specific

Whatever the access solution required, most manufacturers can tailor make to specific requirements of customers - the range includes industrial equipment, ladders, step stools, platforms, bridging, steps in modular construction, etc.

(Article courtesy, Freiheit Skytech GmbH, a globally active Aluminium Access Equipment company based in Germany. The company is represented in India by Sagar Asia Private Limited, Secunderabad)