A great deal of jobs require working at height and there are many manual access solutions available, from straightforward solutions like ladders and scaffolding to more elaborate solutions such as PAVs and desk surfers. In this article we’ll cover a number of less obvious access equipment that is useful for specialised jobs as well as more generic jobs like painting a room. We’ll also classify them into separate categories for easier identification. Located in Enfield, at MPH we offer a range of manual and powered access solutions available for hire in North London and surrounding areas.

Types of low level access equipment:

There are numerous possibilities when choosing manual access equipment depending on what you are aiming to achieve and the variables for your project. Podium steps or scaffold access towers allow for vertical access, ideal for working on a ceiling. Span access platforms provide access across an area, or laterally, making them ideal for working along a wall. For accessing areas that are over obstacles such as desks, access equipment such as Monkey Towers provide a safe solution with a caged platform. Here are some manual access platforms designed for different applications:

Equipment for vertical access:

• Podium Steps: Podium steps are similar to step ladders but distinguished by a caged platform. They often have stabilisers and come in various designs, including for staircases.
• Push around vertical lifts (PAV): Push around vertical lifts (PAVs), or personnel lifts, are manual access platforms that use mechanical power. A Nano Tower Pecolift or Ecolift, for example, is designed to be manually placed into position and raised from inside the platform using a wheel.
• Micro Scissor Lifts: While technically not manual access platforms, micro scissor lifts like the BoSS PA Lift are small electric scissor lifts which can be used for the same applications as PAVs due to their small dimensions.

Equipment for lateral access at height:

• Span Access Platforms: Span access platforms provide lateral access at height, making them ideal for jobs like painting. Likewise, Delta Decks are platforms that can be quickly moved or dismantled, having no pins, clips or components that need to be taken out.
• Scissor Lifts (driveable at full height): Though not manual access, scissor lifts that are driveable at full height are ideal for lateral access as they can, for example, be moved along a wall that is being worked on without lowering the platform.

Equipment for accessing heights over other objects:

• Desk Surfers: Desk surfers are caged platforms similar to podium steps that are designed to provide access over an obstacle such as a desk in an office. Likewise, Monkey Towers are a more compact version for tighter spaces.

Uses for low level access platforms:

Different jobs and environments require their own unique solution. In this section we’ll explore how the manual access equipment mentioned above can be used and what projects they are best suited to.

• Working over desks or workbenches: Office spaces often have desks that are not quick and easy to move, so any job requiring work on the suspended ceiling usually found in offices would require a solution like the Monkey Tower Mini or Desksurfer. These pieces of access equipment can be erected, placed in the desired location and mounted using the built in ladder, making them perfect for carrying out lighting and HVAC repairs in an office building.
• Carpentry shops are another place where Monkey Towers or even PAV’s like the Nano Tower Ecolift can be used. Projects such as the installation of a dust extraction system or a compressed air system are all made easy with the right vertical access equipment.
• Electrical installations in a house under construction: After the shell of a house has been built, all the electrical, plumbing and ductwork for the HVAC system needs to be installed. This requires careful planning and due to the necessity for precision, working comfortably is essential. Vertical access platforms are usually ideal for such an environment, with Power Towers or PAVs providing space for one person to stand in as well as space for tools. Podium steps and micro electric scissor lifts like the BoSS PA Lift are also a good solution, being lightweight and easy to transport and move around.
• Painting, plastering and window cleaning: For plastering, rendering or painting a wall, such as the inside of a house under construction, it is usually desirable to have a platform that allows for a lot of lateral reach. A Span Access Platform is the perfect solution as it provides this space and is mounted on castor wheels, making it easy to move from one location to another. Likewise, Delta Decks can be easily folded and moved by a single person, with no pins, clips or other components to take apart. These solutions are also ideal for cleaning glass in buildings where glazing is used instead of walls. 
• Removing or painting graffiti: Removing graffiti, or painting it for that matter, can be achieved using a number of access equipment depending on the height and location. Businesses might sometimes hire artists to paint a wall on the outside, where Span Access Platforms and Delta Decks become incredibly handy, as they can be easily transported in a van and provide lateral reach. Podium steps on the other hand, are useful when the graffiti that has to be removed or painted is higher up.

Why Choose MPH For Your Low Level Access Needs?

Manual access equipment can offer a solution in most projects requiring low level access. Explore our range of manual access equipment for your next project and enjoy the convenience of our PAVs, Podium Steps and Span Access Platforms. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and see the difference with MPH.

To speak to us about access tower hire or any of our products or services, contact our friendly team today.

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