Types of Powered Access Solutions

When operating at height, safe working is of the utmost importance. Powered access equipment is a fantastic tool to ensure you work efficiently and safely at all times. The type of equipment you select will depend on the project you’re working on.

This guide will explain what powered access is, who can operate a MEWP, the different models and more.

If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for additional help and advice.

What is Powered Access?

Powered access includes machines that provide elevation powered by diesel, electricity or a hybrid of the two.

As height solutions, some of the main benefits of these machines include:

• Safer solution to ladders and towers
• Allowing for lone working without compromising on safety, creating a cost-effective solution for your project,
• Keeping all of your tools and equipment close to hand,
• Providing flexibility, allowing you to work at different heights depending on your project,
• Allowing you to carry out your work swiftly as there’s no set-up required (like there is with scaffolding, for example).
• When you choose Star Platforms as your powered access equipment supplier, you can hire or purchase depending on your needs.

What is a MEWP license?

MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. Therefore, the licence trains you to self-drive and operate any mobile lifting machine – whether that’s a boom lift, scissor lift or another machine.

At Star Platforms, we provide IPAF training at all of our depots. We can also provide training for larger groups on-site.

Find out more about our training courses.

Who is allowed to use a MEWP?

According to HSE, anyone can operate a MEWP as long as they have undertaken training and hold a certificate, licence or card. You’ll need specific training for the type of powered access equipment you wish to use.

What different types of lifts are there?

Before you take the plunge and invest in buying or renting equipment, you need to understand what type of machine is best for your project.

There are four different types of powered access machines available through us. These include:

Cherry pickers

Available for: Hire, purchase new and purchase used

A cherry picker offers an elevation of up to 28m and can operate indoors on level, solid flooring as well as outside over rough terrain.

Why do they call it a cherry picker?

While also referred to as a boom lift, they are best known as cherry pickers as they were originally manufactured for the cherry-picking fruit industry. Of course, today they are used in multiple industries.

What are cherry pickers used for?

Boom lifts are a popular choice for numerous projects, including:

• Tree trimming,
• Fruit harvesting,
• Other farm work,
• Utility work,
• Signwriting,
• Filming,
• Roofing and gutter repair,
• Window washing,
• Building painting and maintenance,
• Rescue work,

and more.

Scissor lifts

Available for: Hire, purchase new and purchase used

Scissor lifts, also referred to as accordion lifts, can operate up to 1,134kg of capacity and some models have features such as no emissions and low noise – perfectly suited for indoor operation.

What are the two types of scissor lifts

When looking to hire or buy a scissor lift you can select between a diesel or battery-powered model. Some brands, like us, offer hybrid scissor lifts too.

What is a scissor lift used for?

Scissor lifts are mostly used to transport equipment and employees to a higher platform. These are often chosen over scaffolding because there is no setup process. If you’re transporting equipment they are also safer than a ladder.

They are mostly utilised within:

• Hospitals,
• Churches,
• Schools,
• Mechanic shops,
• In the rail sector,
• Libraries.

And more.

Low-level platforms

Available for: Hire, purchase new and purchase used

If the platforms you need to reach aren’t incredibly high or your operating area is tight, low-level platform equipment may be the best option for you.

Also known as hop-ups, they come available as manual (push-around) or battery-powered equipment. These include cherry picker models and scissor lift models.

What are low-level platforms used for?

These are mostly utilised indoors to carry out projects within the following sectors:

• Plastering, painting and decorating,
• Construction,
• Warehousing.

And more.

Genie material lifts

Available for: Purchase

Genie material lift equipment is an excellent choice for indoor use. They are often utilised for lifting and positioning equipment with precise control. They can be used to transport:

• Plumbing equipment,
• Electrical features,
• Ceiling panels,
• Chimney pipes,
• Air ducts,
• HVAC components,
• Automotive parts,
• IT components.

And more.

How much weight can a material lift hold?

The models available through Star Platforms have a maximum weight capacity of 454kg, however, they are capable of lifting anything between 113kg up to the maximum weight capacity.

What is the maximum height of a genie lift?

Our Genie material lifts can reach as high as 7.94m with a range beginning at 1.70m.

To hire or buy powered access equipment?

Ultimately, the main driver between whether to hire or purchase powered access equipment depends on:

• How often you will utilise the machine as part of your daily business functioning.
• What budget you have available.
• Whether you require the same piece of powered access equipment or a range of equipment.
• If you are equipped to carry out maintenance and safety checks.
• Your future plans for your company.

At Star Platforms, our equipment is available to hire or purchase new and used, enabling us to offer unbiased advice. If you’d like to discuss whether you should hire or buy and what type of powered access equipment will best suit your requirement, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of our team will be able to help.

Star Platforms operate in the sports and events and construction sectors as well as working with brands offering seasonal work and carrying out art and special projects. We’ve been operational since 2014, hold numerous accreditations and have seven depots across the UK.