Making the right decision when choosing access equipment
19/09/2016
![access equipment](https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Making-the-right-decision-when-choosing-access-equipment-6.jpg)
Whenever you work from a height, you face danger. Since 2001, an average of 50 people in Great Britain have died each year, as a result of a fall from a height. Furthermore, almost 9,000 are seriously injured each year too after an accident when working from a height. Choosing the right access equipment can help ensure health and safety when working from a ladder or scaffold tower. With each piece of equipment tailored to a specific set of jobs, it’s important you choose your access equipment wisely.
What’s the best access equipment for the job?
![step ladder](https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Making-the-right-decision-when-choosing-access-equipment-1.jpg)
The first question you should ask yourself before each job is which product is the most suitable. If you can avoid using a ladder and opt for safer and more stable access products, like low-level hop-up platforms or a platform with guardrails – such as the Deltadeck Low Level Work Platform – consider using those instead.
Identifying the best access equipment for each job can be difficult – so you may want to consider the following questions as well.
How long will access equipment be in use for?
![tradesman using step ladders](https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Making-the-right-decision-when-choosing-access-equipment-3.jpg)
Access equipment isn’t designed for use for hours upon end. However, if you know you’ll be working from a height for a long period of time, it’s worth investing in a suitable product.
Mobile scaffold towers and work platforms are ideal for work of lengthy durations, due to their comfortable set-up and spacious platform. Ladders, on the other hand, are best suited to short-duration jobs.
What height will you be working at?
![window cleaner on ladders](https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Making-the-right-decision-when-choosing-access-equipment-2.jpg)
There are so many different types of access equipment available. If you need something for low-level work, a step stool or small step ladders will usually suffice. For higher-level work, a tall step ladder, extension ladder, work platform or mobile scaffold will be more appropriate. Choosing a product that’s not suited to the height you’re working at may cause instability and risk of a fall.
Will you be working around electricity?
![electrician using step ladders](https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Making-the-right-decision-when-choosing-access-equipment-4.jpg)
The majority of access equipment today is manufactured from aluminium or fibreglass. Fibreglass-made access products should always be used when working around electricity due to their non-conductive properties. Aluminium is usually your best bet at all other times as it’s lightweight and extremely durable too.
Has the access equipment been designed with safety in mind?
![ladder rubber feet](https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Making-the-right-decision-when-choosing-access-equipment-5.jpg)
At Browns Ladders, you can be sure of a product that’s built for safety.
Some of the things you need to look out for include:
Rubber feet
Grips on rungs
Stabiliser bars
Strong hinges
Safety approved – meeting the latest UK and European standards
If you regularly find yourself using access equipment, why not book on to our Working at Height Training Course? The half-day course covers everything you need to know about working at a height and how to create the safest working environment possible. View the training page to find out more.
What Browns Ladders equipment is best suited to your job? tweet us @BrownsLadders