Posted By Roger K. Bentley
At the school where I am on the governing body, we are wanting to buy some access equipment for maintenance and also for work on the stage. Height needs to be up to 5m. It will be moved between buildings and to different storeys (without lift). Can anyone recommend suitable equipment?

Posted By Nikki Browett
Well yes a risk assessment is required but that's not very helpful advice on what's available is it? Bit of a cop out statement that one!

I would suggest looking on the website of someone like Speedy Hire (or other similiar hire companies....just so I don't get complaints!!). There website will show you pictures and dimensions of most of the different options available.

There are so many different types of access equipment that it's hard to say which one. You may need several different types. For example, podium steps for lower work at height and tower scaffolds for greater heights (bear in mind that this will require training in erection methods - see PASMA website). There are also a range of really compact scissor lifts too.

Have a browse at what's out there. It's hard to offer you one solution because there are so many solutions.

Hope it helps!

Posted By Lynchy


Nikki

With respect there I don't think it's a cop out at all - and haven't you more or less said the same thing??

I think the guy should do his own RA and then he'll be better placed to identify the kit he needs - better than me making guesses at any rate ..............and to be fair he asked what sort he should get - not what is available!!

Lynchy

Posted By Roger K. Bentley
Just to focus the contributions a bit more, I confirm that the school has carried out a risk assessment which lead to the conclusion that working from ladders was not appropriate for many of the tasks. A tower scaffold might be a solution, but I was hoping that someone who has tried some of the other forms of access equipment available might recommend something on the basis of their experience.