Working At Height In Winter
Temperatures are dropping, overnight frosts are setting in and morning road ice is appearing.
Working at height in winter can mean working in harsh conditions with wind, ice and snow all added hazards for industries carrying out work at height. MEWPs (mobile elevated work platforms) are not only designed to be safe and fully functional in bad winter weather, but are used for essential maintenance tasks in towns and in the countryside to keep things running.
Working at height in winter can increase the health and safety risks for workers and create additional access problems. All-terrain powered access platforms are designed to minimise the risks and challenges posed by working at height in winter weather conditions. With their tracking spreading the weight of the equipment, it’s easier to reach hard to get to places, on and off road, in a safe and stable way.
Both tracked and four-wheel drive MEWPs are designed to reach higher in demanding work environments. They are lightweight and agile, with some four-wheel drives having different steering modes, and so are more mobile and easy to use on rough terrain. With an articulated riser and telescopic boom they make it possible to reach over obstacles, such as fallen trees or snow drifts, and sophisticated levelling mechanisms keep them stable and safe to use even when set up on severely sloping terrain.
Maintain Versatility When Working At Height In Winter
Even in the world’s most extreme weather conditions, powered access platforms are relied upon to get the job done. Specially adapted platforms for working at height in winter are available. Snow tracks, specialist oils and hostile environment kits have been used in Antarctica for construction on the compacted snow and ice of the Brunt Ice Shelf.
MEWPs are also essential for a number of jobs in icy conditions that keep our infrastructure and living environment safe and functional:
• Airports rely on powered access to de-ice planes before take-off which prevents additional flight delays. Ice can build up on the wings and structure of the plane creating a drag effect or even preventing take off. Powered access platforms are used to spray the plane with a de-icer that works at temperatures way below freezing, though high pressure hoses.
• Powered access is essential for making streets and built up areas safe in extreme weather conditions with essential maintenance such as removing icicles from the roofs of buildings which can be hazardous if they fall, clearing guttering and mending roofs that have been damaged by wind or icy conditions.
• Rescue situations and emergency services, including mountain rescue and the fire brigade, rely on powered access to manage situations quickly and safely even in bad weather.
Summary
These are just a few of the ways that powered access platforms are used to keep the country going in the harsh winter months. They are designed to cope with the harsh demands of winter weather conditions on and off road. With the ability to be stable and safe and access difficult areas, even in the face of obstacles, they are vital to safety in the working and living environments.
Please feel free get in touch if you would like more details. Alternatively our friendly staff are always on hand to answer any questions that you may have on 01226 716657.