What can MEWPs be used for?

Powered access platforms are a great solution for when you need to work at a height easily and safely. Whether you’re working outdoors, indoors, or in hard-to-reach places – MEWPs are the perfect solution.

MEWPs are used in all kinds of industries and for a variety of different things. In this blog we explore the uses of powered access platforms.

What is a MEWP?

A MEWP is a mobile elevated work platform, which may also be referred to as an aerial work platform or powered access platform. They provide temporary access to inaccessible areas for people and equipment, usually at height or out of reach. 

The uses of powered access platforms

In short, powered access platforms are used when you need to work at height safely. Scaffolding or ladders may be used, however, in some situations they aren’t the most practical or the safest solution, especially if you need to use equipment while working at height. Scaffolding is also a costly solution that requires time to erect and dismantle. MEWPs can be used in a variety of different situations, indoors and outdoors. Unlike scaffolding, they are easy and quick to set up, meaning you can get to work straight away. 

There are many different industries and uses for MEWPs including:

Construction industry

People have been using MEWPs, like scissors lifts and cherry pickers, in the construction industry for many years. They are great versatile pieces of equipment that can be used for many different things including:

• Building cladding work
• Mechanical and electrical work
• Installing heat and ventilation
• Installing glass, windows, blinds and doors.
• Completing maintenance and repairs.
• Roofing.
• Installing signs and other building attachments.
• Installing lighting and sound equipment.
• Painting inside and outside buildings.

Warehousing Industry

In a factory, warehouse and distribution centre, powered access platforms are the perfect solution. They can be used for a number of purposes, including:

• Packing/picking fulfilment
• Loading goods/unloading goods
• Warehouse maintenance, cleaning and installation
• Stock-taking

Retail industry

Retails facilities like shopping centres, stores and supermarkets can utilise MEWPs for a number of different things:

• Store maintenance and cleaning
• Installing lighting, decorations and signage
• Moving stock
• Shop refits 
• Installing CCTV

Entertainment industry

MEWPs play a key role in the entertainment industry, they are the perfect solution for a number of different things, including:

• Filming from height.
• Installing lighting.
• Creating film sets.
• Installing signage and other hanging decorations.

Government

Due to the increased safety of using a MEWP compared to ladders and scaffolding, the government choose to use powered access platforms for a number of different things, including:

• Maintenance and cleaning of government buildings, such as courthouses, schools, leisure centres and other public buildings.
• Installing street lighting.
• Maintenance of greenery in public spaces.
• Installing decorations for different festivities.

How to choose the right powered access platform?

When choosing a powered access platform it is important to consider what you will be using it for, different powered access platforms types will be better for different purposes.

Some questions to ask yourself are:

1. Where will the powered access platform be used? On a construction site? In a warehouse?
2. Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Or both?
3. What are the ground conditions like where it’ll be used? Is it concrete? Is it rough terrain?
4. Do you need it to travel while elevated?
5. What weight capacity do you need the powered access platform to have?
6. What are you using the platform for? Installing things, maintenance or repairs?
7. Will there be overhead structures that could potentially cause injury?
8. What height and reach will the MEWP need?

If you’re unsure on what powered access platform is best for you and your needs then our team at Star Platforms will be happy to help find the perfect platform for you.

How to hire a powered access platform?

If you’re ready to hire powered access platforms, then you’re in the right place. At Star Platforms, we have new and used access platforms for hire. Whether you’re looking for a cherry picker, a scissor lift, or a low-level platform – we’ve got over 3,700 powered access machines in our fleet and access to over 10,000 platforms nationally.

If you need help choosing the right solution for your needs and requirements, then our team at Star Platforms can help – get in touch today.