Working in high position can create multiple challenges

Background

Maintenance personnel often need access to locations that are high overhead or otherwise inaccessible. In many of these situations, standard ladders are not appropriate because of the need to bring along tools and equipment or because a more stable working position is needed.

Terminology: Personnel lifts, manlifts, self-propelled scissors lifts, booms, cherry pickers, aerial lifts

Objectives

Achieve good working posture for employees working in high positions, plus a stable surface, appropriate safety precautions, and locations to hold tools and materials.

Ideas and Options

Self-propelled high lifts

The “Wave” (www.crown.com) is especially maneuverable

One of the best options for reaching high locations is to use a self-propelled lift. These types of units can be driven to where needed and then powered up to the height required. Many of these units can be driven while in the raised postion, plus are small enough to fit through a standard doorway.

In transit	In position

Larger units are also available. Common vendors are www.genielift.com, www.upright.com, andwww.jlg.com (all have various types of lifts shown on this page).

Manual push, powered lift

Some versions of these personnel lifts are manually pushed around, but incorporate power for elevation. Above left is available from www.cotterman.com and above right from www.liftpod.com.

Aerial booms

Boom lift

Aerial booms have special advantages in locations with rough surfaces, such as outdoors, where equipment with small wheels cannot be used. The booms can also extend over impediments for especially difficult-to-reach situations. Common vendors include those listed above.

Rolling ladders

Rolling ladders are widely available and have multiple applications. The primary advantage is low cost. Primary disadvantages are (a) problems when needing to carry loads up and down the steps, and (b) large footprint.