The 5 most common uses of aerial work platforms

Originally designed for use in orchards for fruit picking, this versatile piece of equipment can be used both for securing a telegraph pole and for picking cherries from trees.

Lifts have a wide range of applications and are an integral part of many construction and engineering environments. Safety is paramount when working above ground level, and such work platforms enable safe and easy working. Every day, a cherry picker can be used to assist with many important tasks. The five most popular applications are:

Maintenance of telephone and power poles

There are thousands of kilometres of telephone and electricity poles all over the world, and their maintenance and repair is skilled work. The construction, repair and maintenance of overhead networks are usually carried out whilst the power is off, but sometimes it is necessary to carry out work whilst the power is on. For anyone working in this field, a cherry picker will be a regular feature of their daily routine, ensuring they can reach the area where the work is to be carried out. More and more companies are finding this a safer and more efficient solution compared to ladders or mountaineering equipment.

The construction industry

A building that needs cleaning or painting will require those tasked with the job to work at height. Whilst a ladder may be considered sufficient, a mobile platform ensures mobility and safety when moving to any part of the building whilst operating maintenance equipment or installing lighting.

Filming events such as major sporting competitions

When watching events on television, it’s important to have the best shots and good camera angles that capture every aspect of every second. The larger the basket, the more comfortable the camera operator will be and the more space there will be for the tripod. A telescopic lift will allow you to mount your film equipment high in the air to create a bird’s-eye view, which is often better than a live broadcast.

Fire safety services

Every day, all over the world, firefighters bravely risk their lives to rescue people trapped in fires or other life-threatening situations. Without such aerial platforms, they would be unable to ensure the safety of people on upper floors. The aerial platform means that – within its operational limits – multiple rescue operations can take place simultaneously. It also means that people in need of assistance can be placed directly onto the machine’s platform.

Fruit picking

As the name suggests, cherry pickers were originally designed to make cherry harvesting easier. Picking fruit from high branches in orchards is now easy with these machines. There is no longer any risk of falling from a ladder or losing fruit that is out of reach due to its position.

All these tasks have become safer, faster and more efficient thanks to the use of a cherry picker. However, it is always important to undergo rigorous training before anyone is allowed to operate this machine. Issues such as general health and safety, machine operation, emergency controls and usage restrictions must be discussed before competence to operate is granted.

As the Hoogwerker (aerial work platform) is one of the most important pieces of equipment for working at height, its use and application are constantly growing, as various industries recognise its utility and benefits.