Things to Consider Before Hiring Access Equipment
If you need some extra equipment to help you with a busy workload and you are considering access equipment hire there’s a few important things you need to consider. Brisbane Scissor is Brisbane’s trusted choice for high quality diesel and electric scissor lifts, boom lifts, forklifts and more. Before you hire, let’s take a look a few factors to keep in mind so you get the right equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Understand Your Requirements
Different types of access equipment can reach different heights, and each model is also only equipped to carry a specified weight/load. To ensure the equipment will function as expected and to maintain the highest level of safety, you need to stay within these limits. If you aren’t sure exactly how high you need to reach or how heavy the load will be, it is advisable to hire a machine with greater capability and capacity than what you think you need.
Choose the Right Equipment for the Job
To help in choosing the right access equipment for the project, ask yourself the below questions:
Does the application require you to lift vertically or to reach at an angle?
Do you need to gain access over an obstacle?
Are there any overhead obstructions, for example, steelwork, power cables, trees?
What is the maximum height you will be working at?
Do you need a platform big enough to accommodate multiple workers and tools?
How much space is available to work?
How much room there will be to set up the equipment?
Will you be working in a public area?
Are there any small paths or narrow doorways?
Will you be working indoors, outside or both?
Will you require power in the basket of the machine?
You should also carry out a risk assessment of the area before choosing your access equipment.
Check the Condition of the Equipment
Before finalising any rental agreements, it’s best to examine the equipment that you are going to be hiring. Ensure that the machinery is well-maintained and make note of any existing damage. If possible, ask the hire company if you can start the machinery or if they can give you a demonstration so you can be certain it is in good working order.
For How Long Will You Need the Equipment?
Whether being used for construction, maintenance, warehousing or for any other application, projects can be unpredictable and often take longer than expected. If you don’t have an exact timeframe for which you need to hire the equipment, communicate this with the hire company and see if they are flexible with the return date. The last thing you want is to be unable to complete the project because it didn’t run to schedule, and you have to return the access equipment. If there is no flexibility in the hire time, try to hire for a longer period than anticipated, it may cost a bit extra but you will have the peace of mind of knowing you won’t be left without the necessary equipment if things don’t go to plan.
Understand the Terms and Conditions
As with all rental agreements, there are certain things you must adhere to regarding fees, payment and the time and condition in which the equipment must be returned. There may be penalties for not abiding by the rental terms and conditions. Before signing the rental contract, make sure you read and understand the terms and ask if you are unsure about anything.
At Brisbane Scissor, we pride ourselves on offering a great range of access equipment for hire to suit all needs and applications. We also provide our customers with a variety of brands, makes and models and with options powered by diesel, electric or hybrid. If you are unsure of the right access equipment you need for your specific job, our expert staff can assess your site and advise the most appropriate access equipment hire for the project and offer flexible rental terms so you can hire confidently.
Call us today on (07) 3869 2322 for more information or contact us online to book now.
