Types of Work Platforms

Written by: Sabah Karimi

Work platforms offer several benefits for manufacturing and industrial companies. Also known as an aerial lift, cherry picker, or mobile platform, a work platform can be aerial or elevated and is designed to lift workers and materials to great heights for short periods of time. An adjustable work platform can be used in either indoor or outdoor settings.

Find the best work platform for your needs

Work platforms are versatile and efficient pieces of equipment that can be equipped with different features to perform specialized tasks.

For example, a glass manufacturing company can outfit the platform with special shelving and glass holders, while a textile company may organize work platforms with tool kits and material holders. Emergency services providers such as firefighters and police departments also use this equipment as part of their vehicles.

The most common types of work platforms include:

• Hydraulic platforms. These operate on hydraulic power, and are also called cherry pickers. This equipment is often used in an outdoor setting for large-scale construction and maintenance projects.
• Mechanical platforms. These work platforms are designed with mechanical racks and screws that extend out vertically. The lifts can only carry light loads and are commonly used in an indoor setting for general maintenance purposes.
• Vehicle-mounted platforms. This equipment includes platforms that are mounted on a fire truck, railway car, or moving truck. It is used in an outdoor setting to reach higher elevations such as trees and rooftops. These work platforms can usually carry just one or two people and a light load.
• Power assisted platforms. Operated with remote controls, this equipment can move both vertically and laterally. It’s often used for high-risk construction areas and for transporting both people and materials across hard-to-reach areas.

Work platform safety features

Selecting an adjustable work platform designed with certain safety features and controls can help protect workers and operators during a project. It also can ensure that the platform does not become an accident hazard for the company. Quality platforms are built with safety features such as:

• Safety guards including hand rails and collapsible barriers
• Tilt sensors to avoid tip over
• Automatic counterweight systems to maintain balance
• Emergency stop buttons
• Security harnesses
• Tool and supply bins
• Sturdy bases with elevated grooves for traction
• Automatic self-checking systems such as voltmeters

To find the right work platforms for your business, use BuyerZone’s free request for Aerial Lifts quotes service today.