Unlock the potential of your projects with MEWP Boom Lifts and Scissor Lifts! Whether you’re tackling indoor maintenance tasks or outdoor projects, these lifts offer unmatched vertical elevation and platform space. With their articulated or telescopic arms, Boom Lifts provide both vertical and horizontal reach, making them ideal for construction, telecommunications, and tree trimming.

They allow you to navigate around obstacles with ease and effortlessly tackle high-rise maintenance, signage installation, and utility work. However, to fully harness the capabilities of these powerful machines, it’s crucial to receive the best training available. 

What are the differences between the MEWP Boom lift and the Scissor lift? Here we will highlight the differences, the benefits, and the importance of comprehensive training to help maximise productivity on your projects.

What is a MEWP Boom Lift?

A Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Boom Lift, commonly known as a cherry picker, is an aerial work platform designed to provide access to high and difficult-to-reach areas. Boom lifts are characterised by their hydraulic arms, which can extend both vertically and horizontally. There are two main types of boom lifts:

• Articulating Boom Lifts: These have multiple jointed sections that allow for flexible movement, enabling operators to reach over obstacles and access tight spots.
• Telescopic Boom Lifts: These feature a straight arm that extends and retracts, offering greater height and horizontal reach but less flexibility compared to articulating models.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Boom Lift?

1. Versatility: Boom lifts can be used in various industries, including construction, telecommunications, and tree care, thanks to their ability to reach both vertically and horizontally.
2. Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: The articulated or telescopic arm allows operators to navigate around obstacles and access areas that are difficult to reach with other types of lifts.
3. Height and Reach: Boom lifts can achieve significant height and reach, making them ideal for tasks like high-rise building maintenance, antenna installation, and exterior painting.
4. Safety: Equipped with advanced safety features, including guardrails, harness attachment points, and emergency controls, boom lifts help ensure operator safety at height.

What is a MEWP Scissor Lift?

A MEWP Scissor Lift is designed for vertical elevation and features a criss-cross (scissor) mechanism that extends and retracts to provide access to high work areas. Unlike boom lifts, scissor lifts can only move vertically. They are commonly used for tasks that require stable, level surfaces.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Scissor Lift?

1. Large Platform Space: Scissor lifts offer spacious platforms that can accommodate multiple workers and their tools, making them ideal for tasks that require extensive workspace.
2. Vertical Elevation: Perfect for jobs that need direct upward reach, such as indoor maintenance, electrical work, and installing HVAC systems.
3. Stability: Designed to provide a stable working platform, scissor lifts are excellent for tasks on flat surfaces where maximum stability is essential.
4. Ease of Use: With straightforward controls and mechanisms, scissor lifts are easy to operate, making them a practical choice for many different applications.

The Importance of Training

To fully utilise the capabilities of MEWP Scissor Lifts and Boom Lifts, comprehensive MEWP training, including IPAF MEWP training, is essential. Advanced training ensures that operators understand how to use these machines safely and efficiently, adhere to health and safety regulations, and maximise productivity on the job site.

Accredited training programmes cover everything from basic operation to advanced safety protocols, providing operators with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their tasks safely and effectively.

Both MEWP Scissor Lifts and Boom Lifts offer unique advantages for accessing elevated work areas. Understanding their differences and benefits can help you choose the right equipment for your specific needs. However, the key to safely and efficiently utilising these powerful tools lies in receiving the best possible training. By investing in comprehensive MEWP training, including IPAF MEWP training through PLT Training, you can ensure safety, compliance, and productivity in all your elevated work projects.

Areas Covered with PLT Training.

PLT Training’s MEWP training course has been designed to prepare and instruct delegates to be able to operate MEWP machines in a correct and safe manner. The setup of this course is split into three areas: Theory, Pre-Inspection, and Practical.

Theory

During the theory session, our instructors cover key relevant Health & Safety legislation and specific information regarding the safe operation of MEWPs. This section ensures that delegates understand the legal requirements and safety protocols necessary for operating these machines.

Pre-Inspection

The pre-inspection section helps delegates understand the importance of carrying out checks before operating the MEWP. This includes identifying potential issues and the importance of reporting defects to ensure the equipment is safe to use.

Practical

The practical element focuses on practising operating the MEWP safely and correctly according to the specific tasks. Delegates will have hands-on experience under the guidance of our expert instructors, ensuring they are confident and competent in using the equipment.

Benefits of Training

1. Skill Development: Teaches necessary skills and relevant job safety knowledge required for the safe operation of the machine.
2. Promotes Good Practice: Encourages future good practice to maintain and promote these skills.
3. Safety Enhancement: Creates a safe working environment and procedures within the working area of the machine and its operator.
4. Compliance: Conforms with all relevant statutory procedures (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and relevant Approved Codes of Practice).
5. Productivity and Cost Savings: Provides greater productivity and cost-saving as a direct result of maintaining high training standards.

Investing in comprehensive MEWP training through PLT Training ensures that you and your team are well-prepared to operate these machines safely and efficiently. The courses are designed to provide you and your team with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in your role while promoting a culture of safety and compliance. Contact us today to learn more about our training programmes and how we can help you achieve your goals!