Elevated Work Platforms

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Elevated work platforms (EWPs), also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs) are mechanical

devices that are used to give access to areas that would previously be out of reach, mostly on buildings or building sites. These usually consist of the work platform itself often a small metal base surrounded by a cage or railings and a mechanical 'arm' used to raise the platform. The user then stands on the platform and controls their ascent or descent via a control deck situated there. Some forms of aerial work platform also have separate controls at the bottom to move the actual AWP itself while others are controlled entirely on the platform or towed by other vehicles. Most are powered either pneumatically or hydraulically.

This then allows workers to work on areas that don't include public walkways, such as top-story outdoor windows or gutters to provide maintenance. Other uses include use by fire brigade and emergency services to access people trapped inside buildings, cliffs or other dangerous heights. Some can be fitted with specialist equipment, for example allowing them to hold pieces of glass to install window planes. They are temporary measures and usually mobile making them highly flexible as opposed to things such as lifts or elevators. However generally they are designed to lift fairly light loads (under a tonne) and so cannot be used to elevate vehicles, generators or pieces of architecture for which a crane would more likely be used. In some cases however elevated work platforms can be designed to allow for heavier loads (or 'safe working load', SWL).

Depending on the precise task there are various different types of aerial work platform which utilise separate mechanisms and fuel sources. The most common type is the articulated EWP or 'cherry picker' (and also known as boom lifts or hydraulic platforms). A cherry picker is hydraulically powered and looks similar in appearance to a crane consisting of separate jointed sections which allow for 'up and over' applications. The cherry picker gets its name from its early use in orchards where the jointed design allowed it to avoid damaging trees. Today the term is used to describe various EWPs.

Meanwhile a scissor lift can move only vertically due to different 'unfolding' system of elevation whereby a criss-cross structure elongates and compresses itself to alter the height. A scissor life can be mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic. In pneumatic systems lowering requires no energy and simply requires that pressure be released this means collapsing quickly is nigh impossible making them slightly safer, though less manoeuvrable, than articulated designs. Their powerfully supported structure also means that they are capable of bearing greater weight and using a larger platform.

As alternatives there are many smaller lifts that can act as EWPs utilising mechanical systems such as a rack and pinion or screw threads to extend their height. These tend to have a far shorter reach and bear considerably less weight making them more suited to 'indoor' applications such as reaching top shelves in storage warehouses or changing light bulbs.

by: Charina Gonzales

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