What You Really Need to Know Before Hiring Access Equipment

When it comes to working at heights, most people’s first thought is, “Just grab a scissor lift.” It’s become the go-to piece of access equipment across construction, maintenance, civil works, and event setups. But here’s the truth: scissor lifts are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and in many cases, they’re not even the best tool for the job.

Are Customers Becoming More Aware of Their Options?

We’re starting to see a gradual shift. Some customers are asking more questions and exploring options like knuckle booms, spider lifts, or rough terrain EWPs (elevated work platforms). But the reality is, most first-time hirers still rely heavily on the pros to guide them.

We often get calls that go something like:
“Hey mate, I need to get to this point 14 metres up—what have you got?”

And that’s all the info they have. They’re not necessarily thinking about things like:

• Ground conditions (Is it soft, muddy, or sloped?)
• Obstructions (trees, structures, power lines)
• Access paths (Can the equipment even get to the job site?)
• Ventilation (if it’s an indoor job)
• Site safety rules and clearance zones

That’s why our best advice is simple: Get us out for a site inspection first. A 10-minute call won’t uncover half the things that matter when choosing the right EWP. Let us walk the site, assess the challenges, and recommend a safe, efficient plan that works.

Common Misconceptions About Scissor Lifts

“They’re always safe.”
This one’s dangerous. While scissor lifts are designed with safety in mind, they’re not foolproof. In the past year alone, several fatalities in Australia have been linked to scissor lift use—mostly due to misuse or poor planning. Safety should never be assumed—it has to be designed into the process.

“They’ll work anywhere.”
Not quite. Scissor lifts have limits, especially when it comes to ground conditions, weather, or access. Wet or unstable surfaces can be a serious hazard. Indoors, you may have ventilation or noise constraints. On tighter or uneven sites, something like a boom lift or spider lift could be a much safer and more suitable choice.

When a Scissor Lift Isn’t the Right Choice

We’ve had civil companies request electric scissor lifts to access steel columns or elevated rebar. The issue? Electric machines have slick tyres that just aren’t built for rough or soft ground. In these cases, we’ll usually recommend a Rough Terrain scissor lift with stabaliser  (outriggers) or a knuckle boom for a much safer and more stable setup.

Real-Life Example: A Lesson in Site Safety

One contractor recently called needing to access a truss about 4 metres up. His plan was to set up a scissor lift just a metre or so away from an open excavation. “It’s only a 2-minute job,” he said.

We stepped in and worked with the site safety team to rethink the setup using a knuckle boom. It allowed the team to work safely from a distance without risking a fall into the hole. Ironically, a few days later, the safety officer who’d written the “no work near excavation” rule fell into the same hole after ignoring his own policy. Goes to show—a moment’s planning can prevent a serious incident.

Accessory Add-ons: More Than Just the Lift

Every job site is different, and we always ask the right questions to ensure you’re fully equipped. Depending on the job, we can supply:

• Lighting towers for night work
• Glazing kits for lifting cladding or glass panels
• Various transport options
• Secondary guarding (Crush protection)
• Pipe racks for scissor lifts