Price isn’t the only factor to consider when calculating the costs of height access equipment. When facilities managers weigh up the use of platform ladders (not levellers) against podium steps, mobiles, or scissor lifts they have to consider the hidden but very real costs – annual inspection, operator licensing, service call-outs and downtime while they wait for powered units to recharge. Free audits have shown that the average industrial-grade platform in aluminium that has cost less than $2,000 Can provide 25,000 plus safe ascents over a 10-year life with no planned re-issue parts, besides castor wheel bearings. In comparison, a low-end scissor lift could cost $2,500 every 18 months just to replace battery packs and hydraulics seals. The savings also grow exponentially on a NPV basis in multi-site roll-outs which is why procurement teams now often hire equip2go analysts to model whole of live costs prior to issuing a purchase order.
Performance in Fire-Resistance and Hazardous Areas
Warehouses that house flammable packing materials or flammable liquids must be prepared for the remote possibility of a flash fire. Aluminium ladders conductive nature dissipates radiant heat relatively quickly. However, alloy ladder can soften around 300°C. Fibreglass platform ladder exhibits no electrical conductivity, and retain structural integrity even when exposed to 500 °C heat which is beneficial in a fire situation when sprinkler systems come in contact with exposed wiring. After appointing equip2go to modernise existing access gear some Queensland based food manufacturing plants are now requiring fibreglass in their hot- fill bottling halls. This practical example illustrates that choice of materials is one kind of risk management, not just a line in the specs.
Squeezing Into Small Spaces: Urban Lots Reborn as Compact Homes
CBD construction and retail fit-outs is a headache even for experienced logistics coordinators. Equipment height and overall sizing is also restricted by freight elevators, mezzanine corridors and heritage doors. In return manufacturers have developed slimline platform ladders with retractable stabilisers and telescopic hand rails which can fold down to less than 230 mm ensuring they can be stored on tradesmen’s vans and in on-site lock-ups. Compact in size, yet all models are rated to 180 kilograms industrial rating, so no need to settle for anything less. equip2go has rental pools of such ladders, allowing project managers to test the size before buying in bulk, an experience that comes in handy on tight construction schedules in our proliferating Great Australian Dreamhouses.
Climate stakes: From Pilbara bake to Tasmanian frost
Australia’s size means equipment is exposed to everything from 45 °C desert afternoons to sub-zero mornings on the Central Highlands. Raw anodised finishes degrade far less well under ultra-violet exposure, and, so, a powder-coated finish is one of the choices for open-yard mining workshops. In contrast, composite materials made from fibreglass with anti-microbial resins are resistant to mould colonization in tropical seafood depots in moist North-Queensland. Equip2go consultants provide a ‘designed for purpose’ ladder fleet for all locations ensuring longevity for workers enjoys safety in the Nightingale context.
Incorporation with Lean and 5S Methodologies
Robotic distribution centres practice Lean thinking in order to remove waste and enhance material flow. A stationary step ladder that sits in the way in an intersection between aisles is a violation, it goes against “Sort and Set in Order” pillars of 5S, which is why Lean advocates usually opt for a spring-loaded castor platform ladder that can move freely when pushed but drop to rigid rubber feet once weight is applied thus adhering to visual workplace concepts. Additionally, shelving labels on the ladder rails also assist with Kanban identification – which is a small custom jobthat equip2go, does in houseSpare parts are readily available and can be supplied if they ever need to be replaced. The result is an access solution that is the embodiment of a lean culture rather than being tacked on as an afterthought.
