What is Access Equipment? A Guide for the Industrial Sector

Date Posted:4 March 2025

Understand how access equipment reduces risks and increases productivity in industrial work environments.

What is Access Equipment and Why It's Important for Industrial Sectors

Using access equipment is not just about convenience; it is a necessity for businesses that require employees to work at elevated heights or in difficult-to-reach spaces.

Having the right equipment can prevent workplace accidents, increase efficiency, and ensure compliance with Australian workplace safety standards. They are commonly used in construction, warehousing, and maintenance industries.

By using the right equipment, businesses can enhance productivity, meet compliance requirements, and maintain a safe work environment.

In this guide, we explore the benefits, factors to consider, and best practices for using ladder and access equipment in industrial settings.

The Benefits of Access Equipment in Industrial Workplaces

Reach Hard-to-Access Areas

Industrial workplaces often require workers to operate in elevated or confined spaces. Without proper access equipment, these tasks become difficult and unsafe.

Equipment such as scissor lift trolleys and tables and container and yard ramps provide workers with secure and stable platforms to perform maintenance, repairs, and installations efficiently.

Many industries rely on access equipment to reach overhead machinery, ceilings, tall shelving units, and exterior building areas. This equipment eliminates the need for makeshift solutions like ladders or climbing, which can pose serious risks to workers.

Meet Compliance and Regulation

Workplace safety regulations in Australia, such as those enforced by Safe Work Australia, require businesses to ensure that employees working at heights are properly protected. Learn more about the Australian Standard for ladders and why they're important.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, legal action, and increased insurance costs.

Employers must also provide adequate training for workers using these tools to meet occupational health and safety requirements.

Using industry-approved access equipment ensures compliance with safety regulations, providing businesses with peace of mind. At Verdex, we ensure all our products meet Australian standards and regulations to support safe and productive workplaces.

Minimise Risk of Manual Handling Injuries

Lifting, climbing, and reaching without proper equipment can result in severe musculoskeletal injuries. Back strains, falls, and repetitive strain injuries are common among workers who do not have the right access equipment to support their tasks.

By investing in equipment such as scissor lifts, personnel lifts, and safety ladders, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of manual handling injuries. These tools provide stable platforms and allow workers to position themselves correctly, reducing strain on the body.

Promote Worker Safety

Workplace accidents related to working at heights can be fatal. Falling from a height is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Access equipment is designed with safety features such as guardrails, anti-slip surfaces, and safety harness attachment points to minimise risks.

Providing employees with the appropriate access equipment ensures they have the right tools to work safely, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced accident-related downtime. We cover in more detail guidelines to follow for safe use of ladders in industrial workplaces.

Increase Efficiency

Time is a valuable asset in industrial workplaces. Access equipment helps workers complete tasks quickly and efficiently. Rather than setting up makeshift platforms or wasting time finding alternative solutions, employees can use the right equipment to access difficult areas immediately.

Equipment like elevated work platforms allows workers to perform tasks at height with minimal setup time, reducing labour hours and increasing productivity.

Cost-Effective in the Long Term

While the initial investment in access equipment may seem costly, it pays off in the long run. Accidents, injuries, and non-compliance penalties can be financially devastating for businesses. Investing in safe and reliable access equipment helps reduce these risks, resulting in long-term cost savings.

Additionally, high-quality access equipment is durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Equipment

Assess Height Requirements

The first step in selecting access equipment is determining the maximum height your workers need to reach. Ladders and step stools may be sufficient for low-height tasks, while elevated work platforms or scaffolding may be necessary for higher elevations.

Consider factors such as the height of the work area, the nature of the task, and the frequency of use. Choosing the right height capacity ensures workers can complete their tasks safely without overreaching or using unstable alternatives.

Evaluate the Terrain of Your Worksite

The type of terrain at your worksite influences the choice of access equipment. For example, rough or uneven surfaces may require all-terrain scissor lifts or mobile scaffolding with adjustable stabilisers. If your worksite has confined spaces, compact equipment like vertical lifts or small scissor lifts may be more suitable.

For work at high-rise buildings or upper levels, consider using work platforms and crane cages to safely elevate employees and heavy materials. Ensure that the chosen equipment can navigate the site efficiently without compromising safety.

Determine the Weight Capacity of Your Workers and Tools

Every piece of access equipment has a maximum load capacity. It is essential to factor in not just the weight of the workers but also any tools, equipment, or materials they need to carry. Overloading equipment can result in instability and potential accidents.

Check manufacturer specifications to ensure the equipment you choose can handle the required weight without compromising safety.

Ensure Ease of Operation, Mobility, and Stability

Access equipment should be user-friendly, easy to manoeuvre, and stable when in use. Features like lockable wheels, hydraulic lifting mechanisms, and ergonomic controls enhance usability and safety.

Stability is particularly important for elevated work platforms and scaffolding. Look for features like automatic levelling, guardrails, and non-slip surfaces to minimise risks.

Always Follow Regulations and Requirements

Adhering to Australian workplace safety regulations is crucial when working at heights. Ensure that your chosen access equipment meets safety standards and that workers are adequately trained in its proper use.

Regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines help prevent accidents and create a secure working environment.

Best Practices and Tips for Access Equipment

Ensure Proper Training: Workers should receive thorough training before using any access equipment.
Conduct Thorough Inspections Before Each Use: Check for damage, wear, or mechanical issues to ensure safety.
Follow Guidelines from Manufacturer: Always adhere to manufacturer recommendations for safe operation.
Perform Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance checks to keep equipment in optimal condition.
Keep Work Areas Clean and Tidy: A clutter-free workspace minimises hazards and enhances safety.

Investing in the right access equipment is crucial for maintaining a safe and productive workplace. By considering your specific requirements and adhering to best practices, you can ensure compliance and efficiency while safeguarding your workforce.

Need help choosing the right access equipment? Contact us or call us on 1800 750 500 today for helpful advice on a wide range of solutions.

FAQs

What are examples of access equipment?

Access equipment encompasses a variety of tools designed to facilitate safe and efficient work at elevated heights. Examples include ladders, container ramps, crane cages, scaffolding, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and work platforms.

What industries use access equipment?

Industries that commonly utilise access equipment include construction, maintenance, warehousing, and industrial sectors. In these fields, tasks often involve working at heights, making access equipment indispensable for ensuring worker safety and operational efficiency.

How often should access equipment be inspected?

Regular inspection of access equipment is crucial to maintain safety standards. It's recommended to conduct daily visual checks for signs of wear or damage, supplemented by more thorough weekly and monthly inspections. Adhering to a structured maintenance schedule helps identify potential issues early, preventing accidents and equipment failures.

What is Access Equipment? A Simple Guide for the Industrial Sector

What is Access Equipment and Why It's Important for Industrial Sectors