Andy Laking: Expert Author on MEWPS Rental and Equipment Hire in the UK

Welcome to the author page of Andy Laking on the mewps.uk eCommerce platform, an industry-first web asset. Andy Laking is the Managing Director and Owner of UK MEWPS Ltd.

With 30 years of experience in equipment rental, Andy is a leading expert in the UK for powered access, plant hire, tool hire and specialist hire equipment. His deep knowledge and extensive experience have significantly contributed to major construction projects across the UK.

Andy Laking’s dedication to providing top-quality equipment and exceptional service has earned him a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.

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Cherry Picker GUIDE

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Scissor Lift GUIDE

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New Access SALES

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Andy Laking creates and crafts expert content such as Powered Access Hire Guides

UK MEWPS Ltd, on the mewps.uk platform, is home to Andy Laking and his insightful content writing based on the three decades of extensive working-knowledge gained by Andy supplying end users of MEWPS (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms).

Read and follow Andy’s Powered Access Guides on the access industry-unique MEWPS Knowledge Hub

MEWPS Knowledge has been created as your ultimate repository for all things related to Elevating Work Platforms (EWPS) and working at height machinery regardless of category, or type. If you need safe and effective work at height equipment for hire or purchase then the MEWPS Knowledge Hub exists to serve and educate for safer end user and operator access platform use.

An Equipment Rental Practitioner, Andy Directed and Coached Large Access Industry Sales Teams

Supplying the largest contractors in the UK, being amongst the largest end users of access equipment plant hire with leading safety features such as MHA (Material Handling Attachments for MEWPS), many of Andy’s customer accounts were principle contractors and tier 1 subcontractors on the biggest construction projects ever built in the United Kingdom.

Equipment Rental Practitioner, Sales Consultant to Access Hirers and Digital Marketing Business Owner for OEM’s

During a career as an equipment rental practitioner and sales consultant to the access industry, Andy specialised in bringing safety equipment for MEWPs to the UK rental and sales market.

Owner of a digital marketing business specialising in MEWP’s promotion and sales, Andy supplied the largest contractors in the UK (amongst the largest end users of access equipment), with access hire and related services on many of the biggest construction projects ever built in the United Kingdom.

Andy Laking | Expert Author on MEWPS Rental and Equipment Hire in the UK
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Powered access hire refers to the rental of access equipment such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, vertical mast lifts, spider lifts, van mounted booms, towable trailer mounted booms and cherry pickers which provide a mobile elevated working platform (MEWPS). These types of plant equipment are used to safely access high or difficult-to-reach areas, commonly in construction, maintenance and industrial site settings such as energy power plants, ship yards and petrochemical processing, best known as ‘the built environment‘.

No, not everyone can use a cherry picker. Operators must have proper training and certification to safely and legally operate cherry pickers. Training ensures that operators understand how to handle the equipment correctly, follow safety protocols and reduce the risk of accidents. Verified Members on MEWPS Marketplace provide IPAF Approved Training Courses for safe and effective machine use.

A powered access platform is a type of equipment designed to provide temporary access to inaccessible areas, usually at height. These platforms include scissor lifts, boom lifts, spider lifts, towable boom lifts and cherry pickers, which can be raised and positioned as needed to perform tasks such as maintenance, construction or repairs.

The maximum height that cherry pickers can reach varies depending on the model. Generally, cherry pickers can extend from around 10 meters (33 feet) to over 56.6 meters (191 feet) – this height is achieved by the JLG 1850SJ with an incredible working height of 191ft (56.6m) with the ability to drive at full height. Not only is it equipped with a telescopic jib that provides excellent flexibility in work envelope, but it also features an impressive working outreach of 24.38m and a safe working load of 454kg. Always check the specifications of the equipment to ensure it meets the height requirements of your project.

A powered access licence, often referred to as a PAL (Powered Access Licence) card, is a certification that proves an operator has completed the necessary training to operate powered access equipment safely. This certification is typically issued by recognised training bodies such as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

Yes, cherry pickers can tip over if not used correctly. Factors that can cause tipping include overloading the platform, using the equipment on uneven or unstable ground, or not following proper safety procedures. It is crucial to follow all OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) guidelines and invest in your team’s safety and wellbeing with the appropriate approved training and operating instructions to prevent accidents.

Scissor Lift Rental and Hire - Comprehensive Guide to Scissor Lifts Hire Solutions
Airo XL 14 RTD (Rough Terrain Scissor Lift) is a high-quality MEWP from a quality manufacturer, Airo, which Andy Laking helped bring to the UK in 2014.
Andy Laking is Editor and Author, Owner & Managing Director of UK MEWPS Ltd, responsible for all content on MEWPS UK.

An introduction to Andy Laking, the Author and Editor at UK MEWPS Ltd.

Andy is an equipment rental and hire practitioner with 30 years experience in the UK hire and rental industry. Once leading the largest regional powered access sales force in the UK, he further became the UK’s first Independent Sales Consultant to access rental companies and MEWP OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

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Powered Access Hire Guide by Andy Laking

Goal: My goal with this helpful content guide is to help MEWPS (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) end users gain vital insights into better rental and hire practices through selecting the right powered access hire guide and equipment for their project needs. Powered access platforms is a complex equipment category, which I’m working hard to simplify, by using my sector knowledge and industry-specific shared expertise.

Key Points:

Understanding MEWPS

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS) are essential machines designed to provide temporary access to hard-to-reach areas, typically at height. These platforms are crucial for various industries, including construction, maintenance and warehousing, where safe and efficient access is required. MEWPS come in different types, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and personnel lifts, each suited for specific tasks and environments. Understanding the different MEWPS types and their applications can help end users choose the best equipment for their needs.

Selection Criteria

Selecting the right scissor lift involves considering several key factors. First, assess the height requirement of your project; scissor lifts range in working height from a few meters to over 33.5 metres. Next, evaluate the weight capacity needed to safely lift personnel and equipment. Additionally, consider the nature of the work environment: indoor projects might require electric scissor lifts, while outdoor projects may benefit from diesel or rough terrain models. Finally, consider any specific project needs, such as narrow aisle access or extended platform length, to ensure you select the most suitable scissor lift for your task.

Project Needs

Every project has unique requirements that influence the choice of scissor lift. For indoor projects, such as electrical installations or interior maintenance, electric scissor lifts with non-marking tyres are ideal. Outdoor projects, such as building facades or roof work, often require diesel-powered scissor lifts capable of navigating rough terrain. Additionally, projects with space constraints might benefit from compact scissor lifts that offer maneuverability in tight spaces. By understanding the specific needs and conditions of your project, you can choose the right scissor lift that enhances efficiency and safety.

Andy Laking – Author at UK MEWPS Ltd

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