Bob Begley
Director - Product Management
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JLG Industries
Work at height often requires MEWP (mobile elevating work platforms) operators to get into extremely tight overhead spaces — areas between drop ceiling tiles, ceiling joists and roof trusses, steel girders, HVAC ductwork, electrical wiring, plumbing pipes and other existing infrastructure.
Spaces too small for a traditional-sized boom or scissor lift’s platform to fit. Areas above and beyond where operators can reach on their own.
MEWP operators face challenges accessing these areas. They may be tempted to stand on ladders, buckets, planks or the platform’s guardrails to get the necessary reach. But, these solutions can be dangerous, creating an avoidable potential safety hazard. That’s why they are strictly prohibited by the ANSI standards and OSHA safety regulations for safe MEWP use.
So, the question is: What other options do operators have?
Seizing the opportunity to solve this real-world job site challenge, JLG offers two solutions: The Mid-Rail Deck for select boom lifts and the QuikAccess Platform for ES1932 and R1932 scissor lifts.
Developed to give electricians, plumbers, mechanical engineers, ironworkers, roofers, painters and maintenance crews a more effective way to reach extremely tight, hard-to-reach spaces they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. These accessories maximize productivity and efficiency in this specific work-at-height scenario.
Let’s take a look at how these JLG® tools help operators work more productively in small, narrow overhead work areas.
Mid-Rail Deck for Boom Lifts
The JLG Mid-Rail Deck can help boom lift operators maximize height efficiently for projects requiring access to tight overhead spaces. This accessory attaches to the inside of the platform mid-rail to give operators 19.5-in of additional access height to position operators between overhead obstacles.
It weighs only 55 lb but offers a 300-lb capacity on its 32-in wide x 15-in deep standing area. It is currently only available for JLG 36-in x 96-in work platforms.
This accessory’s durable design includes a collapsible handrail for storage and machine transportation. It can be installed on the platform and removed without tools.
QuikAccess Platform for Scissor Lifts
The JLG QuikAccess Platform provides scissor lift operators 22-in of extra height while complying with the ANSI A92.20 standard requiring a 43.3-in railing height. It is available for JLG R and ES Series 19-ft scissor lifts.
A key benefit of the JLG solution is the ability for operators to drive while inside the QuikAccess platform. It includes a tool tray, adding to the efficiency this offers to operators working at height.
Safety first
Whether using the Mid-Rail Deck or the QuikAccess Platform, safety on aerial job sites should be the top priority. MEWP operators working from these optional accessories must wear a full-body harness with a lanyard attached to an authorized lanyard anchorage point. Operators should always follow the recommended guidelines in the machine’s Operation & Safety Manuals, including performing a pre-start inspection before using the equipment and accessories.
Enhancing reach at height
The need for additional access continues to grow. Machine add-ons can increase an operator’s productivity, provide extra safety measures and enhance efficiency in specific applications, including welding, HVAC installation and repair, electrical work, plumbing, facility cleaning or maintenance tasks.
Solving one real-world work-at-height challenge — enhancing the MEWP operator’s ability to reach overhead work — the JLG Mid-Rail Deck and QuikAccess Platform accessories give job site crews more options to safely and productively complete the jobs to be done.
JLG offers a wide range of optional accessories to enhance a MEWP operator’s ability to perform overhead work. For more information, download our free JLG Accessories Resource Guide.
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