If the job takes significant time, requires two hands for the actual work (not just for balance), involves heavier tools, or has high consequences in the event of a fall, a tower or Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) may be the safer option.
Consider this: if you find yourself repeatedly repositioning
the ladder to complete a task, a mobile tower might be more efficient. As a rule of thumb, if you're working for more than 30 minutes in one position, a platform is likely to offer better ergonomics and safety.
Competence: What good looks like
in practice Anyone planning, supervising, or carrying out work at height should be competent, and that requires a combination of training, practical knowledge, and real experience.
For FM companies, that means having evidence such as:
• Training records matched to the task, whether user, inspector, or supervisor.
• Documented pre-use checks and periodic inspections appropriate to usage intensity.
• Clear supervision arrangements for less experienced staff.
• Consistent risk assessments and method statements that use an agreed decision framework, not personal preference.
Ladder Association training and guidance, such as LA455 (Selecting the right equipment for working at height), are solid places to start.
A simple selection checklist Before choosing access equipment for any FM task, work through these questions:
1. Is this short-duration, low-risk work, or sustained work requiring prolonged access?
2. Do you need one hand or two hands to do the job properly?
3. 4.
Is the environment stable and predictable, or restricted and changeable?
Is the equipment correct for the task, recently inspected, and set up as intended?
5. Would a platform, tower, or MEWP reduce risk and improve control for this specific task?
If you're uncertain about any answer, err on the side of the higher protection option.
Making better decisions under pressure The reality of FM work is that decisions often need to be made quickly, sometimes under pressure from building users or contractors pushing for a fast resolution. That's exactly why having a clear framework matters.
When you have an established decision-making process, you can confidently explain your choices to stakeholders. It also protects your team. If something does go wrong,
www.tomorrowsfm.com
demonstrating that you followed a clear, documented process for equipment selection significantly strengthens your position.
Making the right choice the
easy choice The goal is to ensure the right equipment choice is the easiest to make, even under time pressure. That means clear guidance, proper training, readily available alternatives when needed, and clear decision-making processes.
Facilities management will always involve working at height. The question is whether equipment decisions are made by habit or by design. With a clear framework, proper competence, and the right equipment options available, FM teams can confidently choose access solutions that protect their people while getting the job done efficiently.
www.tbdavies.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 45
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