Wise up on work platforms
May 17, 2021
For painters and decorators, low-level access equipment such as work platforms are an essential part of the toolkit. Here, Jamie Brassington, Product Manager at WernerCo, discusses some of the key features to look for when purchasing a work platform and the benefits they can offer.
Over the past year, people have spent more time in their homes than ever before, which has led to an increase in home improvement jobs being carried out. According to the 2021 Home Improvement Trends Report by Rated People, 46% of UK homeowners made their homes better spaces to spend lots of time in during 2020, with painting the most popular task carried out by 50% of respondents.
With this trend sent to continue in 2021 and painting also topping the list of jobs being planned for 2021 in the report, this is highly positive for professional painters and decorators who can benefit from increased job opportunities. As such, it’s important that they are prepared with the right equipment to take on the jobs that come their way.
For low-level access jobs like painting and decorating, work platforms are a great solution and with a wide variety available on the market, there are plenty of options for tradesmen to choose from. However, what are they key features that can really add extra value for money when selecting one to purchase?
Adjustable working
When it comes to painting and decorating jobs, it’s likely that tradesmen are going to be working at a variety of different heights. Adjustable work platforms offer an ideal solution, whether it’s in order to reach a higher area to work on or for working on tricky spaces, such as staircases, where a standard ladder isn’t suitable.
The new Werner Adjustable PRO Work Platform is designed with this in mind, allowing the user to configure the work platform in 10 different ways. With height adjustable legs, the platform extends from 0.51m to 0.76m and enables a safe maximum working height of up to 2.51m. The platform’s dual self-locking legs can also both be adjusted and folded individually to provide an even and safe surface when working on stairs, with one leg folded in whilst the straight leg can be adjusted to the desired height.
Large working area
Whilst most work platforms provide painters and decorators to cover a wide area when working, they do often need to be re-positioned as they work across the wall and around the room. This is where linking work platforms can help, by connecting multiple work platforms to create one longer working area without needing to frequently make adjustments.
The new Werner Linking PRO Platform is the most flexible platform yet, enabling users to expand the available work surface area by up to 400%. Simply slot up to four platforms together and fold up the legs to create one seamless work surface.
Suitable safety features
To minimise the risk of accidents occurring when working at height, painters and decorators should not only ensure they have suitable equipment, but that they are also using it correctly. When choosing a work platform, painters and decorators should look for one that allow them to work safely.
For instance, any work platform should ideally have a large slip-resistant working area, as this will enable tradesmen to move easily and safely as they work. Additionally, users should opt for a work platform with suitable locking mechanisms on the legs of the product, which will keep the platform firmly in place when in use. Slip-resistant feet are also another key feature that will prevent a work platform from moving around whilst in use, which is particularly important when working in a room or area with slippery surfaces such as tiling and laminate flooring.
Easy transportation
One final thing that can be a key factor when deciding on a work platform is how easy it is to store and transport. The best work platforms will be made from a lightweight yet durable material, such as aluminium, that is easy to carry. The Werner PRO Work Platform range also makes this easier thanks to the Easy-Grab handle in the middle of the platform, allowing painters and decorators to pick up the product in one hand, leaving the other hand free to carry tools and materials.
Additionally, compact work platforms are ideal for taking up minimal storage space in the van. The new Werner Adjustable and Linking PRO Work Platforms are designed with slim-fold legs so that the platform can fold completely flat, with a compacted depth when closed.
By choosing high-quality work platforms from a reliable and trusted manufacturers, painters and decorators will be able to fully benefit from key features and functionalities that improve usability and safety, and make the most of every opportunity that arises this year.
Media contact:
Lucy Kendrick
T: 0121 454 9707
Katy Peacock
T: 0121 454 9707