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Most of us associate treacherous working conditions with freezing temperatures, icy scaffolds and rainy delays, but the truth is that when the sun’s beating down, heat can cause just as many problems, especially when you’re working at height. If you’re relying on scissor lifts for roofing, repairs or routine maintenance, rising summer temperatures can quickly take their toll – not just on your team, but on the equipment itself.
If you’re looking into powered access hire or looking for scissor lift hire near you for an upcoming project, it’s worth considering how the heat can affect both your team and your equipment. These simple tips can help you stay safe, efficient and compliant no matter how high the temperature climbs.
At Smiths Hire, we have a range of scissor lift hire options to keep your site moving safely and efficiently. We have everything from compact electric scissor lift hire for indoor jobs to heavy-duty outdoor lifts designed to cope with rougher terrain. Whether you’re looking for powered access hire for a short-term job or arranging multiple units across a large site, we’ve got you covered!
- Hydrate before your shift, and keep hydrating throughout the day
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of reduced concentration and fatigue on site, and that becomes even more of an issue when you’re operating access machinery at height. If you’re planning to use access hire equipment on a particularly hot day, make sure to drink plenty of water before you even start. It’s also a good idea to keep a bottle with you at all times, especially if you’re using a larger platform where breaks aren’t always immediate.
Even a short period of dehydration can impact reaction times and spatial awareness, two things you don’t want to lose when using a scissor lift metres off the ground.
- Plan your breaks in shaded, cool areas
Taking a break in hot weather isn’t just about stepping off the platform and grabbing a drink of water. If your team’s working out in direct sun for long periods, especially on a scissor lift, they’ll need somewhere cool to recover properly. You want a designated space where they can get out of the heat completely, rehydrate, and bring their body temperature down before heading back to work.
If you’ve already looked into scissor lift hire, it’s worth thinking about break areas at the same time. A proper rest space does more than just help with comfort, it reduces the risk of heatstroke, improves concentration, and helps the whole job run more smoothly. We also have site accommodation units for hire that can be used as cooling-off areas or mess rooms, depending on the setup you need. It’s one of the most practical ways to make sure your team has somewhere safe to take a proper break, especially during a heatwave.
- Choose breathable PPE that meets site requirements
Using access hire equipment always requires proper PPE – no exceptions. However, in hot weather, heavy-duty gear can easily become a problem. Sweaty palms, overheating, and reduced visibility (from fogged-up glasses or visors) are all real safety concerns. That’s why it’s important to choose PPE that offers ventilation and sweat-wicking features without compromising on protection. Whether you’re on a site that uses boom lifts, cherry pickers or electric scissor lift hire, breathable, lightweight PPE is always necessary for working in summer, especially on the longer jobs.
- Know the signs of heat stress
The higher you go, the more exposed you are and that exposure can quickly lead to heat-related illness if you’re not careful. Common symptoms of heat stress include dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, and confusion. If you or anyone on your team is showing any of these signs while working on a scissor lift, stop the task immediately and get down safely.
One of the main things we highlight to our customers when they arrange scissor lift hire in the warmer months is the importance of preparing teams for heat-related risks before work begins. It’s easy to underestimate just how intense the sun can be when you’re working on elevated platforms, but prolonged exposure can quickly lead to fatigue, dehydration, or even heat exhaustion. If you’re planning a longer job using powered access hire, it’s a good idea to rotate your operators where possible, helping to limit time in direct sunlight and keeping everyone safer on site.
- Avoid working in peak sun times where possible
Jobs at height don’t always have to be done at midday. If your work allows for it, try to schedule scissor lift tasks for the early morning or later in the day when the temperature is lower and the sun isn’t directly overhead. This helps with heat exposure and can also prevent equipment surfaces, like metal railings and control panels, from becoming too hot to the touch.
At Smiths Hire, we offer flexible delivery slots and responsive customer service. So, we can help you time your scissor lift hire to suit your preferred working hours. Whether you need fast turnaround or scheduled site drops, just let us know. We’re here to help you work smarter, not just harder.
Did you know that we can also supply Powered Access machines nationally? Through our trusted partner network, we can supply a full range of working at height equipment. So, when you need equipment delivering anywhere in the UK, there’s no-one better than Smiths Hire to make that happen for you.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve been supporting professionals with reliable access hire solutions for over 50 years. With 18 tool hire depots across the North West, it’s easy to find access hire equipment near you with flexible delivery, expert advice, and competitive hire rates.
We’re here to make sure you’ve got the right equipment for the job. Whether you’re looking to reduce your scissor lift hire cost, find last-minute availability, or just get started on your next project, we’re ready to help. Got a question? Just give us a call on 0333 323 2100 or browse our full range of scissor lift hire and powered access hire options here on our site. Whatever the weather, we’ll help you reach new heights safely!
