FAQ's

Do you do dry hire so I can operate the machine myself?

Unfortunately our Insurers prevent us from doing dry hire so if you need a machine with two of your crew to complete your job we can still operate the Access platform from our ground controls our operator can still deliver to site & set up for you,we must stay with the machine & operate it to comply with our Insurance obligations.

If you require a machine on a dry hire basis we can put you in touch with other operators that can provide you with a quotation.

How does the pricing work?

All prices quoted are ex vat. Machine prices are calculated on an ad hoc basis for a quote please phone 07976 150062.

How long can I hire the machine for?

You can hire a machine & operator to suit your needs, from one day to a year the choice is yours. We mostly work on a hire periods of the following:

  • 1-3 day rate, Weekly rate, Monthly.
  • Annually - Long term hire contracts are welcome, please contact 07976 150062 to discuss your needs.

Can you work weekends?

Yes but there may be additional charges please feel free to enquire on 07976 150062.

Credit Card

All major credit cards are accepted. For all one off hires payments will be taken in full. For long-term hires, charges are made at 1-week intervals.

Debit Card

All major debit cards are accepted. For all one off hires payments will be taken in full, we do accept bank transfers.

We do not store credit card details nor do we share customer details with any 3rd parties, please see our Privacy Policy.

What do I do if I need to cancel the booking?

Contact us immediately on 07976 150062 to cancel your hire agreement. If payment has already been taken in full from your credit or debit card a full refunded will be made if cancellation is received 24 hours prior to the machine being delivered. If we arrive at the agreed time & for reasons beyond your control we cannot complete the job the whole job is chargeable, although favourable rates will be quoted when we site access is agreed.

What's a Loler certificate?

A Loler certificate is an examination of the machine to confirm it is ready & fit for work, & everything on the machine is in full working order, the certification lasts for 6 months & then has to be re-examined.

Do I have to pay for Loler certification to be completed if I hire the machine over a long hire period?

No it is the our responsibility to ensure that all Loler certification is completed if you have a machine on hire when the Loler certificate is due we can ask our engineer to complete the examination on site to reduce downtime.

Can you provide copies of the Loler Certification?

Yes we can, All our machines will have a copy of its current Loler certification in the operators manual box fitted in the cage, please call the office on 07976 150062 to request a copy.

Can your Access platform operator not just install my new CCTV cameras so saving me money?

In short no as he is providing the safe operation of the platform & may not have any Electrical knowledge at all, all of our operators will assist were they can but cannot take control or give electrical guidance.

What are Safe Working Loads?

All platforms come with a specified lift capacity. EG, 19' Electric Scissor, lift capacity of 227kg, this works on the principle of 2 average weight people (weighing 90kgs each) with a 47kg capacity of tools or materials. Whitehaven Access accept no liability for the inability to complete jobs by the hirer overloading the platform / basket being loaded above this level.

It should be noted that machines are designed as platforms for people to work at height with light loads and should, under no circumstances be used as material hoists. Any infringement of this will be placing the machine out of its designed parameters and could potentially lead to machine damage, danger to personnel using the lift and anyone in the proximity of the machine. Should such an incident occur the machine will be confiscated and action will be taken against the hirer? For an explanation of issues concerning proper / improper usage of platforms please go to www.ipaf.org/en/resources/faq/

Machine specs are available in the operators manual box mounted in the working basket of each of our machines please do not hesitate to contact the office on 07976 150062 if you have any queries.

In what wind speed can a machine work?

All MEWPs are designed to operate in wind speeds up to a maximum which will be marked on the machine. Operation in wind speeds above this maximum will cause instability. Wind speed can be measured from the platform with a hand held anemometer but it is more usual to estimate using the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force.

The Beaufort Scale of Wind Force is accepted internationally and is used when communicating weather conditions. It consists of number 0- 17, each representing a certain strength of velocity of wind at 10m (33ft) above ground level in the open. It is very important to realise that wind speed increases with height and may be 50% greater at a height of 20 meters above ground level.

You should be aware of the shielding and funnelling effects of high buildings which may cause high wind speeds on days when the wind speed in an open area is low.

What are your Terms and Conditions?

At Whitehaven Access we operate by the hire terms set by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA). Read more on the CPA terms and conditions of plant hire.

Do I need a harness for all MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)?

Although not a legal requirement both the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and IPAF (the International Powered Access Federation) strongly recommends that a full body harness with an adjustable lanyard (adjusted as short as possible to provide work restraint) is used when working from a boom type MEWP or vehicle mounted boom.

Can I purchase harnesses from you?

Yes, we offer harness and lanyard sets which come complete with individual serial numbers and product history cards.

Do you provide harnesses & PPE equipment?

Yes we will provide a harness & lanyard with appropriate PPE high Viz waistcoats & helmets.

What are your office opening hours?

09.00 hours to 17.00 hours - 07976 150062.

How long are your chargeable days?

We normally work an eight hour day weather & wind speed & suitable light conditions depending, our chargeable day starts when we leave our depot & runs until we return to our depot.

Do you do half days rates?

If you think your job will only take a couple of hours we can try to arrange to book it in when we have any other requests, this we cannot guarantee but if you are willing to wait & work with us we will aim to find a mutually beneficial time to suit both parties, please feel free to ring & discuss on 07976 150062.

What happens if we start a job & then the wind speed becomes too high to operate safely?

We will constantly monitor safety factors while working, wind speed included if the wind speed exceeds the safe working limits of our machines we will call a halt to any work, either we can wait on site to see if the wind speed reduces & continue, if not we will arrange to come back to site to complete any unfinished works.

We cannot be held responsible for any losses you may incur if we cannot continue works due to weather conditions. We will not put at risk our operators or trades people.

Do all of your operators have IPAF CARDS?

Yes

Where are you based?

Sheffield

Can I have a site survey & how much do they cost?

Yes you can, we will send out our engineer to inspect and gauge the type of machine required to carry out the job. This is free and you are under no obligation.

Click here to arrange your FREE site visit and quotation!