Scaffolding vs. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)

December 23, 2024 | Nate Cord

In this guide, we share the difference between scaffolding systems and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), the pros and cons of each, and how to determine which one is right for your job.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that provides access to elevated areas for people working at height, such as in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other human-made structures. There are several different types of scaffolding, but the main types include:

1. Fixed: Attached to a building or structure.
2. Tower: Freestanding tower with frames, braces, stabilisers, and platforms.
3. Mobile: Freestanding mobile tower with wheels or casters.
4. Suspended: Suspended from the roof or upper structure.
5. Cantilever: When the base cannot be placed under the work area due to unsafe ground conditions or obstructions.

 

Pros of Scaffolding

Scaffolding provides a reliable and stable platform for jobs at height. It is more cost-effective than mobile elevated work platforms for long-term projects, as it provides continuous access to elevated areas and can be adapted to fit the specific dimensions and contours of the structure at hand. Plus, scaffolding can reach greater heights than some MEWPs, making it suitable for taller structures and complex architectural features.

Scaffold towers, in particular, are freestanding scaffolding structures that can be transported and assembled with ease. Instead of using traditional scaffolding, which requires extensive setup and relies on the building’s structure for support, a scaffold tower can be a more efficient solution. Plus, these towers can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them suitable for a wide range of projects.

Cons of Scaffolding

Assembling traditional scaffolding can be time-consuming and requires expertise to ensure it is a safe means of access for working at height. This means it is often more cost and labour-intensive, especially in the case of complex structures, as a team of trained professionals must set up and dismantle it.

Scaffolding also requires additional storage space when not in use (in particular when compared to scaffold towers and MEWPs) which can add logistical challenges, as proper storage and transportation is essential. Indeed, the size and weight of scaffolding materials may require specialised equipment or additional manpower to transport.

Finally, improper assembly or dismantling can lead to accidents and injuries associated with working at height.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS)

As Genie Lift reminds us, before the introduction of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) in the 1970s, construction industry professionals relied almost exclusively on ladders and scaffolding to access major work-at-height projects. However, MEWPs — also known as aerial devices, aerial lifts, or cherry pickers — offered an alternative with some advantages over scaffolding systems.

MEWps are powered machines designed to provide temporary access to elevated areas for workers, materials and equipment. MEWPs are safer and more mobile than static equipment like ladders and steps when it comes to working at height for long periods or completing jobs that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe without an elevated platform.

As with scaffolding, there are a few main types of MEWPs:

1. Scissor Lifts: As their name suggests, scissor lifts resemble the way that a pair of scissors would work, moving vertically using a crisscrossing metal support system. This design allows for the platform at the top of the mechanism to be raised directly up or down.
2. Boom Lifts: Sometimes known as cherry pickers, boom lifts feature a hydraulic arm that raises and lowers the platform. This boom is often mounted on a base that can swivel, allowing for the raised platform to manoeuvre within a 360° radius, making it ideal for reaching awkward or hard-to-access areas.
3. Personnel Lifts: Designed for single users, personnel lifts are made up of a platform attached to a raising and lowering system. Due to their compact and lightweight build, personnel lifts are often used for smaller applications or navigating narrow aisles and corridors.

Pros of MEWPs

MEWPs allow for most jobs to be completed in the same or less time, with fewer workers than scaffolding requires. One study found that a scissor lift more than halved the time it took for high wall surface cleaning, pillar painting and lighting maintenance work than scaffolding. This is because, once offloaded at the site (and inspected), a self-propelled MEWP can be driven to the worksite and used within minutes. This requires fewer people but also reduces worker fatigue before the work has even begun, compared to those assembling a scaffolding system.

In addition, MEWPs allow the operator to position the platform exactly where they need it at the push of a button, minimising fatigue, strain and time spent setting up. Plus MEWPs don’t just go upwards, many of them extend outwards too. Similar to cantilever scaffolding, this is useful when ground conditions are not suitable, or you need to work over water or another obstruction.

Cons of MEWPs

Whereas scaffolding can be built to your demands, MEWPs often have restrictions on the size of the platform and the amount of weight they can safely lift, which can limit the kinds of jobs that can be carried out.

Despite reducing the risks of falls associated with ladders and certain scaffolding systems, MEWPs still pose the risk of tipping over due to their top-heavy nature when elevated, and poor sightlines when being operated at height means a higher risk of accidents and collisions with workers, pedestrians or obstacles – in particular as MEWPs can be challenging to manoeuvre. Hence you must be qualified as a MEWP operator (a professional responsible for manoeuvring and operating MEWPs) to use one, which involves specific training, such as IPAF, to ensure they can operate the equipment.

How to Choose Between Scaffolding or MEWPs?

1. Task

For jobs that require prolonged access to a large area, scaffolding is often the better choice due to its stable and expansive working area. MEWPs, on the other hand, are more suitable for short-term or highly specific tasks in hard-to-reach spots.

2. Duration
Scaffolding is more cost-effective for projects that span weeks or months, as the upfront costs are spread over a longer period. In contrast, MEWPs are ideal for jobs that need to be completed quickly, as their minimal setup time can save hours.

3. Height

Scaffolding excels when you need continuous access to a wide area, such as the entire side of a building. However, if your job involves reaching an isolated or awkward spot, a boom lift or other MEWP may be the better option.

4. Budget

Budget constraints can heavily influence your decision. While scaffolding is generally cheaper upfront, the labour costs associated with its assembly can add up. MEWPs, although expensive to hire, may reduce overall labour costs by speeding up the job.

5. Safety Requirements

Both scaffolding and MEWPs are designed with safety in mind, but their suitability depends on the specific risks involved. For instance, scaffolding provides a stable working platform for jobs requiring extensive movement, while MEWPs offer advanced safety features for tasks involving precise positioning at height.

Both scaffolding and MEWPs have their unique advantages and limitations but, in general, scaffolding is the go-to solution for long-term projects needing broad, stable platforms, and MEWPs are the choice for tasks requiring mobility, quick deployment, and access to hard-to-reach areas.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team on scaffolding, MEWPs or other access equipment, don’t hesitate to get in contact using this form or via phone at 01639 849847.

Looking for a reliable scaffold tower or premium access equipment? At Ladders4Sale, we offer a range of ladders, platforms, steps, towers and accessories for all trade and do-it-yourself jobs at unbeatable low prices. Better yet, all of our products come with lifetime support – after your initial purchase, we continue to provide ongoing support and assistance for free. In addition to this, all orders come with free shipping to the mainland UK.