The Role of MEWPs and Telehandlers in Steel Erection Projects

In the realm of steel erection projects, the use of specialized equipment is vital for ensuring not only the efficiency of operations but also the safety of workers on site. Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers are two key pieces of equipment that have transformed the way projects are executed.

The choice between these types of equipment depends significantly on the specific requirements of the task at hand, the site conditions and the overall project scope. Below is an overview of the work that MEWPs and telehandlers can do on steel erection projects:

MEWPs

MEWPs, including low-level access lifts, vertical lifts, scissor lifts and boom lifts, provide operators with the ability to reach elevated work areas safely and effectively, reducing potential risks associated with working at heights. These platforms are designed with mobility in mind, allowing for easy maneuvering in tight spaces, which is often a necessity on construction sites.

Here's how MEWPs are often used:

1. Accessing Elevated Steel Structures

• Lifting Workers to Height: Steel erectors frequently need to access high steel beams, columns and other elevated parts of the structure. MEWPs, especially boom lifts, are often used to lift workers directly to the required working height. The ability to maneuver the platform horizontally and vertically allows workers to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous to access using ladders or scaffolding.
• Flexible Reach and Positioning: Boom lifts (articulating or telescopic) are particularly useful on steel erection sites because they can extend and reach over obstacles such as existing steelwork, cranes, and scaffolding. This flexibility allows workers to position themselves exactly where they need to be to carry out work like welding, bolting or securing beams.

2. Welding, Bolting, and Fitting

• Welding and Cutting: Steel erectors often need to perform welding and cutting tasks at height. MEWPs provide the stability and access required for these tasks while maintaining worker safety. A boom lift or scissor lift can position workers near welding seams or cutting points on beams or columns.
• Bolting and Securing Components: MEWPs are commonly used to lift workers to steel beams where they can bolt or secure structural components. These tasks are typically done while standing on the platform, often with a tool bag or a bucket of bolts and other materials.

3. Inspecting and Reviewing Steelwork

• Inspection and QA: MEWPs are used by engineers or supervisors for inspecting the erected steelwork. The platform can be positioned close to the structure, allowing for detailed visual inspections and measurements to ensure that the steelwork is aligned and secured correctly.

4. Installing Cladding, Sheeting, and Insulation

• Cladding Installation: After the steel structure is erected, MEWPs are used to install exterior cladding and sheeting. This includes installing metal panels or insulation on the sides of the steel frame, which can be done from a raised platform for better reach and access.
• Installing Insulation: MEWPs are also used to lift workers to install insulation in hard-to-reach areas or on exterior steel columns and beams.

5. Material Handling

• Material Lifting: While MEWPs are primarily used for lifting workers, they can also be used to transport smaller, lighter materials, such as tools, bolts or small equipment, to the required height. However, MEWPs are generally not used for heavy material handling, which is typically left to cranes or forklifts.

6. Tight or Confined Space Access

• Access in Tight Spaces: In some steel erection environments, space around the steel frame can be tight, especially in areas between columns or beams. Narrow scissor lifts or compact boom lifts are ideal in these situations, as they allow workers to move around obstacles or inside confined areas where larger machinery cannot reach.

Telehandlers

Telehandlers, on the other hand, offer versatility and strength for a variety of tasks, from lifting and placing heavy materials to reaching across obstacles. Their telescopic boom allows for extended reach and height capabilities, making them indispensable for steel erection, where precision placement of materials is critical.

Here's how telehandlers are often used:

1. Material Handling and Lifting

• Material Movement Around Sites: Telehandlers streamline material handling to keep the project moving smoothly and on schedule by loading/unloading, picking, placing and transporting project materials around the worksite.
• Lifting Steel Beams and Components: With their extendable booms, rotating telehandlers can reach high and wide and can be used to move and lift heavy steel components such as beams, columns and girders into position.

2. Handling Large and Heavy Loads

• Heavy Material Lifting: On a steel erection site, steel components and large tools need to be lifted and positioned. Telehandlers can lift much heavier loads than MEWPs (which typically have more limited load capacities), so larger telehandlers, especially rotating models, can be used for lifting larger steel sections, heavy lifting gear or tools required for the job.
• Optimizing Workflow: Telehandlers can be fitted with different attachments, such as lifting jibs or forks. With fork attachments, for example, telehandlers can lift large bundles of steel, scaffolding materials or formwork to higher levels, which is important for keeping the workflow moving and reducing the need for manual handling.

3. Assisting with the Erection of Temporary Structures

• Building Temporary Platforms or Scaffolding: Telehandlers can help erect temporary structures, such as scaffolding or platforms, by lifting and positioning materials used for scaffolding, decking and safety barriers. This is essential when building the infrastructure needed for workers to move around and work at height during the steel erection process.

4. Serving as a Base for Elevated Work

• Platform for Elevated Work: Some telehandlers can be fitted with a work platform (also known as a personnel platform), which allows workers to use the telehandler as a mobile work platform to perform tasks at height. This is typically used for tasks that don’t require a full MEWP or crane but still need workers to be elevated for precise or specialized work.

5. Tackling Various Tasks

• Rough Terrain: Steel erection projects are often located in challenging environments with uneven, muddy or rocky terrain. Telehandlers, with their rugged wheels and high ground clearance, can handle rough ground conditions more effectively than other types of machinery. This makes them well-suited for fitting and material handling tasks for both outdoor and uneven construction site environments.
• Loader Alternative: Once the building is finished, telehandlers equipped with a universal skid steer coupler can be used with various attachment, including buckets, forks, augers, sweepers and more, for groundskeeping and outdoor maintenance work rather than bringing separate loaders (skid steers, compact track or wheel loaders) to complete fit and finish projects.

Both MEWPs and telehandlers play complementary roles in the steel erection process, with MEWPs focusing on worker access, safety and small material handling at height, while telehandlers are focused on lifting and moving large, heavy steel components and materials across the site. By utilizing both types of equipment, steel erectors can ensure a safe, efficient and productive workflow.

JLG^® Solutions for the Steel Erection Market

Ironworkers operate in challenging environments that demand reliable and maneuverable equipment capable of lifting both personnel and materials to significant heights. This is especially critical on job sites such as steel buildings, bridges and other large structures, where safety and efficiency are paramount. JLG provides innovative access equipment solutions designed specifically for the unique needs of these craft professionals. JLG machines enhance productivity, allowing ironworkers to complete tasks and contribute to the project's success. Focusing on durability and user-friendly design, JLG empowers ironworkers to tackle their most demanding jobs with confidence.