How can I use a platform step in the garden?
15/04/2016
If you still haven’t found the perfect access product for all that garden work, how about considering the platform step? Offering all the features of a conventional step ladder, alongside a whole range of additional safety and comfort features, the platform step is a great pick for those of you working for long periods of time or those requiring that little extra support and stability.
Using your platform step
Like stepladders, platform steps can be used for a variety of tasks in the garden. The key is making the right judgement as to which product is right for the job.
Garden tasks suited to work platforms include:
- Trimming hedges
- General pruning and maintenance
- General landscaping jobs
- Fruit picking
With all of these jobs, the key requirement is that the working height must be relatively low. As platform steps give a boost, rather than plenty of height, you want to make sure that you’re not overreaching or at risk of injury.
You might also want to check out our safety tips for stepladder use in the garden.
Why choose a platform step?
While the structure of a platform step is simpler, some people may actually feel safer and more comfortable on such a structure. It is completely down to personal preference. One of the benefits of working from such as structure is that you’ll have both hands free to work. This will make a job easier and quicker to complete. Another perk is the generous platform space – unlike that which you’ll find on a traditional stepladder. This increased platform space makes working for long periods of time more comfortable and also helps to minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Some safety platforms, such as the Henchman Hi-Step, also come with guardrails for those of you that want the protection of extra support. The guardrail stops a user from leaning out beyond a certain point and helps to eliminate the risk of falls.
Our top picks
At Browns Ladders, you’ll find a variety of step ladders ideal for garden use.
Some of our product favourites include:
- Werner Blue Seal Aluminium Platform Step
- Zarges Industrial Aluminium Platform Step
- Henchman Hi-Step Aluminium Garden Ladder (as mentioned above)
All of these products are available in a range of sizes and built to a high standard using aluminium. The Henchman product is the best choice for those requiring extra safety features, or for those working for long periods of time.
If you are using one of our platform step ladders, or any other access product within the Browns Ladders range, do make sure you’re up to date with all the health and safety requirements. If you’d like a refresher, why not book on to one of our Safety Training courses?
Some of the offerings you might be interested in include:
You can also give us a call on 01282 615517 to find out more about our courses, or to discuss any one of our access products.