Access Equipment Selector

The Access Equipment Selector is an Excel-based decision-support tool that helps construction teams choose the right access equipment for any task, following the HSE hierarchy of control for working at height. It evaluates 14 equipment types — including fixed scaffold, system scaffold, MEWPs (cherry pickers and scissor lifts), mast climbers, tower scaffolds, podium steps, hop-ups and portable ladders — against a set of site-specific input factors.

Users enter the working height, task duration, ground conditions, available space, wind exposure level and any site-specific hazards. The tool then scores each equipment type against these factors and returns the top three ranked options, each with a summary of required training qualifications, pre-use inspection requirements and control measures that should be in place before work begins.

The output includes a print-ready assessment sheet that documents the selection rationale, the factors considered, and the recommended equipment — suitable for filing as part of your method statement, RAMS pack or working at height risk assessment. The tool is aligned with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and designed for use by site managers, supervisors and temporary works coordinators.