As the festive season rolls around, businesses everywhere start planning their Christmas displays. This could include anything from twinkling lights and hanging stars to outdoor trees and rooftop decorations. For commercial decorating, a lot of this work happens at height, which means having the right access equipment is essential.

What is access equipment in construction?

Access equipment simply refers to tools and machinery that help people reach areas that are above ground level. It’s used widely in construction and installation work - and of course, when it comes to large-scale Christmas decorating.

Working at height always carries some level of risk, from losing balance to being struck by falling objects. Access equipment helps reduce those risks by giving workers a stable and secure platform to operate from.

Before choosing which equipment to use, it’s important to assess the site and the type of work being carried out. Tasks that are considered low risk might only need ladders or small towers, while more complex jobs at higher levels will require powered access equipment.

Types of access equipment

At Paragon Tool Hire, we offer a wide range of access equipment for hire to suit all kinds of projects. These include:

• Combination ladders - useful for small or quick jobs where only a little extra height is needed.
• Extension ladders - simple and effective for low-risk tasks, such as hanging small decorations.
• Mobile access towers - ideal for longer jobs that require a stable working platform.
• Powered access equipment - for larger or more complex decorating jobs that need extra height and reach.
• Roof ladders - designed for working safely on sloped roofs.
• Step ladders - great for indoor decorating or shorter reach work.
• Builder’s trestles and staging - good for covering longer areas of wall or façade work.

For commercial Christmas decorating, powered access machines are usually the best choice, especially when height and safety are priorities.

Why use powered access equipment for decorating this Christmas?

Commercial decorating often means working on buildings, trees, or lighting structures that can be several metres off the ground. Powered access equipment allows you to reach these areas safely, without relying on scaffolding or unstable ladders.

There are a few clear advantages:

• Safety - guardrails and secure platforms make working at height much safer.
• Efficiency - quick to move and set up, reducing downtime between tasks.
• Precision - reach exactly where you need to, without overreaching or using improvised setups.
• Versatility - different models are available for both indoor and outdoor use.

Here are three popular machines that are particularly well-suited to Christmas decorating projects.

Niftylift 120T Electric/Petrol 12m Towable Cherry Picker

The Niftylift 120T is a great all-rounder for outdoor decorating projects such as wrapping trees or reaching high signage.

It’s a towable cherry picker with a working height of 12.33m and a working outreach of 6.1m. The platform supports a safe working load of 200kg, which is plenty for two people and their tools.

One of the key benefits of this model is its compact design - it’s easy to manoeuvre and position even in tighter outdoor spaces. The telescopic upper boom gives excellent reach at lower levels, so you can work efficiently without repositioning too often.

Because it’s dual powered (electric/petrol), it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. You can run it quietly on electric indoors or switch to petrol for exterior work where you need more mobility.

Genie GS2632 9.9m Electric Scissor Lift

For indoor decorating - think shopping centres, hotels or offices - the Genie GS2632 is a reliable option.

This electric scissor lift provides a working height of 9.9m, making it ideal for installing ceiling decorations, hanging banners, or positioning lights in larger indoor spaces.

Despite its reach, the machine is only 0.813m wide, so it fits through standard doorways and corridors without any problems. The platform extends to 3.44m, giving you extra room for tools and materials, and it has a maximum load capacity of 227kg.

Because it’s battery powered, it runs quietly and has non-marking tyres, meaning it won’t damage or scuff floors - perfect for areas open to the public.

Snorkel S4732E 11.8m Electric Scissor Lift

If you need a bit more height and workspace, the Snorkel S4732E is another excellent choice.

It offers a working height of 11.8m and a platform size of 1.09m x 3.36m (with the roll-out deck extended). This gives plenty of space for tools, lights, or larger decorations.

The platform capacity of 350kg means it can handle multiple people and heavier loads safely. The machine can also be driven at full height, saving time when you need to move between different work areas.

Like the Genie, it has non-marking tyres and is designed for smooth operation on level indoor surfaces. The onboard diagnostics display helps with easy maintenance and troubleshooting during use.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Project

Every decorating job is different, so the right choice depends on your site, the height required, and the type of work being done. Here are a few things to consider:

• Location. Indoor jobs often need electric machines, while outdoor work might be better suited to hybrid or petrol-powered models.
• Height. Always check the working height (not just the platform height) to make sure the machine meets your needs.
• Space. If you’re working in narrow areas or through doorways, compact models like the Genie GS2632 are ideal.
• Power source. Make sure your chosen machine matches the available power supply and environment.

If you’re unsure which model suits your job best, our experienced team can help you choose the right option based on your space and budget.

Staying Safe While Working at Height

Even with the right equipment, it’s important to prioritise safety. Make sure operators are properly trained, always wear the right PPE (such as harnesses and helmets), and carry out a site risk assessment before starting work.

Take time to check the ground conditions and make sure your equipment is set up correctly. A few extra minutes of preparation can help prevent accidents and delays later on.

Hire with Confidence this Christmas

At Paragon Tool Hire, we offer a wide selection of powered access equipment, ladders and mobile towers to help you complete your decorating projects safely and efficiently. All our machines are well-maintained, easy to operate, and available for flexible hire periods.

Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your project or request a quote - and make this festive season your safest and smoothest yet.