Three Reasons to Include Access Equipment in Your BIM Planning

Using Niftylift MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) within your BIM (Building Information Modelling) workflow can significantly improve planning accuracy, reduce risk and streamline site operations from day one.

Why BIM Planning Should Include Powered Access Platforms

When planning with BIM, most teams focus on primary construction elements such as roofing, cladding or glazing. However, overlooking powered access equipment can lead to avoidable issues—from misjudged clearances to unplanned safety risks—that may cause costly delays before ground is even broken.

That’s why Niftylift has made its complete product range available through our dedicated BIM Library, enabling straightforward integration of our MEWPs into your project’s digital model.

Here are three reasons why it makes sense to incorporate Niftylift into your BIM plans:

1. Access Considered from the Outset

Clearances and physical reach are critical factors on any construction site. If your MEWP can’t pass through an access point or reach a required height, delays are guaranteed.

Using Niftylift’s BIM-ready models, project teams can test real-world movement paths, clearance requirements and reach capability during the planning stage. Whether it’s navigating through narrow corridors or working at height for façade installation or M&E services, our models help identify and resolve potential issues early on.

2. Safety Designed into the Plan

Site safety doesn’t begin on day one—it starts with intelligent design. Statistics show that nearly one person a week is killed on UK construction sites, often during work at height. Integrating safe access equipment into the early stages of design is vital.

Niftylift machines include innovative safety systems such as SiOPS® (which immediately stops movement when unintentional operation is detected) and ClipOn (an audible and visual reminder for harness attachment). These can be accounted for within your BIM model, allowing you to define safe working zones, highlight potential hazards, and establish risk-mitigated access routes before any equipment arrives on site.

3. Improved Site Sequencing and Coordination

Construction sites are complex environments, with equipment and trades competing for space and access. Poor sequencing of access equipment can disrupt schedules and cause knock-on delays.

With BIM, you can plan and visualise how MEWPs will move and operate on site in coordination with scaffolding, cranes and other equipment. This allows for more efficient site logistics, reduces unnecessary visits, and enhances communication between contractors and stakeholders.

Smarter Construction Through BIM Integration

Niftylift’s BIM-compatible fleet gives project teams the tools to plan smarter and build safer. From enhancing bids with clear access strategy to demonstrating forethought in stakeholder coordination, integrating our MEWPs into your digital model offers a clear advantage in delivery, compliance, and performance.

For more information on Three Reasons to Include Access Equipment in Your BIM Planning talk to Niftylift Ltd