Working Height Calculator

Quick answer: working height is the height an operator can reach while standing on the platform — in Australia it is generally estimated as platform height plus about 2 metres. A “19ft” scissor lift is named for its platform height (about 5.8 m), giving a working height of roughly 7.8 m. Always confirm the manufacturer’s figures before hiring.

Worked example

Installing cable tray at 7.5 m in a warehouse: the work is at 7.5 m, so you need a working height of at least 7.5 m — a 19ft scissor (about 7.8 m working height) just covers it, but leaves no margin over racking or plant. The 26ft narrow scissor (about 9.9 m) is the comfortable pick and still fits a standard aisle.

Common questions

Is working height the same as platform height?

No — platform height is where your feet are; working height adds average standing reach (about 2 m). Machines are usually named for platform height in feet, which is the most common cause of hiring a machine that comes up short.

What if the work is above an obstruction?

Measure to the highest point of the actual task, not the ceiling — reaching over racking, ducts or plant often adds a metre or more to what you need.