Get the right MEWP for the job

Chris SmithIPAF Auditor

International Powered Access Federation Ltd

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Get The Right MEWP For The Job

• Introduction• The Benefits of Powered Access• The Law• Assessing the Risk• Choosing the Right MEWP• Operator Training• Familiarisation

• Legislation Advice • Health & Safety Advice • The Law Relating to MEWPS• Insurance• Training Programmes • IPAF Terms and Conditions for Rental Companies• Accident Procedures• Publications & General Information

International Powered Access Federation

IPAF is around for a good

reason!

The Benefits of Powered Access

• Powered access equipment has been designed to enable people to work safely, more productively and comfortably at height

• It can be used in a wide range of applications, both inside and outside buildings and structures

The Benefits of Powered Access

• Meets commercial pressures to reduce project time scales - where speed, convenience and safety are prime concerns

•Using Powered Access means personnel can work faster as the can remain at height from one section to another

•Powered Access is one of the safest, most productive and economical forms of work at height to use

•Automation can avoid accidents caused by human error

The Benefits of Powered Access

• Powered Access is extremely ergonomic and avoids unnecessary strain injury

• Easier to manoeuvre, removing the need for manual handling

• Access to working platform extremely straightforward

• Variable working heights

• Lowers level of fatigue short and long-term

The Law

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require:

• An assessment to be carried out before starting any work at height

• Work must be properly planned and organised

• When choosing the most suitable work equipment, you must follow the fall protection hierarchy.

Hierarchy of control measures when working at height

ALL Duty holders must:

• Avoid working at height if possible

• Use an existing safe place of work

• Provide work equipment to prevent falls • Mitigate distance and consequences of a

fall • Provide instruction and training

Assessing the Risk

Example Risk Assessment

Available at www.ipaf.org

MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM (MEWP) CATEGORIES

Static Vertical - (1a)

Available with vertical telescopic mast

Some are indoor use only

MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM (MEWP) CATEGORIES

Static Boom – (1b)

Available as road going vehicle

Setup on jacks, outriggers,

stabilizers

Light weight models available

Certain models can be pedestrian driven

MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM (MEWP) CATEGORIES

Mobile Vertical – (3a) Platform ascends and descends

vertically over the chassis

Available with large work platform area

Available with large safe working load (SWL)

Powered by diesel/petrol/gas/ battery

Available with Deck extension/Sliding deck (SWL)

With and without guards

MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM (MEWP) CATEGORIES

Mobile Boom – (3b)

Various types available

Powered by petrol/diesel/ gas/battery/bi-energy

Available with large work platform area

Available with large safe working load (SWL)

Provides user with outreach

Accident 2. CCTV Footage 1/2

Accident 2 2/2.

MEWP SELECTION

Rescue plan Ensure ground key is

available Appoint a ground rescue

person Consider how to raise the

alarm Decide who should effect the

rescue and how Rescue sequence Operator Ground staff Another MEWP

Lone Working

Pre-Operation

CAUTION: Overhead obstructions

and other possible crushing hazards around the MEWP when driving, slewing, lifting or lowering.

Keep all body parts inside platform guardrail.

Smooth operation – lifting and driving

Operation – Observation

Take Extreme Caution:

Increased risk when driving or lifting near overhead obstructions

Maintain all round observation

Take into account hydraulic ramp-up and down

Operation – Observation

Function enable  Slew or lift boom first,

telescope out last  Telescope back in first

afterwards

Operation – Smooth Operation

Choosing The Right MEWP

• What work needs to be done?

• Who is going to operate the MEWP? • At what stage in the job will the MEWP be needed and

what will the ground conditions be like at that stage (ie rough, prepared, poured slab, finished surface etc)?

• What access is there to the site?

• How much base area is available at the work position?

• What terrain and gradient will the MEWP have to cross to get to the work position and is visibility and segregation adequate for the manoeuvre?

Get the right MEWP for the job

• What is the maximum ground bearing capacity at the work area and along the route to and from the work positions?

• How many people need to be lifted?

• What height/outreach is required?

• Will the MEWP be expected to move in the elevated position?

• Are there any overhead power lines on site?

• Are there likely to be any overhead structures which the operator could be crushed against?

Get the right MEWP for the job

• Are there any materials to be lifted and if so how heavy/long are they?

• Are there any manual handling issues?

• What interface is there with other vehicles and pedestrians and are there any unusual issues, eg aircraft or rail traffic?

• What fuel type is allowed on site and where will refuelling take place?

• What wind loads can be expected?

Get the right MEWP for the job

The above should be covered in the employer’s Method statement and Risk Assessment

(example risk assessment can be found at: www.ipaf.org)

Ground Bearing Pressure on

Wheels / Outriggers

Set Up – Ground Bearing Pressure

Site Surveys

Will prevent mistakes

Get the right MEWP for the job

Operator training programme certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878

More than 100,000 trained each year

Through more than 400 IPAF-approved training centres worldwide

TRAINING

Complete training programme

Training material in different languages

Annual updates

Auditing

Ongoing instructor development

TRAINING

Powered Access Licence

Proof of training

Internationally recognised

Valid for 5 years

Shows categories trained in

Verification service

PAL CARD

IPAF F1: It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that all operators using equipment are adequately trained and familiarised.

 

Required when using a machine which differs significantly from the training you have received. (E.g. weight, height, width, length or complexity).

 

Machine-specific familiarisation should follow on from basic training and cover:  Manufacturer's instructions and warnings Features of the specific model Control functions Safety devices Emergency lowering procedures

 

All of the above are to be found in the information supplied with the machine.

Familiarisation / Self Familiarisation

MEWPs for Managers

Who will benefit:

• All those supervisors or managers in your organisation that use or have responsibilities for the use of powered access scissor lifts, self-propelled boom lifts, trailer mounted booms lifts and aerial work platforms.

Visit the Publications/Film section of www.ipaf.org

View and download the “Training Saves Lives” video

Don’t miss the award-winning “Spot the Mistake” video

See what IPAF does

Thank-You! and Be Safe!

TIME FOR QUESTIONS

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