Street Smart safety walk and MEWP simulator feature at Vertikal Days
A safety walk demonstrating the key risks involved in conducting temporary work at height using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) alongside roads or in public places was among the main draws on the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) stand at Vertikal Days 2019 at Donington Park near Derby, UK, 15-16 May.
IPAF’s Street Smart safety campaign for 2019 outlines the dangers of using MEWPs on or next to roads. With the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle such as bus or truck, prior planning is needed so the MEWP can operate safely.
Andrew Delahunt, IPAF’s Technical & Safety Director, says: “These accidents are almost always catastrophic. It is critical to segregate the working area to have separation from traffic. Operators should ensure they are seen by using signs, cones, beacons and high-vis clothing.”
IPAF showcased a version of the PAL+ advanced operator assessment on a virtual reality (VR) MEWP simulator, as well as its updated MEWPs for Managers training in eLearning. Meanwhile IPAF’s larger-than-life Andy Access safety champion also toured the show, meeting visitors and exhibitors and posing for selfies, as well as directing traffic towards IPAF stand 404B.
IPAF offered visitors to the stand the usual comprehensive range of safety and technical guidance, including updated H1: Harness and F1: Familiarisation leaflets, and promoted the newly published Global Powered Access Rental Market Report for 2019, exclusively compiled by global business intelligence experts DuckerFrontier, which can also be ordered online at www.ipaf.org/reports.
Tim Whiteman, CEO & MD of IPAF, comments: “MEWPs are designed to safely conduct temporary work at height in just about every environment, including on roads or in public places. However, being hit by a bus or truck while operating a MEWP is a leading cause of serious injury or death, according to our accident analysis.
“Vertikal Days offered the perfect platform to highlight the key points of the new IPAF safety campaign to an engaged audience of powered access users and managers.”
New Sustaining Member Henderson Insurance Brokers also joined IPAF at Vertikal Days. IPAF members are invited to speak to the company’s representatives about their free due diligence review. To read about all IPAF member benefits & services see www.ipaf.org/en/membership-benefits
● For more on IPAF’s safety campaigns, developments on legislation and standards, the enhanced IPAF training offer or to pick up the latest safety and technical guidance see www.ipaf.org/safe; all upcoming IPAF events can be found at www.ipaf.org/events