The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may be significantly different than the MEWP the operator was trained on. Accidents can occur from operating an unfamiliar MEWP, for example by moving the platform in the opposite direction than intended, or by incorrectly setting up the outriggers.
One of the key conditions for MEWP stability is the ability of the ground or structure to safely support the weight of the MEWP at its point of contact with the ground in all configurations. Failure to consider the load-bearing capacity of the ground could potentially cause the MEWP to go out of level, become unstable, and overturn.
Scissor lifts are not designed to hold banners. Attaching banners to a scissor lift will increase the surface area and create a "sail board” effect which will destabilize or potentially turn over a MEWP.
The following guidance is intended to help employers differentiate between the possible options available when considering the selection of appropriate equipment where the increased risk of entrapment has been identified.
Normal and auxiliary control systems built into a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) will allow the operator to bring the platform of the machine safely to ground level under controlled conditions. It is extremely unusual not to be able to lower the platform using these controls or for all of these systems to fail. The following is an example of a rescue plan for people who work at height using a MEWP.
It is essential that MEWPs are secured and managed correctly to ensure that only competent and nominated personnel operate the equipment in accordance with the employer’s safe system of work. All MEWPs should be stored in a safe and secure manner when left unattended.
This guidance is intended to assist companies to demonstrate the independence, impartiality and integrity of the 2nd party inspection/examination bodies that they employ.
This document outlines a major inspection scheme to validate structural integrity and functionality of critical components of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Such a scheme may be undertaken to determine if a machine is within safe design and use criteria beyond the manufacturer’s design life. Design life is defined as the duration determined by the manufacturer for which a structure or a structural component may be used for its intended purpose with recommended maintenance.
The mounting or re-mounting of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) onto a new or different vehicle chassis to the original chassis as sold by the MEWP manufacturer is a specialist job requiring both in-depth engineering knowledge and the technical specifications for the MEWP to be mounted.
When working from a boom type Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), it is strongly recommended that a lanyard short enough for the wearer to be restrained within the platform be used. The lanyard may contain an energy absorbing device, provided it is short enough to restrain the wearer within the platform. This includes Static Booms (1b) and Mobile Booms (3b).
The loading and unloading of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is potentially a high risk activity, as findings from the IPAF accident reporting database (www.ipaf.org/accident) show. This document outlines the importance of planning and managing the delivery and collection operations.
MEWP overturn incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Instability leading to overturn is commonly among the top four causes of lost time incidents (LTIs) annually, according to global data.
