WHY IS TIRE CONDITION SO IMPORTANT?

Tires on Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) can sometimes be the only contact points between the MEWP structure and the ground and are critical to the stability of the MEWP.

The tires, whether solid, air filled or polyurethane foam-filled support the weight of the machine while it is in use. In certain boom configurations this can be up to 80% of the total machine weight over one tire.

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW?

This Toolbox Talk applies to:

• Owner
• User (who has control of the use of the MEWP on site)
• Site manager and supervisors
• MEWP operators/occupants

WHAT IS A TOOLBOX TALK?

Toolbox talks are short discussion sessions that allow you and your workers to explore the risks and safety issues specific to your work site. The talks should focus on a single topic. A toolbox talk should be a regular occurrence to reinforce learning and gain worker buy-in.

IPAF TOOLBOX TALKS

IPAF’s toolbox talks focus on key issues when using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), as well as mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) or hoists. The talks build on the safety messages highlighted through the Andy Access campaign (www.ipaf.org/andyaccess), and these posters will form part of your briefing. It is advisable that these posters be used throughout your worksite to reinforce your safety messages.

USEFUL REFERENCES

• IPAF Operators Safety Guide (available on the ePAL app www.ipaf.org/ePAL)
• Manufacturer’s Operators Manual
• Andy Access ‘MEWP Tire Condition’ poster

Ref: Toolbox Talk A29 | TE-17-EN-US-V2.0-2022-08-30