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.
In 2023 the International Powered Access Federation, IPAF is celebrating 40 years since its formation back in 1983 from the merger of two associations; International Federation of Hydraulic Platform Manufacturers (IFHPM) and International Work Platform Association (IWPA).
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) should not be used if there is a risk of lightning. If lightning strikes a MEWP it will look for the path of least resistance to earth. This means it can travel from the platform, through the superstructure and tyres to earth. Rubber tyres do not insulate MEWPs.
CHANTALLE SULLIVAN
OFFICE AND SUPPLY CHAIN CO-ORDINATOR, INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION (SUSSEX), UK
Added 7 Jul 2023
Last updated
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Workplace
IPAF Women in Powered Access Mentoring Scheme
IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative are launching a mentoring scheme for Women in the Powered Access Industry who are looking for extra support and guidance to sustain and promote their career within the Powered Access Industry.
This webinar examines the latest IPAF Global Safety Report which is informed by data submitted to IPAF’s Accident Reporting Portal from 2012 to 2023. The webinar examines trends and touches on the culture and approach of capturing and reporting data. IPAF webinar sponsored by Skyjack, Hinowa, Palazzani, inspHire and GemOne.
The IPAF Global Safety Report 2023, covering 2012 - 2022 data, analyses the main causes of serious injuries and fatalities occurring when using powered access machines to conduct temporary work at height, highlighting the need to gather more near-miss data from across the industry worldwide to help avoid the most common types of serious accident in future.
There is a requirement for all lifting equipment, including Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), to specify maximum capacity limits. For MEWPs, this is the safe working load (SWL) which is expressed in kilograms or pounds and includes the maximum number of people allowed in the platform. An overload is the intentional, or accidental, exceeding of these limits.
Don’t Overload the Platform. Overloaded platforms can become unstable, always understand the machine limits before operating. Distribute the load evenly to prevent overturns.
The webinar explores the findings of the latest IPAF Rental Market Report 2023. The annual report studies a selection of countries/regions on the powered access market size, market dynamics, investments, market trends and drivers, and operational aspects.
When working in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) at height, you must be aware of the risk of tools, materials and equipment falling from the platform with the potential to injure people working at ground level. It is essential that any items likely to fall are properly secured within the envelope of the platform’s guardrails.
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.
