Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) rental companies should carry out a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) before the equipment is made available for hire. The purpose of this is to ensure the MEWP is operating within the specified design requirements of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), are a safe and effective means of access for undertaking temporary work at height tasks. It is important to remember a MEWP is only as safe as the person who is operating it. If this equipment is used incorrectly, unsafely or by inexperienced people, accidents and fatalities are more likely to happen.

This Toolbox Talk provides some safety measures which can reduce the risk of falls from the platform.

When working at height in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), one of the leading causes of death and severe injury is falls from the platform. This toolbox talk looks at the risks and how to prevent falling from the platform.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are supplied with both ground and platform controls to comply with International MEWP design standards. Manufacturer’s operators’ manuals identify that the primary operator control station is in the platform and that the ground controls should only be used to carry out pre-use inspections without anyone in the platform, or for emergency descent purposes as part of a rescue plan.

Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) and Construction Hoists (CHs) are sometimes fitted with electrical outlets on the platform that enable operatives to use electrically powered hand tools and other equipment. IPAF does not recommend these electrical outlets are used to charge hand tool batteries.

This Toolbox Talk provides guidance for powered access rental companies on how to deal with suspected asbestos contaminated equipment when it is off-hired.

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.

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.

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.

CRUSHING CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are often used to carry out work in areas where there are risks of crushing or entrapment to the platform occupants. Any activity involving MEWPs must be planned and properly managed. Failure to do so can result in injury or death of the platform occupants.

Do you have a rescue plan? Always plan for a safe rescue.

Never interfere with safety systems.

Do not exit the platform at height!

Damaged Charging Leads & Plugs Can Cause Electrocution!

Never Charge Hand Tool Batteries On The Platform!

Are You Responsible For The Pre-delivery Inspection Of MEWPS?

Be street smart! Manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic, create a safe working zone.

STAY SAFE WHEN LOADING AND UNLOADING MEWPS

Have you been familiarized? Familiarization prevents incorrect use.

Beware of falling objects. Organize a drop zone clear of the MEWP base.