Crushing Can Kill! - Stay Alert, Stay Alive
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Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) pose significant risks of crushing or entrapment to platform occupants. Failure to plan and manage activities involving MEWPs can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Crushing or entrapment can occur when MEWPs are in BOTH the elevated, and the stowed position.
- LOOK UP! before elevating the platform.
- LOOK AROUND! before moving the platform.
- LOOK DOWN! before lowering the platform.
- Identify potential entrapment / crushing hazards and ensure a thorough risk assessment has been completed.
- Develop a comprehensive Safe System of Work (SSoW) and ensure all personnel are familiar with it.
- Train operators and other personnel on the safe use of MEWPs and provide specific familiarisation with the equipment being used.
- Establish a Rescue Plan outlining procedures for responding to crushing or entrapment incidents.
- Practice and rehearse the rescue plan, so that all persons involved now what to do in the event of an entrapment incident.
- Supervise MEWP activities closely to mitigate risks, halting operations immediately if crushing hazards are identified.
- Avoid sole reliance on secondary guarding mechanisms; maintain vigilance of surroundings at all times.
- Exercise caution when using the MEWP in Pedestrian Control mode.
RESOURCES
- Good practice guidance for reducing trapping/crushing injuries to people in MEWPs
- Safe use of MEWPs when using pedestrian controls
- F1 Familiarisation leaflet
- Safe Loading and Unloading of MEWPs on the Public Highway
- Avoid Overhead Obstructions Toolbox Talk
- MEWP Rescue procedures Toolbox Talk
- MEWP Rescue Plan Toolbox Talk
- The Pedestrian Control Of MEWPs Toolbox Talk
- Andy Access: Danger Keep Well Clear
- Andy Access: Operating MEWPs From The Ground Controls
- Andy Access: Overhead Obstructions
- Andy Access: Platform Occupants
- Andy Access: Caution When Loading And Unloading
- Andy Access Short: Overhead Obstructions