1. Safety Advice

Know the risks of working in public or alongside roads

IPAF Street Smart Campaign

The location of where a MEWP is to be set up is paramount, and away from controlled work sites risk can be heightened. A higher-than-average proportion of fatal and serious incidents occur alongside roads and/or in public areas. Planning is essential in minimising the risk that the MEWP is struck by another vehicle or plant machine, and should consider:

  • The proposed set up area.
  • Could the MEWP (or part of it) extend or swing into potential traffic or other equipment routes?
  • The safety of the MEWP occupants; in boom type MEWPs are you correctly wearing your harness and lanyard and are you attached to the anchorage point within the MEWP?
  • Could members of the public either travelling in a vehicle or as a pedestrian adjacent to where work is being conducted come into contact with your MEWP.

Adequate segregation from other vehicles and pedestrians is always paramount. Alongside roads, the following should be deployed:

  • Appropriate traffic-management procedures such as closures and diversions;
  • signage, lighting and lane management;
  • a secure and segregated MEWP loading/unloading area, not adjacent to or on a live carriageway.

See also: Street Smart, Back to Basics and Plan Ahead campaigns, IPAF Site Assessment Course and management training, H1: Fall Protection in MEWPs.