The purpose of this document is to provide information, and good-practice guidance on means of reducing exposure to trapping and crushing hazards while using a MEWP.
The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may be significantly different than the MEWP the operator was trained on. Accidents can occur from operating an unfamiliar MEWP, for example by moving the platform in the opposite direction than intended, or by incorrectly setting up the outriggers.
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.
The IPAF Global Safety Report 2023, covering 2012 - 2023 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.
International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) collates incident reports received from around the world, from companies, individuals and IPAF members who share their experiences to allow others to work safer. By analyzing the data, it is evident incidents involving electrocutions and electric shocks have notably increased since 2015, the standout statistic is that reported incidents of electrocution are nearly always fatal.
If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or platform occupant contacts energised power lines it can cause, electrocution, electric shock, fire, or an explosion. The same effects can occur without contacting a power line by arcing or flashover of electrical energy to a conductor.
This Toolbox Talk provides guidance for powered access rental companies on how to deal with suspected asbestos contaminated equipment when it is off-hired.
RF is short for radio frequency. RF is any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that is able to travel, or spread through space.
Stay safe when working around antennas. You are at risk from non-ionising radiation (RF) from transmitting antennas. Always make sure they are isolated and you have a permit to work.
Operating MEWPs alongside roads can cause death or serious injury to operators or members of the public if the tasks are not adequately planned and machinery not positioned correctly. Due to the close working environment and proximity with other equipment, passing vehicles, buildings and pedestrians, the risk of a MEWP being impacted is significantly increased.
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.
