This guidance is intended to: provide information for those who plan and manage MEWP operations; provide information on the main hazards when using a MEWP in pedestrian control mode; provide information on the risk control measures to adopt when using pedestrian controls; provide general global guidance for those who undertake tasks to prevent incidents occurring.
When a MEWP is delivered or collected from a site, loading and unloading on the public highway should be avoided wherever possible. The aim is to minimise risk to employees and members of the public by ensuring delivery vehicles park away from public highways and pavements.
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 only.
Never elevate the platform occupants from the ground controls. There is an increased risk of crushing/entrapment if you elevate people from the ground control position.
Don’t forget to report all accidents and near misses involving powered access into the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal or report anonymously through IPAF’s ePAL app.
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.
Are you servicing the MEWP safely when on-site? Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) on-site servicing often carries higher risks than workshop servicing.
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.