How to Safely Use MEWPs to Install & Remove Festive Lights in Public Areas
As the festive season approaches, many towns, cities and shopping centres prepare to install decorative lighting in public places. These tasks frequently involve mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) operating in busy pedestrian zones, near roads and traffic, or next to overhead cables and other hazards.
Because Christmas or other festive lighting installations often take place in high-footfall areas (shopping streets, pedestrian zones, municipal squares) and often under constrained timescales (night work, off hours) the additional risks need careful management.
Key risks to watch for
Based on our guidance, Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas, the following hazards are especially relevant to festive lighting operations in public areas:
- Electrocution/overhead power lines: MEWPs working near cables risk contact, arcing or electrocution.
- Vehicle or pedestrian collision: MEWPs placed in or adjacent to roads or footways may be struck by vehicles or pose risks to pedestrians.
- Falling objects: Tools, lighting fixtures or decorations dropped from height may strike persons below.
- Falls from height and overturns: Insufficient fall-protection or unstable ground/excavations can lead to major incidents.
- Entrapment/overhead obstacles: Working in areas with tree branches, signs or building projections means risk of entrapment.
- Traffic management and public interface: Footways may be obstructed; night or low-light working increases risk.
A safe system for festive lighting MEWP use
Here’s a suggested safe system of work to minimise risks.
1. Early planning and client/contractor roles
- The client/property owner must appoint a competent contractor and check their evidence of training, insurances and MEWP experience.
- The contractor/user must undertake the overall planning: choose appropriate MEWP, perform risk assessment, specify traffic and pedestrian segregation, provide supervision and emergency rescue planning.
- The operator must be trained, competent for the MEWP type, understand the environment (public area, traffic, overheads) and be authorised to stop work if unsafe.
2. Risk assessment specific to festive lighting in public spaces
- Identify overhead power lines or utilities near light installation points.
- Assess ground conditions (might be in pedestrian paving, grass, temporary flooring) for MEWP stability.
- Plan for vehicle/pedestrian interaction: are you adjacent to a road, footway, pedestrian plaza? What time of day? Lighting? Temporary closures or diversions?
- Check for overhead obstacles (tree branches, signage, building eaves) that may trap or restrict MEWP operation.
- Consider drop-object hazards from the basket: lighting accessories, fixings, cables.
- Consider weather and lighting: night-time work, wet surfaces, potential for low visibility.
- If working remotely (public space away from base site), plan for emergency rescue from platform or suspended personnel.
3. Machine selection and set-up
- Pick a MEWP type suited to the site: limited reach vs boom, ground conditions, proximity to traffic or pedestrians.
- Ensure the MEWP is positioned and stabilised on firm, level ground; use spreader plates or ground-bearing pads if needed.
- Ensure the MEWP is secured against unauthorised use (especially overnight in public spaces).
- Set up exclusion zones around the MEWP so pedestrians cannot walk under the basket or pass near the swing radius. Protect the public from falling objects.
4. Traffic and pedestrian management
- If the MEWP is adjacent to, or extends into, a road or active carriageway: implement traffic management measures (signage, cones, lane closures, high-visibility protection).
- Maintain safe pedestrian routes at all times. Where footway is obstructed, provide alternative routing, good lighting, and clear signage.
- Use high-visibility PPE for all crew, especially during evening/night operations.
5. Operation and supervision
- Operator must complete pre-use checks (MEWP, fall-arrest equipment, ground controls).
- Fatigue, visibility and public distractions must be considered (decorations, lights, general festive hustle).
- All personnel in the basket (if boom type) must wear appropriate personal fall-protection equipment (PFPE) and be attached to anchorage.
- Keep tools secured to prevent dropping: tether lights, fixings, cables.
- Monitor weather: ice, rain, wind can increase risk of MEWP overturn or falling objects during installation or removal.
- Amend the safe system of work if conditions change (e.g., unexpected pedestrian flows, emergency vehicles, new utilities)
6. Removal and demobilisation
- As with set-up, ensure safe ground conditions and exclusion zones for removal.
- Ensure lighting cables, fixings and scaffolds are properly removed or secured; avoid leaving debris in public areas.
- Secure the MEWP after operation: lower platform, turn off power, secure keys to prevent unauthorised use.
- Dispose of or store equipment safely; ensure pedestrian routes and footways are clear and safe.
Special considerations for seasonal works
- Night-time work: Many lighting installs happen after hours to avoid peak pedestrian or traffic flows. But working in the dark adds risk – ensure adequate flood lighting, reflective signage, and high-visibility clothing.
- Public engagement: Because you’re in shopping zones or public squares, plan for increasing footfall, children, distractions (music, events). Be especially mindful of pedestrians crossing under or near the work area.
- Festive fixture hazards: Light strings, large commercial decorations, frames hung from buildings – heavier or bulkier than typical maintenance tasks. The risk of dropped objects or unsecured canvasses increases.
- Weather and aesthetics: Wind loading on lightweight decorations may influence MEWP stability or basket loads. Pre-weather check is critical.
- Tight timescales: You’ll likely have fixed deadlines (lighting up ceremony, public opening). This can push teams to hurry – emphasise safety over speed.
- Shared public space: The area may still be live (shops open, vehicles moving, events happening) – segregation and traffic/pedestrian planning must be robust.
Brian Parker, IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, comments:
“At this time of year, there is often undue pressure placed on operators to try to save time and money by omitting to do a site assessment or disregarding safe-use practices. IPAF is keen to remind users of powered access to carry out temporary work at height that they should ensure that all operatives are trained, supervised and act in accordance with industry-recognised safe practices, particularly when working alongside roads and in public places.”
Conclusion
When done well, using MEWPs to install or remove Christmas or other festive lights in public venues can be efficient and safe. But the public environment adds layers of complexity – pedestrians, traffic, overhead hazards, night-time working, decorative fixtures and events all amplify risk. By following the IPAF guidance and embedding it into your pre-planning, contractor briefings and site supervision, you’ll help ensure the festive display is both spectacular and safe.
Visit www.ipaf.org/safe for further details about IPAF safety campaigns, or see www.ipaf.org/resources for a comprehensive range of free-to-use guidance and resources including Andy Access safety posters and Toolbox Talk briefings. See www.ipaf.org/training for IPAF’s courses and to find your nearest IPAF Training Centre.
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