IPAF’s latest safety campaign highlights the main contributing factors to falls from the MEWP platform and how these can be avoided to ensure all those working with MEWPs plan for safety from the ground before work starts.

This document outlines a major inspection scheme to validate structural integrity and functionality of critical components of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Such a scheme may be undertaken to determine if a machine is within safe design and use criteria beyond the manufacturer’s design life. Design life is defined as the duration determined by the manufacturer for which a structure or a structural component may be used for its intended purpose with recommended maintenance.

Information on, and links to, the United States regulations and standards for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formally known as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs).

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.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used in confined areas, or near overhead structures. When travelling or when elevated there is a risk that the operator or the platform occupant may come in contact with an overhead obstruction.  This could result in crushing or entrapment of that person.

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 symbol is designed to help operators locate the auxiliary lowering controls in the event of an emergency following a machine malfunction.

To stay safe and not distract the operator when the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is in motion.

This Toolbox Talk provides information on the associated hazards and risks involved with mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) working near railways and crossing active and non-active rail crossings.

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.

A Practical Approach to Inspection, Maintenance and Thorough Examination of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Jointly published for the Strategic Forum for Construction - Plant Safety Group by the CPA and IPAF.

Guidance on how members of the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) should manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) on their sites. First issued by the UKCG in January 2014, with input from IPAF and the Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group.

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.

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.

This document is intended to provide practical guidance for IPAF-approved Training Centres to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19 when undertaking training on MEWPs, MCWPs and Hoists.

IPAF’s Women in Powered Access initiative are launching a mentoring scheme for Women in the Powered Access Industry who are looking for extra support and guidance to sustain and promote their career within the Powered Access Industry.

Transportation of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including loading or unloading, are frequent activities carried out by rental company drivers and contractors. However, IPAF’s analysis of accident data reveals a significant number of people being injured or killed during the process.

The webinar introduces IPAF’s new online report for accessing this year’s safety data. The new format is digital-only and enables users to navigate and filter using an interactive screen.

Is your equipment legal and safe to use? Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are one of the safest ways to perform temporary work at height. Keep your equipment safe through good maintenance regimes ranging from pre-use checks, to regular thorough examinations as required by law, to major inspections.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), are a safe and effective means of access for undertaking temporary work at height tasks. It is important to remember a MEWP is only as safe as the person who is operating it. If this equipment is used incorrectly, unsafely or by inexperienced people, accidents and fatalities are more likely to happen.

This Toolbox Talk provides some safety measures which can reduce the risk of falls from the platform.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are considered to be one of safest ways of performing temporary work at height. This technical guidance explores the importance for all MEWPs to be kept in a safe working condition throughout their working life to ensure continued safe and efficient operation over time.

This Toolbox Talk provides guidance for powered access rental companies on how to deal with suspected asbestos contaminated equipment when it is off-hired.

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.

IPAF’s accident reporting project, launched in 2012, is compiling a comprehensive record of known accidents. The accident data gathered enables IPAF to improve the content of training programmes, develop technical guidance, target specific high-risk professions or activities, and provide research findings to bodies developing and drafting new industry standards.

The IPAF Operators’ Safety Guide for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms is a pocket-size publication that sets out the recommended working practices for the safe operation of MEWPs over a wide range of applications, from initial checks, through transport and positioning on site, to carrying out the required tasks.

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.

Brexit Bulletins posted on behalf of the British Materials Handling Federation (BMHF). Keep up to date with the Brexit Bulletins, with links to guidance, rules and regulations.

Don't overload the Platform. Always respect the load chart and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for its intended use.