MEWP

5857: Is it necessary for a ground-based person (designated to help lower the MEWP in an emergency) to hold an IPAF PAL Card?

It is preferable for any nominated MEWP ground rescue person to have undergone some form of formal training relevant to the task. However, all nominated MEWP ground rescue persons should, as a minimum, have been familiarised with the MEWP being used and the rescue procedures in place, in order that they are competent to lower the MEWP platform using the ground/emergency controls in the work situations to which they are exposed.

Further information on rescue procedures can be found in the Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs on Avoiding Trapping/Crushing Injuries.

5855: Is it acceptable for someone to operate a MEWP from the ground controls with a passenger in the platform?

This is NOT usually allowed as the operator will be unable to judge distances from objects whilst on the ground. However, under certain circumstances and in accordance with a thorough risk assessment, it might be justifiable. An example is that of a cameraman at an event in a position away from all aerial hazards, all possible safety measures having been taken such as briefing the passenger about the emergency lowering controls and having the operator close to hand at the chassis.

5839: Does a passenger in a MEWP require a licence before they can go in a MEWP?

No, only the operator requires a licence. However, the passenger will be required to wear the correct PPE.

5847: Is it legal to work alone and is it safe?

Employers have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare at work of all of their employees. It is the employer’s duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary.

Please refer to the UK HSE guidance paper - Working Alone in Safety: Controlling the risks of solitary work: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf

5851: What guidelines are there for the driving of MEWPs on public highways? What about weights and loads?

IPAF provides the following quick reference guides for suppliers and users.

Issues covered include:
• Machine weights and permissible loads
• Taxation and regulations affecting vehicle mounted MEWPs used in the highway
• Schedule 3, Engineering Plant
• Extracts from Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 1998, The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 s49-(1) - Vehicles fitted with a moveable platform.

For the UK see this information sheet from the UK Government

5840: Is it acceptable when in the platform of a MEWP to stand on a guard rail?

No.

5852: Why are some MEWPs fitted with anemometers and others not?

Some MEWPs are purchased with the anemometer at the point of order as anemometers are not usually fitted as standard by the manufacturer. In addition, an anemometer can be expensive, can be damaged, and requires regular calibration.

5853: Is a declaration of conformity acceptable instead of a thorough examination for a new machine on site?

New equipment in the European Union (EU) must be delivered with a Declaration of Conformity. This provides an owner/user with evidence that the specific machine complies with the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). A Declaration of Conformity is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. In the case of lifting equipment for lifting persons, and this includes MEWPs, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require a MEWP to have a thorough examination at least every six months. The Declaration of Conformity can be considered to be equivalent to a Certificate of Thorough Examination valid for the first six months following its date of issue.

5865: What is the CAP assessment programme?

The CAP (Competent Assessed Person) assessment programme is intended to provide up-to-date guidance for platform engineers on compliance with regulatory requirements and to offer documented evidence that individuals can be regarded as competent persons to plan, manage or carry out thorough examinations of powered access equipment within the context of current legislation. This is achieved through a rigorous assessment.

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