COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance - Using MEWPs, MCWPs and Hoists

IPAF COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance
Added 11 May 2020
Last updated

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This document is intended to provide practical guidance on safety measures to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for anyone using MEWPs, MCWPs or Construction hoists for work activities. COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

The guidance covers social distancing and safety/hygiene requirements which aim to reduce the risk of infection to all personnel involved. The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These heavy droplets quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within one meter (3feet) of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. It is not certain how long the virus survives on surfaces, but preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus indicate it may persist on differing surfaces from a few hours up to several days.

Ref: GU-1035-0520-1-en-US