‘Walking the MEWP’ is the term used when manoeuvring or travelling a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) using the platform controls from the ground by walking alongside or near the MEWP. This includes those that use an ‘umbilical cord’, radio/remote control or fixed point of control at the chassis.
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.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are not advertising displays. MEWPs are designed to take persons, tools and equipment within the platform to enable the occupants to work safely at height. Attaching a sign or banner to a MEWP will potentially make the MEWP unstable. This can cause an overturn and result in serious injuries to people and damage to property.
The mounting or re-mounting of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) onto a new or different vehicle chassis to the original chassis as sold by the MEWP manufacturer is a specialist job requiring both in-depth engineering knowledge and the technical specifications for the MEWP to be mounted.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to lift people to a position where they can work at height safely within the platform. MEWPs are not designed to transfer people from one level to another, or for people to exit the platform at height.
It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that all operators they direct and authorize to use aerial equipment are adequately trained, familiarized and made aware of operator responsibilities to comply with current health and safety requirements.
Stay safe when working on or near roads with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). IPAF’s Street Smart safety campaign highlights key risks and how to avoid them.
