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.
If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or platform occupant contacts energized 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.
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Technical Guidance
COVID-19 Safe Training Advice - IPAF Training Centre resuming MEWP, MCWP and Hoist training
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.
The aim of IPAF’s Innovate event 2019 was to address key industry issues in order to develop potential solutions that would improve the safe and effective use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly known as AWPs. At the event, industry stakeholders worked together in small groups to develop achievable solutions which could positively impact the issue at hand. This paper provides a summary of each topic that IPAF offers to the industry to support improved safety.
The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may be significantly different than the MEWP the operator was trained on, even if the MEWP is of the same group and manufacturer.
‘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.
Ground conditions are critical for the stability of the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Unsuitable ground conditions can result in the MEWP overturning with potential loss of life.
Why is a rescue plan important? Planning is critical to a prompt rescue of someone who has become trapped and timing can make a very significant difference to the injuries sustained – in some cases, the difference between life and death.
A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) must be inspected daily or at the start of each shift to make sure it is: safe to use and will not cause an injury to the platform occupants or other personnel.
This checklist assists in the selection of the correct MEWP and covers restrictions, working height, outreach, the weight of materials etc. It should be completed by a qualified person and where any doubts remain advice should be sought from the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) supplier.
Added 3 Mar 2020
Last updated 3 Mar 2020
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Presentations & Webinars
IPAF PDS North America 2020
IPAF PDS North America 2020 - Session 2 MEWP Supervisor Training Course
Working at height is a high-risk activity, take care of your people and be responsible for safety with IPAF's help. IPAF has a range of Andy Access posters, in multiple languages, to help your workforce, covering important mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) and mast climbing work platform (MCWP) safety topics. All to help keep operators safe and prevent accidents.
IPAF has created a film warning people not to cut corners when using MEWPs to carry out temporary work at height, launching it at its Asia Conference & Showcase 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Exhibitions, trade fairs, and other such shows can be challenging environments in which to operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Special consideration is required when displaying or demonstrating at such events.
ELECTRICITY CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Power lines can kill and are a danger when working at height using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
