Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are a safe way of providing temporary access at height for tree care work and vegetation control. Overgrown or overhanging trees and vegetation require management and MEWPs provide an ideal solution for this. This task is necessary in both urban and rural locations – often in public areas close to pedestrians and passing traffic. Pruning or removing branches can be a hazardous task, especially if trees are in the proximity of power lines or communications cables or the platform is poorly positioned in relation to the work area.
Normal and auxiliary control systems built into a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) will allow the operator to bring the platform of the machine safely to ground level under controlled conditions. It is extremely unusual not to be able to lower the platform using these controls or for all of these systems to fail. The following is an example of a rescue plan for people who work at height using a MEWP.
Download IPAF’s new ePAL app today and get the latest safety information and best practice advice, to help you be safer in your workplace, whilst operating powered access equipment.
