This is the third webinar in the three-part IPAF Women in Powered Access series an outcome of the IPAF Women in Powered Access Initiative. Host Ali Moore is joined by panellist speakers Charlotte Bennett, Carolin Bautzmann and Francesca Marchesini.
This guidance is intended to: provide information for those who plan and manage MEWP operations; provide information on the main hazards when using a MEWP in pedestrian control mode; provide information on the risk control measures to adopt when using pedestrian controls; provide general global guidance for those who undertake tasks to prevent incidents occurring.
When a MEWP is delivered or collected from a site, loading and unloading on the public highway should be avoided wherever possible. The aim is to minimise risk to employees and members of the public by ensuring delivery vehicles park away from public highways and pavements.
Krafthand Media has published this year's edition of the German-language IPAF-Journal magazine. The circulation of 40,000 copies is distributed through IPAF member companies and training centres to customers, course participants and other interested parties, as well as through the recipients of bd-baumaschinenendienst and GaLaBau magazines to companies in the construction industry.
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.
The purpose of this document is to provide information, and good-practice guidance on means of reducing exposure to trapping
and crushing hazards while using a MEWP.
RF is short for radio frequency. RF is any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that is able to travel, or spread through space.
Stay safe when working around antennas. You are at risk from non-ionising radiation (RF) from transmitting antennas. Always make sure they are isolated and you have a permit to work.
IPAF's Innovate event sees teams work together in small groups to create achievable solutions to known industry issues. The 2022 summary paper provides an overview of each topic, including "Preventing Workers Falling From MEWPs" and "Operator Training & Retraining".
Operating MEWPs alongside roads can cause death or serious injury to operators or members of the public if the tasks are not adequately planned and machinery not positioned correctly. Due to the close working environment and proximity with other equipment, passing vehicles, buildings and pedestrians, the risk of a MEWP being impacted is significantly increased.
Tires on Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) can sometimes be the only contact points between the MEWP structure and the ground and are critical to the stability of the MEWP.
The tires, whether solid, air filled or polyurethane foam-filled support the weight of the machine while it is in use. In certain boom configurations this can be up to 80% of the total machine weight over one tire.
The catapult effect on a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) occurs when stored energy or an impact to the MEWP’s structure causes a whiplash effect, which travels through the boom to the platform.
CRUSHING CAN KILL - STAY ALERT, STAY ALIVE
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are often used to carry out work in areas where there are risks of crushing or entrapment to the platform occupants. Any activity involving MEWPs must be planned and properly managed. Failure to do so can result in injury or death of the platform occupants.