This page provides information on the full set of Finnish Toolbox Talks.

The loading of people and equipment is one of the critical tasks during the operation of MCWP’s. Inappropriate loading, overloading or unsecured loads will have an adverse effect on the platform and could lead to serious injury or death of personnel. This Toolbox Talk provides information on the correct loading of MCWP’s.

This Toolbox Talk provides information on the associated hazards and risks involved with mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) working near railways and crossing active and non-active rail crossings.

To stay safe and not distract the operator when the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is in motion.

To comply with regional legislation, standards, and best practice, a Rescue Plan should be developed, documented, and communicated before anyone operates a MEWP.  

The loading of people and materials is critical to the safe operation of hoists. Unsecured loading could have an adverse effect and lead to serious injury or death of personnel. This TBT provides information on loading hoists correctly.

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 provided with ground and platform controls to comply with global MEWP design standards. Pedestrian control is the term used when the MEWP operator uses the platform controls from the ground by walking alongside, or in close proximity to the MEWP. This includes those that have an umbilical cord, or radio/remote, or a fixed point of control on the chassis.

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.

Why do you need rescue procedures? A robust, documented rescue procedure is required to lower the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) platform occupants in a timely manner in case of a malfunction or emergency. Any delay in rescuing the MEWP platform occupants may be the difference between life and death.

The delivery and collection of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) can sometimes be a high-risk activity if not performed correctly. IPAF recommends load/unload and IPAF demonstrator training for delivery drivers.

Spotters are crucial for safe operation in situations where the MEWP Operator's visibility is limited or when hazards are present.

Harnesses and lanyards prevent severe injury or death by preventing falls from MEWPs, therefore it is essential that you check the condition and function before every use. Through use, PFPE could become damaged, worn or lose parts. These checks must be repeated before every use.

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.

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.

Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) field servicing often carries higher risks than workshop servicing.

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.

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.

Quickly rescuing someone who has become trapped at height can make a very significant difference to the injuries sustained – it may be the difference between life and death.

Charging batteries on electrified Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) should be carried out in line with the manufacturer's instructions, which can be found in the operators’ manual. Incorrect battery charging can increase the risk of fire or explosion from transformers and/or charging equipment.

The most common type of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fitted to Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) is the Lithium Ferrophosphate (LFP) battery. The main risk from Li-ion batteries is fire or explosion, which can lead to thermal runaway.

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.

Moving, testing, servicing or repairing MEWPs exposes workshop employees to hazards and risks that vary based on the type of MEWP and the type of service or repair being carried out. Failure to properly identify those hazards and eliminate or manage those risks or failure to follow work or service instructions, could lead to property damage, injury, ill-health or death.