IPAF Webinar: MEWP MODIFICATIONS – TACKLING THE TABOOS

Online webinar
14 December 2021, 12.00pm UK time (GMT)

This webinar will focus on what MEWP users need to understand and what industry stakeholders must consider. The practice of modifying machines can be a controversial topic conjuring a multitude of questions, complexities and implications. MEWP modifications are generally taboo, yet they frequently are made to MEWPs. This issue became a topic of debate in the US recently during the development of industry standards. The norm is to never modify a MEWP without the prior written approval of the MEWP manufacturer, yet MEWP users often make changes to the MEWP to address a site need, secondary suppliers offer to add on accessories, and MEWP manufacturers themselves offer many optional accessories.

The panel of presenters will debate the answers to the following questions from different perspectives, examining what is currently happening in the market and what should be happening and, most importantly, how we can all best align these practices for safe and effective fleet management.

  • Why are MEWPs being modified? 
  • Do MEWP users understand the impact of modifications?
  • Could you be modifying your MEWP without realising it? And what exactly are your risks and responsibilities?
  • When does necessity drive change?
Rob Cavaleri Headshot
Rob Cavaleri, 
Safety & Compliance Manager, Manlift Middle East
Rob Cavaleri, Regional Training, Safety & Compliance Manager, Manlift Middle East, and Member, IPAF Middle East Council and Member, IPAF International Safety Committee.
Rob has over 37 years of experience in the access industry, including in Australia, the US, Europe, India and the Middle East. He joined the access industry in 1985 beginning with aluminium towers and light swinging stages, followed by telescopic handlers, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and power generators. Rob’s efforts are predominantly around continuous improvement in rental, sales, operations, technical, and training for the Manlift Riwal Group. 
Jim Waldron
Jim Waldron, Product Safety Manager, Skyjack UK
In addition to his role with Skyjack, Jim is also a member of various standards committees and industry working groups including the Equipment Manufacturing Federation of Europe and the UK Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group. He is also the Chairman of the IPAF Manufacturers’ Technical Committee. He brings over 15 years of experience from the aerospace sector as an Engineering Manager, responsible for various aspects of airworthiness and safety. He has a master’s degree in Systems Engineering, is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, and holds Chartered Status of the UK Engineering Council.
TJ Lyons
TJ Lyons, Safety Manager, DPR Construction (United States)
 
TJ supports field teams and operations in the United States from Malta, New York. Board-certified as an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist and Certified Safety Professional, he is proud to have shared his skills with his local community. As a past Assistant Chief, New York Adjutant Fire Instructor (hazardous materials), Emergency Medical Technician, and still a Volunteer Firefighter, he brings safety from the field to the home as often as possible.
TJ was previously a chapter writer for the American Society of Testing of Materials and for the recent American Society of Safety Engineers’ Construction Safety Management and Engineering (vol. 1 & 2). He is the past president of the Hudson River Valley Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers. His safety passion is focused on working with people and the idea of preventing incidents through the smarter design of the built environment.
Tony Groat.jpg
Tony Groat, North America Regional Manager, IPAF
Tony has occupied his current role for over 15 years and brings the knowledge and experience of over 30 years in the equipment rental industry with a focus on temporary work at height. Known as a subject-matter expert regarding the safe-use and training for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), he is also a member or chair of MEWP standards for design, safe-use and training for US ANSI A92 standards, Canadian CSA standards, and ISO TC214 international standards.  He is an author and presenter on MEWP safe-use and training and was awarded the Access Lift & Handlers 2019 Person of the Year status in recognition for his contribution to the industry.
Brian Parker
Brian Parker
Head of Safety & Technical, IPAF
Brian Parker has worked in the powered access industry for over 25 years, formerly working for IPAF Member AFI-Uplift. Previous to that he served in the UK Forces - Royal Engineers for 8 years.

This webinar will be broadcast via Zoom and will be in English, featuring simultaneous translation in Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Chinese and Korean. Simultaneous translation is only available when watching live, using the free Zoom desktop or mobile app. It will not be available if you watch using your web browser. 

*Please note simultaneous translation is provided subject to demand. IPAF reserves the right to cancel this feature if minimum numbers are not met.

Register now View the previous webinars here

Webinar sponsored by:

 Hinowa Logo

Skyjack Logo

For event sponsorship contact: faith.cobaine@ipaf.org +44 (0)7542 94 1177.