Do you know how to avoid crushing hazards?

It is that essential operators identify obstacles that might pose a crushing or trapping hazard in any direction of movement of the work platform. Always check in all directions while preparing to move the work platform, including checking all around the platform, and especially behind you.

Monitor other occupants of the platform and ensure they are aware of all potential crushing hazards, for instance if operating with multiple users in a scissor lift, maintain constant contact with your fellow occupants to ensure they are not at risk of crushing or trapping when moving the platform or travelling the MEWP. Always use the finer MEWP controls when work near to any potential crushing or trapping hazards to minimise the speed of movements.

Ensure all possible crushing hazards are identified by risk assessment, ensure you select the correct MEWP to complete the task while safely avoiding hazards (ie use an articulated boom as opposed to a straight boom if multiple obstacles must be negotiated). Ensure other occupants of the platform know about these. During operation, follow guidance to avoid trapping and crushing injuries in a MEWP (www.ipaf.org/safe).

See also: IPAF guidance on crushing hazards; Site Assessment (for MEWP Selection) training.