Recovery and Rescue Plans

A Recovery and Rescue Plan is a procedure to lower the MEWP platform in case of an emergency, for example, an operator being incapacitated, or a breakdown.

Show article: Guidance on Emergency Rescue 

Recovery and rescue plans should be developed by competent persons and be distributed to MEWP operators and nominated ground control rescue personnel. Quickly rescuing someone who is trapped or incapacitated may mean the difference between life and death.

IPAF recommends the recovery and rescue plan is documented, understood, and rehearsed by all involved in the work at height task. 

IPAF recommends MEWP OPERATORS should not start work until the recovery and rescue plan is in place.

When is a recovery and rescue plan required?

• A loss of main power to the MEWP due to flat batteries or running out of fuel.
• MEWP technical malfunction, which can cause a loss of functions.
• A snagged or trapped platform.
• Isolation of platform controls due to the MEWP platform being overloaded.
• An incapacitated operator or platform occupant due to a medical emergency such as entrapment.

What should a MEWP operator do?

• Ensure there is a recovery and rescue plan in place before starting work and you understand what to do in an emergency.
• Before elevating the platform, ensure there is a nominated ground rescue person in place.
• Check communications are working with the nominated ground rescue personnel.
• Brief other platform occupants on the recovery and rescue plan requirements.
• Ensure that the MEWP is positioned so that the ground controls and the emergency lowering controls are accessible in case of an emergency.