WHAT IS THE RISK?

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.

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW?

This Toolbox Talk applies to all individuals involved with MEWPs on a site:

• Operator
• Spotter
• Supervisor/site manager/traffic management
• MEWP user (who has control of the use of the MEWP on site)
• Nominated ground rescue person

WHAT IS A TOOLBOX TALK?

Toolbox talks are short discussion sessions that allow you and your workers to explore the risks and safety issues specific to your work site. The talks should focus on a single topic. A toolbox talk should be a regular occurrence to reinforce learning and gain worker buy-in.

IPAF TOOLBOX TALKS

IPAF’s toolbox talks focus on key issues when using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), as well as mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) or hoists. The talks build on the safety messages highlighted through the Andy Access campaign (www.ipaf.org/andyaccess), and these posters will form part of your briefing. It is advisable that these posters be used throughout your worksite to reinforce your safety messages.

USEFUL REFERENCES

• Safe Use Of MEWPs In Public Areas
• Andy Access posters ‘Use a Spotter’ and ‘Be Street Smart’
• IPAF Operators Safety Guide (available on the ePAL app www.ipaf.org/ePAL)

Ref: Toolbox Talk A28 | TE-16-EN--V23.0-2022-08-30