International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) collates incident reports received from around the world, from companies, individuals and IPAF members who share their experiences to allow others to work safer. By analyzing the data, it is evident incidents involving electrocutions and electric shocks have notably increased since 2015, the standout statistic is that reported incidents of electrocution are nearly always fatal.

This Toolbox Talk provides guidance for powered access rental companies on how to deal with suspected asbestos contaminated equipment when it is off-hired.

If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or platform occupant contacts energised 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.

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.

Stay safe when working around antennas. You are at risk from non-ionising radiation (RF) from transmitting antennas. Always make sure they are isolated and you have a permit to work.

Be careful of the catapult effect on uneven ground.

You do not need to touch the power cables to be electrocuted – electricity can jump!

Position your MEWP correctly and always stay inside the platform guardrails with both feet on the platform floor

This webinar will explore how to prevent downtime of a MEWP through the implementation of an effective maintenance and inspection programme.

Do you operate MEWPs near roads? Always work safely and set up an exclusion zone to protect the boom from entering a live road.

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.

INGEBORG GABRIELS
SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY MANAGER AT RIWAL, NETHERLANDS

Michelle Long
Managing Director, The UK Tool Hire Group

Katrine Aurora Balle
Instructor & Training Manager, Riwal, Denmark

Sara Trabucchi
Training Manager, Elevo-Kiloutou, Italy

Marzia Giusto
Managing Director, Loxam, Italy

Tyres 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 tyres, 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 tyre.

Are your MEWP tyres safe to use?

Always check the condition of your tyres and wheels as part of your pre-use inspection.

The catapult effect on a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) occurs when stored energy or an impact to the MEWP’s superstructure causes a whiplash effect, which travels through the boom to the platform.

UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies & EU Notified Bodies.

This webinar explores the benefits of using mast climbing work platforms for facade work over other available options. Also included is an update on the MCWP HSE Safety Alert issued earlier this year by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and interpretation of the safety elements in the MCWP European regulation EN1495. Webinar sponsored by: Alimak and Maber

Debbie Lewis
IPAF Independent Instructor, UK