Familiarisation is required prior to operating any MEWP that is significantly different in weight, height, length or complexity to the MEWP on which training took place. The operator, supervisor, nominated ground rescue personnel, service engineer/ technician and demonstrator all need adequate familiarisation of the MEWP prior to undertaking their duties.
The purpose of this document is to provide information, and good-practice guidance on means of reducing exposure to trapping and crushing hazards while using a MEWP.
The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may be significantly different than the MEWP the operator was trained on. Accidents can occur from operating an unfamiliar MEWP, for example by moving the platform in the opposite direction than intended, or by incorrectly setting up the outriggers.
Familiarisation is required prior to operating any MEWP that is significantly different in weight, height, length or complexity to the MEWP on which training took place. The operator, supervisor, nominated ground rescue personnel, service engineer/ technician and demonstrator all need adequate familiarisation of the MEWP prior to undertaking their duties.
The purpose of this document is to provide information, and good-practice guidance on means of reducing exposure to trapping and crushing hazards while using a MEWP.
The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may be significantly different than the MEWP the operator was trained on. Accidents can occur from operating an unfamiliar MEWP, for example by moving the platform in the opposite direction than intended, or by incorrectly setting up the outriggers.
One of the key conditions for MEWP stability is the ability of the ground or structure to safely support the weight of the MEWP at its point of contact with the ground in all configurations. Failure to consider the load-bearing capacity of the ground could potentially cause the MEWP to go out of level, become unstable, and overturn.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are not advertising displays. MEWPs are designed to take persons, tools and equipment within the platform to enable the occupants to work safely at height. Attaching a sign or banner to a MEWP will potentially make the MEWP unstable. This can cause an overturn and result in serious injuries to people and damage to property.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used in confined areas, or near overhead structures. When travelling or when elevated there is a risk that the operator or the platform occupant may come in contact with an overhead obstruction. This could result in crushing or entrapment of that person.
A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) must be inspected daily or at the start of each shift to make sure it is safe to use; and will not cause an injury to the platform occupants or other personnel.
Ground conditions are critical for the stability of the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Unsuitable ground conditions can result in the MEWP overturning with potential loss of life.
To comply with regional legislation, standards, and best practice, a Rescue Plan should be developed, documented, and communicated before anyone operates a MEWP.
This video shows the reconstruction of a real incident that occurred early in the morning at Horizon Platform's MEWP rental yard in March 2021, in the UK. It demonstrates how easily accidents can happen when loading or unloading Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) onto delivery vehicles.
This Toolbox Talk provides information on the associated hazards and risks involved with mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) working near railways and crossing active and non-active rail crossings.
This Toolbox Talk provides information on the types of hazards that can cause collisions/impacts and suggests ways to reduce the likelihood of these incidents occurring.
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) Category 3a (e.g., scissor lifts) are sometimes fitted with extension decks, these can be single, or double deck extensions. The purpose of an extension deck is to provide additional horizontal outreach beyond the main deck of the platform.
MEWP overturn incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Instability leading to overturn is commonly among the top four causes of lost time incidents (LTIs) annually, according to global data.
