Training For MEWPS at Promax

Employers and individual users are liable

Whilst powered access platforms make working at height safer, quicker and more efficient, it must be remembered that employers or individual users are liable if the people in charge of the machinery are not properly trained.

Health and safety legislation and work at height regulations make training for MEWPs compulsory. Anyone working with the equipment needs to know how to inspect it, to operate it safely, and to recognise and avoid any potential hazards. As well as this general training, they should also be given familiarisation training on the specific model that they will be working with.

Who is responsible for training?

Employers and individual users must make sure operators are properly trained. Rental companies are also obliged to direct their clients to appropriate training if they don’t deliver it themselves.

There are courses available for:
• Operators
• Demonstrators
• Instructors

What’s the MEWP training about?

Training for MEWPS is a combination of classroom based study and hands-on experience with the equipment and includes:

Industry regulations and standards
Choosing the right platform for the job
Carrying out workplace inspections
Operation of the powered access platform including demonstrated proficiency in all functions of the equipment
How to recognise and avoid common hazards
Operator warnings and instructions
The purpose and use of manuals
Carrying out a pre-start inspection
Factors affecting stability
Personal protective equipment
General equipment components
Safe use of equipment
Understanding issues associated with larger machines: e.g. outriggers/stabilizers, extendable axles, envelope management systems, load-movement devices, dual capacity

Specific Training For MEWPS

Training for MEWPS can be tailored to the individual requirements of your business. The MEWP training can cover specific categories of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) such as:

• Static Vertical (1a)
• Static Boom (1b)
• Mobile Vertical (3a)
• Mobile Boom (3b)
• Insulated Aerial Device (IAD)
• Specialist machines (SPECIAL)

Accredited training centres are located across the country and courses can be held at their premises, or on a convenient site with suitable facilities. Promax Access offer a wide range of training courses for working at height. Please call to discuss your particular access platform training requirements.

Where To Find Out More About Working At Height Training

In 2010, aerial work platform industry professionals published The Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment.’ This document sets out the obligations and requirements of those responsible for delivering, arranging and receiving training in the use of powered access platforms and is essential reading for anyone planning a job at height with powered access platforms.

Summary

Powered access platforms have many benefits for working at height but there is a legal obligation to make sure they are used safely and properly. Training for MEWPS is not only a legal requirement but jobs can be completed more efficiently if everyone involved knows how to use the equipment properly. With professional training dangerous and costly accidents can be avoided.

Why A Spider Platform?
Promax - That's a tight squeeze

Not all jobs that require a spider platform are located outdoors or in open spaces. Some, such as interiors, gardens or courtyards are in very confined spaces. Working at height in unusual spaces pose a number of challenges for

professional teams.

In addition to the usual safety concerns for the workforce, it can be complicated to get the necessary equipment to the work area, let alone set it up and start using it. A spider platform often needs to be transported through a tight space and set up, taking care not to damage the surrounding environment and making sure the machine is fully operational and safe despite these additional limitations.

Our spider platform range has been specially designed to work in areas that are inaccessible to other powered access platforms and to provide maximum functionality, indoors or in tight spaces.

The name comes from the shape of the stabilizer legs which fold up to enable the lift to be used in narrow spaces and to pass through standard width doorways or gateways which would be problematic for other types of lift. This clever design does not mean a compromise on the overall functionality of the lift as they are still able to safely reach significant heights, and have strength and stability on uneven and sloping surfaces.

Spider lifts can be used indoors or outdoors on all terrain but have a number of features which make them particularly useful for jobs indoors or in more delicate areas. These include:

• A tracked chassis to spread the weight of the lift over a larger area and reduce the ground bearing pressure, preventing damage to fragile floors or pathways.

• Electric motor power option for indoor use which reduces operational noise.

• Not only lower overall weight than other types of access platforms but also no reduced functionality.

• Easy to transport as most are road towable.

• Radio control options for use in tight space.

The narrow design and low ground pressure make them flexible and reliable on delicate surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. The spider platform legs can even be set up in different positions on different ground levels meaning the machines can be used in compact spaces where other lifts are unable to work.

Spider lifts are the least disruptive type of powered access platform making them flexible and adaptable for a range of unique and specific jobs. They have reduced noise, flexible access and can be used on most surfaces without compromising safety, functionality or causing damage to more delicate surfaces, even in the most unusual spaces.

See our full range of Spider platforms, please see our tracked spider lift access platform page which has all the information you will need.

Boom type MEWP Safety

On a MEWP boom-type, safety is a concern to anyone working at height with these types of access platforms.

However, for the occupants of the basket in a boom-type MEWP, there is a real risk of serious injury or death from being catapulted out of the basket. They may not be in any position to avoid violent movement of the basket. But the correct use of a harness can prevent them from being thrown out.

How the catapult effect happens On A Boom-Type MEWP

If the boom swings, jolts or tilts away from the machine’s centre of gravity, then the basket and its occupant(s) can be placed at risk. Other causes can be an impact from other vehicles or snagging the boom or basket on obstructions. Or it may be if the operator overreaches (usually by standing on the guard rails). All these factors can affect safety on MEWP boom-type equipment;

• Even a small movement at ground level will create a whiplash effect at platform level.

• The higher you are, the faster you will be thrown forwards – or sideways – or backwards.

• In the event of an accident, the platform might tilt – providing less protection than you think.

MEWP boom-type Safety

When working from a boom type MEWP (mobile elevated work platform), it is strongly recommended that a full-body harness with an adjustable lanyard be used to provide work restraint. The lanyard should be adjusted to be as short as possible and may contain an energy absorbing device.

This includes Static Booms and Mobile Booms.

The use of personal fall prevention equipment

Where there is a risk of impact or someone falling from a boom type MEWP, those people should wear appropriate fall prevention equipment.

The preferred option is to stop the person falling from the work platform by using a work restraint system. A work restraint system will consist of a full-body harness (BS EN 361) connected to a lanyard (BS EN 354) which connects to an anchor point on the MEWP basket. From the anchor point, the lanyard length will be short enough to prevent a person from reaching a position where they could fall. The lanyard may contain an energy-absorbing device (BS EN 355), but will still only be in use as part of a work restraint system.

Do not use retractable type fall arresters (BS EN 360) unless they are suitable and have been specifically tested.

Suitable harnesses and lanyards for boom type MEWP safety

British Standards safety equipment may be bought online and delivered the next day. It is also worth downloading and reading what the “Work at Height Safety Association” have to say in their Technical Guidance Note 4 “Guidance on the use of single and twin energy-absorbing lanyards”. It can be downloaded here.

The Clunk Click Campaign

Clunk Click is a worldwide campaign for all users of boom type platforms. It encourages operators to wear a full-body harness and also a short lanyard.

It was started in the UK by the Powered Access Interest Group (PAIG). PAIG are a joint committee that includes, not only the Construction Plant-hire Association but also the International Powered Access Federation.

Clunk Click stickers for boom type MEWP safety can be ordered by calling +44 (0)1271 374209. Artwork can also be obtained from IPAF on +44 (0)15395 66700.

Be safe at height. It’s your life.

Power Access Platforms

The Duke of Wellington was one of Britain’s finest generals. His success in India, Spain and Europe was down to one thing: reconnoitering the ground. This was so important to him he carried out much of it himself. Seeing the ground with his own eyes allowed him to plan for troop and artillery placement, to check on the ground conditions, and allow quick access to areas when needed.

In effect, he did his own ‘risk assessment’ before each battle. He would have made the perfect MEWP team manager.

The route to site

There are many factors to take into account when planning to use powered access platforms. To ensure their safe and effective use, good decisions need to be based on understanding where and how they are to be used. The best way to identify the hazards is to travel beforehand – to reconnoiter – the route the MEWP will take. From where the MEWP is stored to the site entrance needs to be seen and the most suitable method of transport chosen. If on a trailer, a safe area needs to be designated for unloading. Accidents can and do, happen at this stage.

Accessing the site

When planning the job, factor in separate or designated areas of movement for workers on the ground and the access equipment. This should include:

– Separate entrances and exits

– Pedestrian walkways through the work area

– Crossing points which are clearly signed and lit where there is a crossover between access equipment and pedestrians

– Room to reverse or make a three point turn

– Visibility is paramount when moving machines around and vehicles should have large, clean windscreens and external mirrors to provide an all-round field of vision.

Ground Surfaces

If it has recently rained then reconnoitering the ground is essential to assess the risk. Soft surfaces can make maneuverability difficult, particularly when the ground has become muddy and churned up or if you are working on different surface types such as sand, ice or fragile indoor floors. Check the condition of surfaces in all of the work areas and in between and factor in the machine weight as, in some cases, a tracked access platform might be required.

  • The Health and Safety Executive’s Five Steps to risk assessment

Viewing beforehand the route the MEWP will be taking from the start of its journey to the work placement will make the HSE “5 Steps” easier to assess.

Seeing with your own eyes will help:

  • Step 1: Identify the hazards.
  • Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how.
  • Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions.
  • Step 4: Record your findings and implement them.
  • Step 5: Review your risk assessment and update if necessary.

Take a tip from the Duke of Wellington – do your own reconnoitre and assess the risks when deploying your MEWPs.