The Best Practice Guidance for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) was released by the UK-based Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group with the aim of avoiding trapping or crushing incidents when these machines are used in confined overhead spaces.
IPAF has prepared a US edition of the above document, which was published in April 2011. See the updated link below.
The original guidance was launched by the industry in July 2010 to provide clarity about the safe use of MEWPs including planning, equipment selection, training, provision of information, familiarisation, safe use, supervision and rescue procedures, together with monitoring and management of the work.
The Strategic Forum comprises representatives from the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Skills, the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training (FASET), the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the National Construction College (NCC), UCATT and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG).
The guidance is divided into two parts. Part 1 is aimed at planners, managers and instructors. It covers hazards, risk assessment, controls and responsibilities. The annexes to Part 1 give detailed information that can assist in the identification of trapping risks and in the planning and managing of work activities to protect against trapping incidents. Part 2 is aimed at those using and supervising MEWPs and those responsible for rescuing anyone trapped on a MEWP platform. Part 2 has been designed to be used in briefings or toolbox talks for supervisors and MEWP operators.
The document contains references to UK legislation and is not intended to be complete guidance on all aspects of MEWP operation. Operators of MEWPs must at all times be properly trained and familiarized.
See the presentation by Chris Wraith of the Lavendon Group on Working at Height in Confined Spaces, available at the Resources/Presentations section.
See also the IPAF Guidance on Important Dos and Don'ts to Avoid Trapping/Crushing Injuries while Working in a MEWP Platform, available at the Publications/Technical Guidance section.
MEWP BPG
Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs: Avoiding Trapping/Crushing Injuries to People in the Platform
