Where Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) are used there is always the risk to the persons in the work platform of them becoming stranded at height due to equipment malfunction, breakdown or other reasons.
Naturally this risk can be significantly reduced through using well maintained equipment, conducting pre-use inspections, including function checks and the MEWP being operated by a trained, competent operator. These factors will significantly reduce any potential risk.
It is however, still essential that plans are put in place to rescue persons in the work platform.
What is a MEWP?
A MEWP is a mobile machine. It is used to move persons to working positions where they are carrying out work from the work platform, with the intention that persons are getting on and off the work platform only at access positions at ground level or on the chassis. It consists at a minimum of a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis.
Planning for rescue from a MEWP
Before carrying out rescue from height, as with all activities in the workplace, employers must ensure that a safe system of work is in place.
An emergency plan is vital to establishing a safe system of work and will involve the following stages:
1. Identification of the task to be undertaken;
2. Identification of the hazards associated with the task;
3. Assessment of the risks involved with the rescue operation;
4. Identification of the required control measures;
5. Identification of roles and responsibilities;
6. Developing the method to be used including:
a. Identification and provision of any equipment required;
b. Identification, training and assessment of suitable competent persons to carry out the rescue;
c. Ensuring the availability of appropriately trained and competent persons when required;
d. Provision of necessary information;
e. Establishing suitable methods of communication;
f. Consideration of โbasket to basketโ or other means of rescue;
g. Need for the provision of a โpersonnel emergency packโ in the MEWP platform and the contents of that pack (see section 8.);
h. Liaison with the local emergency services;
i. Contact details for the operator of any nearby overhead power lines.
7. Recording the planning in a method statement;
8. Communication of the plan to all those involved;
9. Reviewing the plan at intervals, incorporating any changed circumstances and undertaking periodic refresher training. The control measures identified should include arrangements for training of persons and the inspection and maintenance of any rescue equipment.
Rescue Personnel
Whenever a MEWP is in use, a competent and authorised person in the vicinity of the MEWP should be designated as the โnominated ground rescue personโ. This person should be familiar 3 with the ground controls of the MEWP and have practiced lowering the platform. They should also have been fully briefed on the rescue plan and identified to the MEWP operator in the work platform as the nominated ground rescue person. In the case of rescue being required, the MEWP operator should in the first instance alert their supervisor. If, however they are not contactable the operator should contact the nominated ground rescue person directly for assistance. It is essential that all personnel involved in the rescue have the necessary competence to enable the rescue to be carried out safely.
Communication
Effective communication between the MEWP operator and their supervisor and/or nominated ground rescue person is essential if the rescue plan is to be carried out successfully. The means of communication chosen will depend on a number of factors including maximum working height of the MEWP, background noise, environment and mobile โphone signal strength. In areas with poor mobile โphone signal strength it may be necessary to use hand-held radios.
MEWP Training
It is important that those that manage and supervise the use of MEWPs have received adequate training. Ensure all MEWP operators are competent and have received the appropriate training for the particular MEWP they are operating.
Training records should be kept on file. Familiarisation of equipment in use is also critical. The operatorโs manual should be supplied with all MEWPโs and available to operators. Operators should be familiar with the manufacturerโs guidance and instructions, the particular features and control functions of the specific model of MEWP being used and have knowledge of the operation of safety devices and emergency lowering procedures.
Dynamic Safety Solutions have a range of training courses for MEWP operators, Training, Rescue and Safe Use. For further information fill out details in form to receive a quote from our training team