Key principles and ways to reduce likely risks when using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in public areas and near roads has been published by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF)
The use of powered access to provide an effective means of access to work at height is constantly increasing worldwide as the productivity and safety benefits are recognised by businesses and employers alike, IPAF Head of Safety & Technical Brian Parker says.
“An increasing number of MEWPs are being used in areas where members of the public might be present, which is more challenging to control, ie not always segregated from unrelated work activities, vehicular traffic or the general public.
“Compiling and reviewing the guidance has been an exhaustive process and IPAF hopes it will become a valuable desktop and workplace point of reference when planning any work involving MEWPs in a public area or alongside roads.”
“Thanks to the input of Mark Keily from Sunbelt Rentals and the International Safety Committee he chairs, this new guidance is truly the result of a global collaborative effort.”
Keily says IPAF incident data for 2019 and 2020 indicates that approximately one third of all reported fatal or injury incidents occurred in an environment that would be classed as public areas and highways. This is consistent with data from previous reports covering 2016-2018.
“This new Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas document is intended to highlight the relevant hazards and associated risks when a MEWP is to be used in public areas, which are often more challenging to control than other work sites.
“It also identifies measures that can be implemented to eliminate or reduce the risk of an incident or injury when using a MEWP in locations where public and/or vehicles are not prohibited – by which we mean not on fixed construction sites or defined commercial premises.
“We hope it will be of particular use to those who are planning or operating in sectors that frequently or exclusively utilise MEWPs in public areas, including telecoms and utilities, public-sector contractors, highways/street-lighting engineers, facilities/commercial premises management, tree care and arboriculture.
“We urge all Users of MEWPs in these settings to view and download a copy without delay, free of charge.”
The new guidance document, entitled Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas, has been developed by IPAF in collaboration with its International Safety Council (ISC) and supporting members, and is available to view or download in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, simplified Chinese and Spanish. It can be downloaded free of charge in digital format and is also available print-ready so organisations can produce their own hard copies if they so wish.
Visit www.ipaf.org/resources to view or download the IPAF Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas guidance document.
Use www.ipafaccidentreporting.org to report incidents and near misses using powered access.
