PROCEDURE FOR USE OF MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (MEWPs) (Revision 3 – 13th December 2010) Toolbox Talk

Hazards and risks Risk of MEWP overturning or collapsing. Risk of injury from falls or falling objects from the basket. Risk of injury due to collision with an overhead object or trapping against a fixed structure. Risk of electrocution from overhead power lines.

Persons authorised to use MEWPs MEWPs must only be operated by trained and authorised persons. A list of persons authorised to use MEWPs is kept by each of the supervisors and is displayed at Bedford Road. Staff should hold a current IPAF card (these are valid for 5 years) for the following types of MEWPs Static Boom (1b) Mobile Boom (3b) Staff must also have received a toolbox talk on this procedure and a talk on the use of lanyards and harnesses.

PPE to be worn All persons in the basket must wear a harness and work restraint lanyard (both UoA issue) attached to anchorage points in the basket. Note: a)Reference should be made to the procedure for the use of harnesses and lanyards. b)The length of the work restraint lanyard must be such that it is not possible for those working in the platform to proceed past the edge of the platform. c)The lanyard must only be attached to the point on the platform specifically designed for that purpose. Hard Hat (persons in basket and standby person at ground level) High visibility vest (persons in basket and standby person at ground level) Steel toe capped safety boots When operating the equipment loose clothing should not be worn.

Pre-use checks Carry out the following checks: Ensure that plant hirer has had a competent person carry out a thorough examination of the MEWP person within the last 6 months (Note: copy of certificate required). Check that all the safety devices and protective casings are in place and in good working order. Make sure the work platform is mounted correctly and locked in place with the safety bar. Check the engine’s fuel level. Check the hydraulic oil level in the tank. Note: If a hydraulic leak is suspected do not use hands to check for hydraulic leaks. Should any faults be found do not use the machine, return the machine to the plant hirer for repair.

Location of the MEWP Before starting work examine the area where MEWP is to be located for any ground conditions that could affect stability such as potholes, soft or uneven ground, adjacent steep slopes, underground ducts and manhole covers. Check for any overhead obstructions that the MEWP could collide with such as power lines, tree branches or any protruding features on buildings. The MEWP MUST be kept a safe distance away from any power lines - contact the Clerk of Works (Maintenance), Senior Electrical Engineer or Chargehand Electrican (Maintenance) if the work is to be carried out in the vicinity of any power lines. Ensure parts of the MEWP will not protrude into roads or other transport routes.

Location of the MEWP (continued) Outriggers must be extended and sole plates/spreaders used as necessary before the basket is raised. Check the MEWP is correctly levelled using the spirit level on the MEWP. In areas where there are likely to be pedestrians an exclusion zone must be formed around the base of MEWP, the exclusion zone must cover as a minimum the maximum outreach of the boom. The exclusion zone must be marked off with red and white ‘zebra’ tape on posts as a minimum but preferably with the more rigid cone a plank type barrier.

Getting in or out of the MEWP Never attempt to get on or off the machine while it is moving. Only get on or off the platform when it is on the ground. Never walk or climb on the elevation unit to gain access to a platform. When mounting or dismounting the machine face the machine and use the handholds. Clean anything slippery (e.g. mud, grease, ice) from the steps, ladder and platform surface. Clean slippery substances off boots.

Getting in or out of the MEWP (continued) Never use the control levers to help climb up. Never tread on the control pedals when getting on or off the platform. Make sure all the handrails, doors and access chains are in place and that lanyard is attached to the platform before it begins to move. When leaving the work platform put all controls in neutral, switch off the engine, activate the handbrake and remove the key.

Operation of MEWP A trained MEWP operative with the expertise to lower the platform in the event of an emergency must act as a standby man at ground level whilst the MEWP is being used. This person should stay outside the exclusion zone and must never walk below the raised platform. The safe working load and maximum number of persons allowed on the platform must never be exceeded. Do not use the platform if there is a strong breeze.

Operation of MEWP Lanyards must be attached to the platform before it is raised. After switching on the machine, move the controls slowly to check that everything is working properly and that the platform can be raised and lowered. The lower control unit must not be used while the operators are on the platform, except in case of emergency. A MEWP must never be used as a crane. When driving the machine or positioning the platform keeps all parts of the body behind the platform guard- rail.

Operation of MEWP (continued) Never attach ropes or wires between the platform and any part of an adjacent structure or tree. Never attach yourself to an adjacent building or tree when working on the platform. Do not bend over, sit or climb on the platform guard-rail. Always keep both feet on the platform surface while working If carrying out pruning or removing branches the platform must be at or above the level of the cut, never below it. NEVER attempt to increase the height or the outreach of the platform with additional means (e.g. ladders).

Carrying loads Distribute loads evenly on platforms. Ensure that loads do not interfere with any controls. Do not transport materials on the guard rails, they are not designed for this purpose. Loads and tools must be adequately secured, extreme care must be taken with sheet materials as wind can cause a sail effect making the basket unstable.

FURTHER GUIDANCE For further information on the safe use of MEWPs refer to the HSE Information Sheet MISC614 – Preventing falls from boom-type mobile elevating work platforms. A number of short training presentations are also available at