MEWPs And The Need For Training

MEWPs

This is an acronym for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, and refers to those powered machines that provide builders and equipment, the access to hard-to-reach high areas. This is the technical name for equipment more commonly known as scissor lifts, cherry pickers, access and aerial platforms.

The Risks With MEWPs

When MEWPs are operated by inept workers or those that haven’t been given sufficient instruction, accidents are prone to happen. Depending upon the severity of the incident, these may even turn out to be fatal. There are many such hazard risks associated with these machines.

Entrapment is one such risk. This happens when an operator gets trapped against their controls, preventing them from stopping the machine.

Capsizing is another risk associated with MEWPs; when a machine overturns, the operator may get thrown out of the basket, which is usually high above the ground. Another related risk is the operator losing control and falling from the platform.

Collision may occur with bystanders, other MEWPs, or nearby power cables.

Prevention Of Accidents

Because of the risks involved, there is a necessity to train workers and keep them informed about the hazards involved with such machinery.

Certain measures can be taken, such as-

• Ensuring that the appropriate MEWP is chosen for the site and job

• Checking ground conditions for stability

• Avoiding usage near hazards like overhead power cables

• Adjusting work schedules and machinery locations according to weather conditions.

Seeing that the majority of these accidents happen due to operators being incompetent, the risks can be considerably reduced by providing good training. By ensuring that all operators have completed a formal training on the make and model of the MEWP they’re using, risks can be avoided.

How The IPAF Can Help

The IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) is a non-profit organisation that aims to make powered access safer to use throughout the world. This sort of access training is taken care of by IPAF at their 600 training centres spread across the world.

This organisation conducts a 2-to-3 day training program, and trains more than 100,000 operators each year. Trained operators are then issued the PAL (Powered Access License), one of the most widely accepted proof of training for operators.

If your construction company uses MEWPs, ensure that all operators are properly trained and use proper safety measures.