Mobile elevating work platforms Toolbox Talk
MEWPs reduce many work-at-height risks but can overturn, entrap or crush. Selection, ground conditions, operator competence and rescue arrangements must be confirmed before use.
Key points
- Select a MEWP for reach, load, terrain, wind and overhead hazards.
- Allow only trained, familiarised and authorised operators to use it.
- Check ground bearing capacity, slopes, voids and nearby excavations.
- Complete pre-use checks and confirm thorough examination is current.
- Keep gates closed, feet on the floor and within platform load.
- Use the manufacturer-specified restraint and anchor arrangement for boom-type machines.
- Keep a ground person able to use emergency lowering and practise the rescue plan.
Do
- Create an exclusion zone.
- Look above and behind before moving.
- Stop at the permitted wind speed.
Don't
- Do not climb out or stand on guardrails.
- Do not override alarms or interlocks.
- Do not rely on 999 as the rescue plan.
Questions to ask the group
- What can crush the operator here?
- Who can lower the platform in an emergency?
- What restraint does the manufacturer specify?
References: Work at Height Regulations 2005; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998; HSE GEIS6 The selection, management and use of mobile elevating work platforms