Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs

A best practice document aimed at the prevention of trapping and crushing injuries whilst using MEWPs has been released by the Strategic Forum for Construction’s Plant Safety Group, in attempt to reduce the number of incidents occurring during the use of access platforms.

The guide, posted on the HSE and IPAF websites, is split into two parts, the first aimed at planners, managers and trainers and the second at trained operators and rescuers. Competency and training are emphasised throughout as essential to the safe use of this machinery and readers are reminded of potential hazards as well as ways to minimise danger through risk assessments and safe systems of work, with reference made to health and safety documents and directives such as PUWER 1998.

The Plant Safety Group also provide valuable guides to planning, emergency procedures, selecting the correct MEWP, and hazards and control measures, as well as a breakdown of ‘10 Ways to Reduce the Risk’ for MEWP operators.

Download Best Practice Guidance for MEWPS here.

The guide emphasises that sufficient training is imperative to the safe operation of access platforms and, in accordance with this, Mentor provide comprehensive IPAF accredited MEWP and MEWP for Managers courses tailored to operator competence levels. .

More information about IPAF Training