Health and Safety

In the Construction Sector

Working at Height
(Ladder & Access Equipment Safety)

SAUDICO HSE PROCEDURES

What is “Work at Height”?
Explains for the purposes of the Regulations, certain words and phrases that will crop
up throughout the document which unless defined could be interpreted differently from
one industry to another.

What is ‘work at height’?

Regulation 2
 A place is ‘at height’ if (unless these
Regulations are followed) a person
could be injured falling from it, even if
it is at or below ground level.

 ‘Work’ includes moving around at a

place of work (except by a staircase in
a permanent workplace) but not
travel to or from a place of work. For
instance, a sales assistant on a
stepladder would be working at
height, but the HSE would not be
inclined to apply the Regulations to a
mounted police officer on patrol.

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Controls Hierarchy
1. Avoid - The risk by not working at height – where it is
reasonably practicable to carry out the work safely by other
means.
2. Prevent - Falls – where it is not reasonably practicable to
avoid work at height you should assess the risks and take
measures to allow the work to be done whilst preventing so
far as is reasonably practicable, people or objects falling.
This might include ensuring the work is carried out from an
existing place of work; or choosing the right work
equipment.
3. Minimise - The consequences of a fall – where the risk of
people or objects falling still remains you should take steps
to minimise the distance and the consequences of such falls,
this also involves the selection and safe use of work
equipment.
At all stages the collective protective measures should always
have precedence over personal protective equipment
Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005
Guidance
Working at height Not working at height
 Working on a scaffold  Activities carried out by private
or MEWP individuals (even if the equipment
 Working on the back used is from work). However, if
of a lorry the home owner employs a
 Using cradles or gardener to cut the hedges then
ropes to gain access the WAHR will apply.
 Climbing permanent  Trips and slips on the level
structures such as surface
gantries  Falls on permanent stairways
 Working close to (unless under structural
excavations, cellars maintenance)
or other openings.  Working in a building (e.g.office)
 Staging or trestles with multiple floors where there
(concerts filming etc) is no risk of falling (except if the
staff use a stepladder to change
the bulbs within the office)
Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005
Scaffolding

 Erection,modification, dismantling by
a ‘competent person’
 Inspection before use by a
‘competent person’
 Inspection reports
 Handover certificate from scaffolding
contractor (SCAFFTAG)

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Scaffolding
Never use a scaffold
unless:
 erected by a ‘competent
person’
 inspected before first time
use
 inspected within past 7 days
 it is re-inspected after:
 a) adverse weather
 b) modification
 c) alteration
 d) any event likely to
have affected stability
Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005
Scaffolding
Protection of the
public:
 containment nets
 guard-rails
 brick-guards
 toe-boards
 protective fans
 minimise ‘contact’ hazards
 adequate lighting at night

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Hoists and hoist towers

Must be:

 erected by a ‘competent person’

 operated by a trained and ‘competent
person’

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Hoists and hoist towers
Legal standards for:
 construction, erection,
maintenance
 testing and examination
 record keeping

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Operating hoists
Operators and signallers must be:

 at least 21 years of age

 trained and competent

No other person may give signals:

 unless under competent supervision
for training
Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005
Operating hoists
Notices to be displayed:

 safe working loads

 conditions of use
Passengers must not be carried
in goods hoists

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Ladder safety
 Check for defects before use
 Report all defects
 Do not paint ladders
 Never use aluminium ladders
near electrical equipment
 Employer maintains record
of inspections
 The right ladder for the job
 Know and use the safe
systems of work
 75° angle, i.e. 1:4

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Types of MEWP
Scissor
lifts

Articulating boom

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Types of MEWP

Telescopic
boom

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Safety harnesses
MUST BE WORN AT
ALL TIMES
 Protect against
falling caused by:
 a collision

 rough terrain
 overreaching or
overbalancing
Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005
Safety harnesses
 Never attach a harness to a point
outside a platform

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Safety helmets
If there are overhead
obstructions, you must
wear a safety helmet

Always use a chin

strap if there is a
danger of it falling off

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Roof work
No ‘safe height’
Hazardous situations:
 working platforms
 scaffolds
 ladders
 roofs
a) flat
b) pitched

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Roof work
 Hazardous situations
(continued):

 open steel work

 working on or near:
a) fragile materials
b) openings
c) holes
d) roof edges

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Flat roofs
 Less than 10° pitch

 No parapet or barrier:

 guard-rails and toe-boards

or
 barrier set back from roof edge

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Flat roofs

Removal of guard-rail for work at edge:

 safe systems employed

and
 re-erected as soon as work ceases

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Sloping roofs
 30° pitch and above
or
 10° to 30° if slippery

 Work should only be done:

 by physically capable
employees using securely
fixed crawling boards and
ladders

 using a catch barrier or a

platform at eaves level

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

Sloping roofs

 Roofs over 50° or

slippery:

 use a working
platform

Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005

 Summary
Work at Heights Regulations
Require you to carry out a risk assessment for ALL
work carried out at height and put into place
arrangements for:
 Eliminating or minimising risks from
working at height;
 Safe systems of Work for organising and
performing work at height;
 Safe systems for selecting suitable work
equipment; and
 Safe systems for protecting people from the
consequences of working at height.
The risk assessment and the action taken should be
proportionate to the harm may occur if no action was
taken. It should aim to avoid the activity or, where this is
not reasonably practicable, carefully examine any residual
risks even if work is carried out in a safe manner using
appropriate work equipment.
Whitegate Health & Safety Productions C2005
 RIYADH BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) PROJECT
HSE Information
Ref: BRT-HSE-INFORMATION-19 Scissor Lifts December 2018

Scissor Lift MEWPS – Stay Sharp and Don’t Cut Corners

At approximately 11.30am this morning a Scissor Lift belonging to Saudico Contractor AIC Steel which was being
used to help with surveying alignment at BRT11-18 tipped over the edge of the BRT concrete foundation, and came
to rest in the yet unfinished bus-lane. The operator of the scissor lift a Mr Devaraju was tipped out of the basket,
and suffered bruising to his leg. This accident is now under investigation by Saudico.

Scissor lifts are a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Working Platform) and have a platform that moves straight up and down.
Around the work platform, there is a mid- rail and a top rail to protect workers from falling off the platform. When
these lifts are extended and stationary, they can serve a very similar purpose to scaffolding. When scissor lifts are
elevated, they are very tall and narrow, making them very susceptible to tipping over if they are not stabilised and
or moved properly. The first step to preventing the lift from tipping over is to ensure that it is on firm, stable, level
ground. This base needs to have a strong, even foundation to support the scissor lift when it is elevated.

Some safe work practices to ensure safe, stable conditions for Scissor Lifts and prevent tip-over include:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe movement—this usually rules out moving the lift in an
elevated position.
• Isolate the scissor lift or implement traffic control measures to ensure that other equipment cannot come
into contact the scissor lift.
• Select work locations with firm, level surfaces away from hazards that can cause instability (e.g., drop-
offs, holes, slopes, bumps, ground obstructions, or debris).
• Use the scissor lift outside only when weather conditions are good. Scissor lifts rated for outdoor use are
generally limited to wind speeds below 28 miles per hour.

Please remember that not all MEWPS are the same, and each type has very different operating characteristics,
therefore the risk has to be properly assessed, and the appropriate controls implemented to ensure safe use of the
particular MEWP being used. Before work starts, the risk assessment should be reviewed to allow for any changes
in circumstances, such as changes in site access, ground conditions, the task to be carried out, and or the weather
conditions, etc. Those involved in the work should report any problems with the risk assessment immediately, and
should they need to deviate from the agreed risk assessment, this should be agreed with the relevant personnel
before any changes are made.

Information on the safe use of MEWPs can be found here http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis6.pdf

Charles McLaughlin
Project HSE Manager
ADA-SM BRT Project Riyadh
Mob: +966 (0) 50-431-3467
 Health and Safety
Executive

The selection, management and use of mobile

elevating work platforms

HSE information sheet General Information Sheet No 6

Introduction

This information sheet is aimed at those who select,

specify, manage and operate mobile elevating work
platforms (MEWPs).

It tells you what you should consider before selecting

a MEWP to gain access to work at height and the
risks that need to be assessed and managed while the
MEWP is in use.

All types of MEWPs are covered by this guidance,

including ones that are:

■■ vertical ‘scissor’ lift;

■■ self-propelled boom;
■■ vehicle-mounted boom; and
■■ trailer-mounted boom.

This information sheet has been produced in

consultation with the Strategic Forum for Plant Safety
– MEWP Safety Group.

What the law requires

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require an Figure 1 Operating a MEWP near overhead structures
assessment to be carried out before starting any
work at height. If the assessment determines that the
work can be carried out in a way that avoids having focuses on minimising the overturning risks associated
someone working at height then this must be done. with mobile work equipment such as MEWPs. This
is particularly relevant when considering the ground,
However, if the assessment confirms that there is no environmental and operating conditions that the
alternative to working at height then the work must MEWP may experience.
be properly planned and organised in advance by a
competent person to ensure that the most suitable The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
work equipment is chosen. Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require that all lifting
operations are to be planned by a competent
When choosing the most suitable work equipment, person and that any equipment used for lifting or
you must follow the fall protection hierarchy. This lowering loads or people (including MEWPs) should
states the order in which protective measures should be of adequate strength and stability and thoroughly
be considered to prevent and mitigate the risks when examined at regular intervals thereafter.
working at height cannot be avoided.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations

1998 (PUWER) require the risks from using equipment
at work to be prevented or controlled and specifically

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Assessing the risk ■■ What interface is there with other vehicles and
pedestrians and are there any unusual issues, eg
MEWPs are designed to provide a safe work platform aircraft, rail traffic, public highway?
for temporary work at height. In relation to the fall ■■ What fuel type is allowed on site and where will
protection hierarchy, they are considered to be work refuelling take place?
equipment that can prevent a fall.

It is important that those responsible for selecting, Managing the risk

specifying and managing MEWPs on site (the
competent person) understand the risks associated Once you have chosen the most suitable type and
with the use of a MEWP so they can advise on the size of MEWP for the job you need to look at the
precautions required to eliminate or control those hazards associated with using it, assess the risks and
risks. Planning is crucial to their safe operation and identify control measures to develop a safe working
the stages below are designed to help you with your method. The following areas should be considered.
planning.
Delivery to and collection from site

Selection criteria Think about what size of delivery vehicle or vehicle-

mounted MEWP will need access to site or whether a
There are many different types of MEWP with various self-propelled MEWP will have to be off-loaded on the
rated capacities, working heights and outreaches. public highway. You should liaise with your supplier/
haulage company on the following matters:
Before you decide which type of MEWP is the most
suitable for the job, think about the following (this list is ■■ What time of day will be most appropriate?
not exhaustive): ■■ Will the MEWP need to be reversed off the delivery
vehicle or, if vehicle-mounted, reversed onto site?
■■ What work needs to be done? ■■ What size of turning circle will be needed?
■■ At what stage in the job will the MEWP be needed ■■ Who will meet the delivery driver?
and what will the ground conditions or supporting ■■ If you have to unload/reload the MEWP on
structure be like at that stage (ie rough, prepared, the public highway, this still forms part of your
poured slab, finished surface etc)? undertaking and will require adequate control
■■ What access is there onto the site to deliver/collect measures to protect/segregate pedestrians and
a MEWP and to travel it to and from the work other road users during these manoeuvres.
location? ■■ Is the lighting adequate or is more required?
■■ What terrain and gradient will the MEWP have to ■■ Is the ground capacity suitable? Are there manhole
cross to get to the work position and is operator covers or other features that must be avoided?
visibility and segregation adequate for the
manoeuvre? Storage/charging area
■■ Are there any overhead power lines or
subterranean hazards on site to be avoided? Wherever possible, keep MEWPs in a secure
■■ How much space is available to position and compound or in a designated area with the engine or
operate the MEWP at the work position? motor switched off, the working platform lowered to its
■■ What is the maximum ground bearing capacity at parked position and the brakes applied. If it has to be
the work area and along the route to and from the parked on a gradient, the wheels should be chocked.
work positions?
■■ How many people need to be lifted? Recharging electrically powered MEWPs should
■■ What is the required safe working load (SWL) of the be carried out in an area that is protected from the
machine? elements.
■■ What height and outreach are required?
■■ Will the MEWP be expected to move in the It is the MEWP users responsibility to make sure
elevated position? that the MEWP cannot be used by unauthorised
■■ Are there likely to be any overhead structures that persons. Different options for isolating machines and
the operator could be crushed against? preventing unauthorised use are being developed by
■■ Are there any materials to be lifted and if so what is manufacturers and hirers and you may wish to discuss
their weight/shape/length? what would work best for you with your supplier.
■■ Are material handling devices required?

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Positioning before and during work the maximum weight of the MEWP and the maximum
point load that it could exert on the floor. Has enough
Consider the following: time been allowed for the concrete to cure?

■■ What type of ground will the MEWP have to travel Adverse weather
across before reaching its work position, eg hard,
firm, soft, sloping, uneven terrain, soft spots, kerbs, Think about wet, cold and windy weather.
subterranean hazards (such as tanks, cellars and
culverts, inspection covers, sewers and service ■■ Is the MEWP designed only for indoor use or can it
trenches), paved areas, footpaths, waterlogged be used outdoors?
areas, frozen ground etc? ■■ What is the manufacturer’s maximum wind speed
■■ Is a banksman or vehicle marshaller required when in which the MEWP can operate safely?
moving the MEWP across the site to its work ■■ How will the wind speed be checked (usually with
position? an anemometer) and by whom?
■■ Will a wander lead be utilised and, if so, is it long ■■ Is the MEWP being operated between buildings
enough to keep the operator at a safe distance? where increased wind speed and/or turbulence
■■ Is the ground sufficiently level at the work location? can be a particular problem?
■■ What is the ground bearing capacity at the work ■■ What about the potential for wind chill, which can
position and along the route to and from it? Is there affect the operator’s dexterity and concentration?
enough space for the outriggers to be deployed? ■■ If using a MEWP rated as ‘indoor only’ think about
■■ What is the maximum point load (under a wheel, wind exposure, eg in a partially clad building or
outrigger or jack pad)? Are spreader plates where large doors are open at both ends of a fully
required? clad building.
■■ Will the MEWP have to pass beneath any overhead
power lines? If so, is there enough clearance and Falling from the platform
has the area been demarcated?
■■ Will the MEWP have to be lifted into position by One of the biggest risks when using boom-type
crane? Are the MEWP lifting points well indicated platforms is being thrown out of the basket if the
and is the weight of the MEWP and radius of lift boom swings, jolts or tilts away from the machine’s
known? Is there an Appointed Person to plan centre of gravity (this can occur when travelling in a
the lift? MEWP), or if the operator overreaches (usually by
■■ Will the MEWP have to operate on ground floor standing on the guard rails). Other causes can be
slabs or slabs at other levels in the structure? Has impact by other vehicles or snagging the boom or
the risk of the MEWP running off the edge of a basket on obstructions. The precautions described in
ground floor slab onto soft ground or off the edge this guidance are designed to minimise the chances
of an elevated floor slab been considered? How of this happening but any risk assessment must still
will the risk be controlled? consider the use of personal fall prevention equipment.
■■ Have segregation/control measures been
considered to prevent the MEWP encroaching into Where there is a risk of impact or someone falling
or over live vehicle or pedestrian routes? from a boom-type MEWP, those people should wear
appropriate fall prevention equipment.
Temporary works (ground conditions and
supporting structures) The preferred option is to stop the person falling from
the work platform by using a work restraint system. A
The person in control of the site should supply work restraint system should normally consist of a full-
relevant information about the ground bearing body harness (BS EN 361) connected to a lanyard (BS
capacity, terrain, gradient, base area, load bearing EN 354) which is connected to an anchor point on the
capability of supporting structures and any localised MEWP basket. From the anchor point, the lanyard
ground features, such as trenches, manholes and length should be short enough to prevent a
uncompacted backfill, which could lead to overturning. person reaching a position where they could fall.
BS 5975:2008 Code of Practice for temporary works The lanyard may contain an energy-absorbing device
procedures and the permissible stress design of (BS EN 355), but should still only be used as part of a
falsework provides more detail on temporary works work restraint system.
and the elements that should be included.
Do not use retractable type fall arresters (BS EN 360)
If operating on a precast or cast in-situ concrete slab, unless they are suitable and have been specifically
request the slab loading limits from the person in tested in the proposed manner of use.
control of the site and check how this compares with

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Figure 2 Examples of secondary guarding devices

For information about restraint systems used in being trapped between the basket and surrounding
arboriculture and forestry, refer to the HSE leaflet structures. This risk increases when the number of
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) for tree work levels the MEWP operates through increases, and
AFAG403. when clearance is reduced due to materials being
loaded onto the lower levels.
Working next to, or over water must be assessed
to identify whether the greatest risk of injury to the MEWPs are fitted with proportional controls to allow
operator is from falling from the MEWP basket or smooth operation and movement of the platform.
drowning, if the MEWP falls into the water. The There can be an element of ‘run-on’ when the controls
decision can then be made as to whether it is most are released abruptly, which may mean the platform
appropriate to wear a harness to address the fall risk continues to move for a short time after the controls
or whether a harness should not be worn due to the have been released. Therefore, particular care must be
risk of drowning. Life jackets, not harnesses should be taken when working close to overhead structures to
worn where there is a risk of drowning. avoid the impact and possible risk of crushing.

Overhead hazards Manoeuvring the basket with the operator crouched

over the control panel to try to avoid overhead
Look for any overhead hazards such as power lines, obstructions is dangerous and should not be done.
steel beams, pipe bridges, arches or trees and take
account of any risks they present and any control Site traffic and personnel
measures needed.
Think about how the MEWP interacts with other site
Trapping/crushing against overhead and adjacent traffic and personnel.
obstructions
■■ Does the operator have limited visibility, particularly
When operating a MEWP where there are adjacent or during reversing? Is a banksman required?
overhead structures, it is possible that the operator ■■ What is required in terms of vehicle route signage,
could be trapped or crushed against those structures. pedestrian and vehicle segregation barriers, cones,
This entrapment can result in serious, sometimes fatal crossings etc?
injury. ■■ Is there a risk of trapping other workers between
the counterweight and an adjacent structure during
If there are structures against which an operator could slewing?
be trapped or crushed, consider selecting a MEWP ■■ Are people below protected from the risk of
fitted with a secondary guarding device which will objects falling from the basket? The first priority
prevent, or mitigate against the consequences of should be to keep people out of the area but, if it is
trapping or crushing (see Figure 2). necessary to have people working in an area where
they could be at risk of being struck by a falling
For further guidance, see Best practice guidance object, you must put control measures in place, eg
for MEWPs and MEWPs - Guidance on secondary tool lanyards.
guarding devices available to reduce the risk of ■■ When working in an area used by other workers
entrapment injury (see Further reading). or vehicles, the entire MEWP work area (based
on required outreach distances and not just base
Extra care must be taken if MEWPs are used to structure footprint) should be barricaded using
manoeuvre up through steelwork, service ducts or cones and warning signs etc.
other obstacles as there is a risk of the operator

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■■ How many lifting devices are working in the area

and is there any risk they could collide with each
other?
■■ Does any part of the MEWP protrude out of the
confines of the work area? Note: you must never
boom over live traffic.
■■ Are you working within 6 km of an aerodrome/
airfield using a MEWP in excess of 10 m in height?
If so, you should contact the airfield manager for
permission to work in that air space.

Handling materials

If MEWPs are to be used to install materials, it is Figure 3 A MEWP fitted with a material handling device
essential to know the weight and dimensions of
those materials and to properly consider any manual
handling and load distribution issues. Exiting the basket at height should be strictly
controlled and may only be undertaken where a
Boom-type MEWPs generally have smaller baskets rigorous risk assessment carried out as part of
and lower lift capacities than scissor-type MEWPs planning the job indicates that this is the safest
and their platforms can ‘bounce’ at height due to the and most effective means of accessing a particular
boom structure flexing. This may make them less location.
suitable to use for installing long or heavy materials,
or bulky materials that may obstruct the control panel. Further information can be found in BS 8460:2005
Annex B Guidance on safe systems of work for exiting
Materials should never be balanced on the handrails the work platform at height.
of a MEWP. Instead, you should consider using a
second boom-type MEWP, a scissor lift, a crane or
a telehandler of appropriate capacity in conjunction Pre-use checks and machine faults
with an appropriate material handling attachment
where necessary (see Figure 3). The combination of The trained operator is responsible for carrying out
a MEWP used for access, with other plant to handle a basic daily/pre-use function check. In addition,
the materials, reduces the risk of overturning and there will be basic maintenance required by the
minimises the risk of injury due to manual handling. manufacturer. Records of these checks should be
kept.
Remember, all people, tools, materials and material
handling devices add to the safe working load of the The operator should also be fully aware of the
machine. Never disable the platform overload system. procedure their employer expects them to follow
Where the overload alarm has been activated or should they identify a fault with the MEWP, eg isolate
movement functions have cut out due to overload, the controls, tag the machine and report the defect to
remove the overload immediately if possible before the person in control.
attempting to recover the machine.

If you plan the work properly, the need for outreach Thorough examination
may be avoided by, for example, preparing or
reinstating the ground conditions in the area directly MEWPs, and any material handling devices must be
beneath planned overhead work or by adjusting the thoroughly examined at least every six months by a
work schedule to delay the construction of low level competent person, or at an increased frequency in
structures until work overhead has been completed. accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by
such a competent person. You should ask to see and
Exiting the work platform at height retain the report of the thorough examination for the
equipment you are going to allow to be used on your
MEWPs are specifically designed to lift people to a site.
position where they can carry out work from the work
platform and then return to the starting level. They are
not intended to be used to transfer people from one Training and certification
level to another or for people to exit the basket
at height. It is the employers responsibility to ensure that all
MEWP operators have been adequately trained.

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Although specific courses are not a strict legal All of the above information can be found in the
requirement, there are recognised schemes available. operators manual which should be supplied with the
Once the training and assessment has been machine.
successfully completed, the operator is given a training
certificate or card, which clearly identifies the operator All familiarisations should be recorded.
and lists the categories of MEWP they are trained
to operate. This document can be updated as the
operator undergoes further training on different types/ Emergency and rescue procedure
sizes of MEWP. You should check the expiry date of
the training certificate or card. The emergency and rescue plan should identify
nominated, trained, site-based personnel who would
For trained operators who have to access areas be available to lower the work platform using the
where the risk of entrapment is increased due to the ground controls or emergency descent system,
proximity of adjacent or overhead structures, the situated at the base of the machine, should the
employer should check whether the operator’s training elevated operator experience difficulties. These people
is sufficient or whether additional training is required. should be included in the familiarisation for the specific
The additional training is designed to make operators machines being used on site and should be given
more aware of how to operate MEWPs in these higher the opportunity to practice the emergency rescue
risk environments and reduce the risk of entrapment. procedure at regular intervals.

Operators using material handling attachments should The plan should also include the call-out details for the
have received additional training in accordance with service engineer or other person who is competent
the attachment manufacturer’s recommendations. and authorised to lower the work platform in the event
of an emergency or a machine malfunction.
Operators and any other person being lifted by the
MEWP will need instruction in the correct fitting and
use of the harness, lanyard, rescue equipment and Personal protective equipment
the procedures for periodic inspection, maintenance
and storage of fall protection PPE (especially textile Operatives should wear the following, where
equipment). For further information, refer to Inspecting appropriate, following risk assessment:
fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope (see
Further information). ■■ a hard hat (with or without a chin strap);
■■ suitable high visibility clothing;
Depending on the activity being undertaken you may ■■ suitable cold/wet weather clothing; and
also require a competent person to supervise the ■■ a full body harness with a restraint lanyard or a fall
MEWP operations on site. Again, although specific arrest lanyard suitably adjusted to prevent a fall
courses are not a strict legal requirement, there are from the platform.
recognised training courses for those who manage
MEWP operations.
Documenting what you have done

Familiarisation The next stage is to record the planning and

communicate it to all those involved with the work.
Before being authorised to operate a particular make
or model of MEWP, it is the employer’s responsibility Before work starts, the plan should be reviewed to
to ensure that all operators are trained and given allow for any changes in circumstances, such as
adequate time to undertake familiarisation on the changes in site access, ground conditions, the task to
use of the machine with a competent person. be carried out, the weather conditions etc.
Familiarisation should follow on from basic training and
should cover: Make a record of who has been briefed and issued
with the plan.
■■ manufacturer’s instructions and warning;
■■ features of the specific model of MEWP; Tell those involved in the work to report any problems
■■ the control functions particular to the specific with the plan immediately. Should they need to
model of MEWP; deviate from the plan, this should be agreed with the
■■ the function of each safety device; competent person before any changes are made.
■■ the emergency lowering procedures.

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 Health and Safety
Executive

Further reading Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) for tree work
Leaflet AFAG403(rev1) HSE 2013
Working at height: A brief guide Leaflet INDG401(rev2) www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag403.pdf
HSE Books 2014
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.htm Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs: Avoiding
Trapping/Crushing Injuries to People in the Platform
Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or Construction Plant-hire Association www.cpa.uk.net
rope Leaflet INDG367 HSE Books 2002
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg367.htm MEWPs - Guidance on secondary guarding devices
available to reduce the risk of entrapment injury UKT3
BS 8460:2005 Safe use of MEWPs. Code of Practice 04/14-002 IPAF www.ipaf.org
British Standards Institution
Operating Tower Cranes in the Vicinity of Aerodromes,
Crane stability on site C703 (Second edition) CIRIA Notification and En-Route Obstacle Lighting TIN 039
2003 ISBN 978 0 86017 703 6 Construction Plant-hire Association 2014
www.cpa.uk.net
BS ISO 18878:2013 Mobile elevating work platforms.
Operator (driver) training British Standards Institution
Further information
Avoiding danger from overhead power lines General
Guidance Note GS6 (Fourth edition) HSE 2013 For information about health and safety, or to report
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs6.htm inconsistencies or inaccuracies in this guidance, visit
www.hse.gov.uk/. You can view HSE guidance online
Managing health and safety in construction. and order priced publications from the website. HSE
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations priced publications are also available from bookshops.
2007. Approved Code of Practice L144 HSE Books
2007 ISBN 978 0 7176 6223 4 This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l144.htm Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory,
unless specifically stated, and you are free to take
Management of Health and Safety at Work other action. But if you do follow the guidance you
Regulations 1999 SI 1999/3242 www.legislation.gov. will normally be doing enough to comply with the
uk/uksi/1999/3242/contents/made law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure
compliance with the law and may refer to this
Safe use of work equipment. Provision and Use of guidance.
Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of
Practice and guidance L22 (Third edition) HSE Books The Stationery Office publications are available from
2008 ISBN 978 0 7176 6295 1 The Stationery Office, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l22.htm Tel: 0870 600 5522 Fax: 0870 600 5533
email: customer.services@tso.co.uk Website:
Safe use of lifting equipment. Lifting Operations and www.tsoshop.co.uk. (They are also available from
Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code bookshops.) Statutory Instruments can be viewed free
of Practice and guidance L113 HSE Books 1998 ISBN of charge at www.legislation.gov.uk where you can
978 0 7176 1628 2 also search for changes to legislation.
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm
British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard
Manual handling. Manual Handling Operations copy formats from BSI: http://shop.bsigroup.com or
Regulations 1992 (as amended). Guidance on by contacting BSI Customer Services for hard copies
Regulations L23 (Third edition) HSE Books 2004 only Tel: 0845 086 9001
ISBN 978 0 7176 2823 0 email: cservices@bsigroup.com.
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l23.htm
This leaflet is available at:
Fall protection in mobile elevating work platforms www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis6.htm.
Technical Guidance Note H1 IPAF 2012
© Crown copyright If you wish to reuse this
Familiarisation of MEWPs Technical Guidance Note F1 information visit www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm for
IPAF 2007 details. First published 10/14.

Published by the Health and Safety Executive GEIS6 10/14 7 of 7 pages