Raising The Bar Guidance - Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Equipment Requirements

Raising The Bar Guidance - Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Equipment Requirements

The Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is essential for providing safe access to high or hard-to-reach work areas on construction and highway projects. It enables operators to perform tasks such as installation, maintenance, and inspection at elevated positions while minimizing fall risks. However, due to the height and positioning requirements associated with MEWPs, strict adherence to safety standards is crucial to prevent accidents. The National Highways "Raising the Bar 1" guidelines specify comprehensive requirements to ensure the safe and compliant operation of MEWPs on all projects.

General Minimum Requirements

The General Minimum Requirements (GMR) provide essential safety and operational standards applicable to all types of equipment, including MEWPs:

1. Daily Inspections: MEWPs must undergo a comprehensive inspection before each use. Operators should complete a pre-start checklist to identify any issues that could compromise safety.

2. Compliance with Legislation: All MEWPs must meet UK legislative standards, including compliance with the European Commission Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) or UKCA certification, and must carry a declaration of conformity.

3. Safety Decals and High-Visibility Markings: All safety decals should be visible and legible. Access points, handrails, and foot controls should be colour-coded in high-visibility colours to facilitate safe entry, exit, and manoeuvring.

4. Seat Belts and Harnesses: Operators must wear seat belts or appropriate fall restraint harnesses at all times while in the platform to minimize the risk of falling during operation.

5. Public Highway Compliance: When MEWPs are used on public roads, they must have registration plates, fully operational lights, and flashing amber beacons, following Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

Equipment-Specific Safety and Compliance Standards

Due to their elevation capabilities and potential fall risks, MEWPs have additional safety and operational requirements to ensure safe usage:

1. Amber Beacon and Seat Belt Indicator: MEWPs must have an amber beacon for visibility, and an external green light should indicate that the operator’s seat belt or harness is secured. The green light may be turned off on public roads where lighting regulations restrict its use.

2. 360° Visibility and Proximity Awareness: Mirrors, cameras, and other visual aids should be fitted to ensure 360° visibility, helping operators avoid blind spots, particularly when manoeuvring the platform in tight spaces.

3. Fall Protection Systems: MEWPs must have appropriate fall protection systems, including anchor points for harnesses. Operators should use harnesses with lanyards connected to these anchor points whenever they are in the platform.

4. Platform Controls: All platform controls should be intuitive, marked with visible labels, and capable of operation with gloves. Emergency stop buttons must be accessible both within the platform and at ground level, enabling a quick shutdown in case of an emergency.

5. Guardrails and Toe Boards: MEWPs should be equipped with guardrails and toe boards around the platform to prevent tools, materials, or personnel from falling over the edge.

6. Stabilizers and Outriggers: Stabilizers or outriggers should be deployed on uneven or sloped surfaces to ensure platform stability. The platform must have mechanisms to alert the operator if stabilizers are not fully extended or if the ground becomes unstable.

7. Height Restrictors: Height restrictors should be used when working near overhead obstructions or power lines, limiting the maximum elevation to avoid accidental contact.

8. Wind Speed Monitor: MEWPs must have a wind speed indicator that alerts operators if wind conditions exceed safe operational limits. This ensures safe operation, particularly in exposed areas where wind can affect stability.

Lifting and Access Standards

MEWPs often perform lifting and access tasks that require compliance with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) to ensure safe operations at height.

1. LOLER Certification: MEWPs must have a valid LOLER inspection certificate, indicating that the equipment meets safety standards for lifting operations. Inspections should be conducted every 6 months to ensure compliance.

2. Certified Load Limits: The Safe Working Load (SWL) must be clearly marked on the platform. Operators should be aware of the load limit and avoid exceeding it to prevent tipping or instability.

3. Load Distribution and Positioning: Loads should be distributed evenly across the platform to maintain balance. Heavy tools and materials should be positioned close to the centre of the platform.

4. Proximity Sensors and Anti-Collision Systems: To prevent accidental contact with nearby structures, MEWPs should have proximity sensors and, where possible, anti-collision systems to alert the operator when the platform is too close to obstacles.

5. Platform Stability Checks: MEWPs should be levelled on stable ground before operation, with automatic levelling systems or manual stabilizers deployed as necessary.

Operator Competency and Requirements

Competent operators are essential for the safe and efficient use of MEWPs. The following requirements apply to ensure operator readiness and competency:

1. Licensing and Authorization: Operators must hold the appropriate certification, such as a valid Powered Access Licence (PAL), for MEWP operation.

2. Safety and Familiarization Training: Operators must receive safety training specific to the model and type of MEWP they will be operating, including emergency descent procedures and harness usage.

3. Harness Usage Training: Operators must be trained in using fall protection harnesses correctly, including harness adjustment, attachment, and securing procedures.

4. Ground Rescue Plan: Operators and supervisors must have a ground rescue plan in place, detailing procedures for quickly lowering the platform in case of an emergency.

5. Emergency Stop Knowledge: Operators should know the location and function of all emergency stop buttons, both in the platform and at ground level, to ensure they can quickly halt operations if necessary.

Desirable Features

To further improve safety and operational efficiency, several additional features are recommended for MEWPs:

1. 360º Camera System: An advanced 360º camera system helps operators maintain situational awareness, minimizing the risk of accidental contact with structures or people in the area.

2. Wind Speed Monitoring System: In addition to the basic wind indicator, an automated wind speed monitoring system can alert the operator when wind conditions exceed safe limits, allowing them to halt operations pre-emptively.

3. Tilt and Slope Warning System: A tilt sensor that triggers an alarm if the platform’s angle exceeds safe limits can prevent overturning and improve stability, especially on sloped surfaces.

4. Pedestrian Detection System: This system alerts operators when people or other obstacles are detected near the platform base, enhancing safety for surrounding personnel.

5. Stage V Emission Compliance: For environmentally conscious projects, Stage V engine compliance is recommended to reduce the MEWP’s environmental footprint.

6. Platform Access Gate and Sensor: A platform gate with a sensor that alerts the operator when opened can prevent falls, particularly during ascent and descent.

Hazard Identification and Mitigation

Operating a MEWP involves specific hazards, and identifying and mitigating these risks is essential to safe operation:

• Fall Risks: The primary risk with MEWPs is falling from height. To mitigate this, operators must wear fall restraint harnesses and secure them to anchor points at all times. Proper training and regular inspections of harnesses are essential.

• Tip-Over Hazard: If the MEWP is on an incline or uneven ground, there is a risk of tipping over. Stabilizers and outriggers must be fully deployed on firm ground, and operators should avoid exceeding the SWL to maintain stability.

• Wind-Related Instability: Strong winds can destabilize the MEWP. Operators must use wind speed indicators and avoid using the platform in winds that exceed safe limits.

• Overhead Obstructions: Working near overhead obstructions or power lines requires caution. Height restrictors and proximity sensors help prevent accidental contact with structures or utilities.

• Collision Risks: MEWPs can pose a collision risk when moving between work areas. Operators should use 360° cameras, proximity alarms, and avoid transporting MEWPs near high-traffic areas without proper supervision.

• Entrapment Hazards: Operators can be trapped between the platform and an overhead structure. Proximity sensors and anti-entrapment devices are recommended, and operators should always maintain situational awareness.

Summary

The Mobile Elevating Work Platform is an invaluable tool for accessing elevated workspaces safely and efficiently. However, the risks associated with working at height necessitate stringent adherence to the National Highways "Raising the Bar 1" standards. Compliance with requirements such as LOLER certification, fall protection systems, and stability protocols ensures that MEWPs can be used effectively and safely. Optional features like wind monitoring, 360° cameras, and anti-entrapment systems enhance safety and make the MEWP an even more reliable choice for elevated work on construction and highway projects.

This article provides an in-depth look into the requirements and best practices for the safe operation of MEWPs, ensuring that operators and site managers are equipped to handle the challenges of working at height in line with National Highways' stringent safety standards.