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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
LIFT YOUR GAME – FOCUS ON MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS
While mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are versatile pieces of equipment, safe design, maintenance and operation are all essential to reduce the risk of incidents that could result in serious injuries or fatalities. This article reminds industry of their legal obligations and the Department’s expectations regarding safe use of these machines. ...
CAN A MULTI-PURPOSE MACHINE BE A MEWP? Yes, any telescopic handler machine (THM), integrated tool carrier (ITC) or other multi-purpose plant that can be configured for use with a variety of attachments including jibs for lifting suspended loads, forks, or a bucket is a MEWP when configured with a work platform attachment for lifting personnel.
WHAT IS THE ISSUE? DMIRS have identified the following common contributory factors relating to incidents involving MEWPs: •• •• •• ••
lack of operator competency incorrect or inadvertent operation of equipment poor task risk assessment inadequate maintenance.
OPERATOR COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS People who operate boom-type MEWPs with a boom length greater than 11 metres must have the appropriate class of high risk work licence (HRWL) issued under the national competency standard (WP Class).
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This is a mandatory requirement under Schedule 6.3 – High risk work of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and regulation 6.37 (1A) (a) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995. For other types and sizes of MEWP (e.g. scissor lifts, boom type less than 11 metres), the operator does not require a HRWL to operate. However, employers still have a duty to ensure operators are competent (trained and assessed). Anyone in the basket of a boom-type MEWP is normally required to wear a fall arrest or fall restraint device. Additional working at height training and assessment is required on the correct use of such personal protective equipment (PPE).
CONTROLLING THE RISKS Employers have legal obligations to identify, assess and reduce hazards. These assessments may identify that, where the hazard cannot be eliminated, additional protection and provisions may be required to protect people. Use the hierarchy of control to determine the most effective approach to controlling the risks. For repetitive tasks performed from a MEWP, you may wish to install a fixed access platform to substitute for the use of a MEWP.
