7.3 Access and work at height equipment hazards and control measures

Question 1

Safe systems of work for using a MEWP can be developed by considering the hazards and corresponding precautions relating to the (3)

Answer 1

plantworkplace operator

Question 2

The MEWP should be regularly inspected to ensure it remains in safe working order. The inspection regime should include: (3)

Answer 2

 pre-use checks by the operator  weekly inspections by a responsible person  thorough examination by a competent person at least once every six months.

Question 3

Safe workplace Hazards presented at the workplace can be sub-categorised as relating to (3)

Answer 3

the general environment, the management of the site, and the activity to be undertaken.

Question 4

The condition of pipework 4m above ground requires inspection. It is proposed, in the absence of the availability of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), to utilise a personnel cage lifted to the required height by a forklift truck. Outline the factors to be considered when assessing the risks associated with this method of access. 10 marks

Answer 4

In assessing the risks associated with the method of access described in the scenario, consideration would have to be given both to the condition and suitability of the equipment to be used, and then to the way in which the operation was to be carried out. As far as the equipment is concerned, the cage would need to be of adequate design and construction and provided with guard rails and toe boards, and its total weight including that of the person or persons and equipment it is to carry should not be more than 50% of the rated safe working load of the fork lift truck and this weight would have to be clearly marked on the cage. Means should be provided to fix the cage securely to the forks and guarding would have to be provided to afford protection against moving parts on the mast of the truck. Finally both the cage and truck should have been thoroughly examined and tested in accordance with the requirements of LOLER. As for carrying out the operation, the forklift truck should be positioned on firm, level ground with the mast vertical and forks in mid-position, mechanically locked so that the controls cannot be inadvertently operated. The driver should remain at the controls at all times, should not move the truck when the cage is elevated and the possibility of providing a means of communication between the driver and the person in the cage should be considered. Barriers would have to be positioned round the working area to protect against the possibility of collision and to prevent passers by being struck by falling material. Additionally, the advisability of the use of fall arrest equipment by those in the cage would have to be considered as would also the installation to be inspected which might pose hazards, for example from lagging containing asbestos or from heat if the pipe work is used to conduct steam.Factors to be considered include:  size of the platform should be as small as possible, compatible with the number of people working on it and the work they are doing  floor should be adequately strong, horizontal and slip proof  rails and toe boards should guard all platform edges  overhead protection may be needed if risk of falling objects / other overhead hazards  access gate (if provided) should not open outwards and should be self-locking or interlocked so it can’t be opened once platform raised.  provision of safety harness anchorages  position of platform to avoid need for people to lean out  method of securing platform onto the lift truck  truck operator should always be at the controls and the truck should not be moved when the platform is elevated  communication should be provided between truck operator and those on the platform  those working on the platform should be trained, including knowing what to do in an emergency  working area below the work at height should be segregated from normal activity and clear warnings displayed. Note: In the UK in exceptional circumstances relating to short duration, occasional use (such as unplanned, reactive inspections of racking or overhead light fittings) the use of non-integrated working platforms with forklift trucks is allowed, in accordance with the HSE’s guidance note PM28. This may not be allowed in some other EU member states. Consequently there is NO free movement of non-integrated working platforms throughout the EU and they MUST NOT be CE marked.