Mobile Elevated Working Platforms

Question 1

Which regulation states that items for lifting persons are to be inspected every 6 months?

Answer 1

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

Question 2

What does PUWER stand for?

Answer 2

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Question 3

What is the purpose of PUWER?

Answer 3

Places duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment.

Requires that the Equipment provided for use at work is;

• Suitable for the intended use
• Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate
• Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training
• Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices
• Used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses

Question 4

State the different categories of MEWP available?

Answer 4

• Static Vertical (1a): Vertical personnel platforms (static)
• Static Boom (1b, 1b+): Self-propelled booms (outriggers), trailers/push-arounds, vehicle-mounted platforms
• Mobile Vertical (3a, 3a+): Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile)
• Mobile Boom (3b, 3b+): Self-propelled booms
• Push Around Vertical (PAV): Push around verticals

Question 5

What are the two elements of the pre-use check required on MEWPs?

Answer 5

• Visual

- Functional

Question 6

State the activities that a MEWP should not be used?

Answer 6

• As a crane by suspending a load beneath the platform using slings or any other type of lifting accessories;
• As a hoist;
• As a lift for the transfer of persons or goods from one level to another.
• For tandem lifting loads (even if they are to be directly incorporated into the structure).

Question 7

If during a pre-use inspection of a MEWP a fault is discovered, explain the actions required?

Answer 7

• Isolate the controls
• Tag/place signage on the machine detailing the fault
• Inform the person in charge.
• Report the issue to the hiring company.

Question 8

What items of PPE must be used when operating a MEWP?

Answer 8

• Hard Hat
• Full Body Harness
• Restraint or Fall Arrest Lanyard

Question 9

Explain the use of PPE if working over water?

Answer 9

If the risk of drowning outways the risk of falling then Life Jackets are to be worn in place of a harness.

Question 10

State five risks associated with MEWPs?

Answer 10

• Entrapment
• Overturning
• Falling
• Falling Objects
• Collisions
• Weather Conditions
• Exceeding the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the MEWP
• Environment

Question 11

If installing materials that exceed the dimension of the basket, what should be used in these instances?

Answer 11

A second boom-type MEWP, a scissor lift, a crane or a telehandler of appropriate capacity in conjunction with an appropriate material handling attachment where necessary.

Question 12

What is the maximum wind speed a MEWP can be operated safely in?

Answer 12

The maximum design wind speed in which a MEWP can work is 12.5 m/s (28 mph).

Question 13

In which circumstances should the airfield manager be contacted if using a MEWP in the vicinity of an airfield?

Answer 13

If working within 6 km of an aerodrome/ airfield using a MEWP in excess of 10 m in height

Question 14

If working near a road, what must never happen?

Answer 14

You must never boom over live traffic.

Question 15

State three on-board safety systems that are present on a MEWP?

Answer 15

• Foot Pedal
• Emergency Stop Button
• Limit Switches
• Auxiliary Lowering Device

Question 16

State the purpose of a Limit Switch?

Answer 16

Limit Switches stop MEWPs exceeding their working envelope.

Question 17

State the purpose of an Auxiliary Lowering Device?

Answer 17

MEWPs are generally fitted with a system that, if the primary power supply fails, allows the work platform to be safely returned to a position from which it is possible for the occupant to egress the platform safely.

Question 18

State the occasions that the Auxiliary Lowering Device might not be possible to utilise?

Answer 18

• If the emergency stop in the work platform has been operated, preventing the base controls from being used;

and

• If the load or moment sensing system is tripped and the overload cannot be removed, for example by the operator becoming trapped between the work platform rails and an overhead obstruction such as a beam.

Question 19

Under what circumstances can a MEWP be exited at height?

Answer 19

Only if it is strictly controlled and may only be undertaken where a rigorous risk assessment carried out as part of planning the job indicates that this is the safest and most effective means of accessing a particular location.

Question 20

Explain the requirement for a Rescue Plan prior to conducting MEWP work?

Answer 20

It should be part of the safe system of work,

The user should ensure that a suitable emergency/rescue plan is developed and the information disseminated to the MEWP operators and emergency teams.

The plan should take into account the arrangements for rescue from the MEWP platform, including the ground controls, emergency/ auxiliary lowering systems and “basket to basket” rescue.

The use of all controls and rescue procedures should be practised by operators and rescuers (ground persons) prior to a machine being put into use on-site and periodically thereafter.

Question 21

What item of Rescue Equipment should be used as a last resort when recovering personnel?

Answer 21

A controlled descent device aka a SHARK

Question 22

Under which set of regulations should any serious injuries or dangerous occurrences be reported?

Answer 22

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations 2013. (RIDDOR 2013)

Question 23

Explain the process of conducting a basket-to-Basket rescue?

Answer 23

• The rescue MEWP should be positioned to enable the rescue procedure to be carried out without compromising the safety of personnel involved in the rescue.
• The platforms of both MEWPs should be placed as close together as possible with the entry gate adjacent where possible, to allow the operative to transfer between gates. Where this cannot be achieved the platforms should be positioned at the same height, as close as possible to allow the operative to climb between the top and middle guard rails. If neither of these options are possible, the operative should climb over the guard rails.
• Fall protection measures should be maintained at all times during the transfer.
• During the transfer the controls on both MEWPs should be isolated.
• The person(s) being rescued should position themselves in the platform being exited to equally distribute the weight as far as is possible.
• The rescue plan should be clearly communicated so that all know the sequence for rescue.
• One person at a time should be taken from the platform into the rescue platform, taking care not to overload the rescue platform.
• In a boom-type MEWP the rescuer should always remain attached to the rescue machine.
• Care should be taken to avoid overloading the rescue machine. This could mean making more than one journey to complete the rescue.
• If communication cannot be established with suspended personnel the emergency services should be summoned.

Question 24

What is the minimum distance that should be maintained from power lines?

Answer 24

• Minimum 600mm from any point of the pole or pylon.

Question 25

What device can be used to determine windspeed?

Answer 25

Anemometer

Question 26

What is the HSE’s recommendation with regards to MEWP training?

Answer 26

• MEWP operators should have attended a recognised operator training course and received a certificate, card or ‘licence’, listing the categories of MEWP the bearer is trained to operate.
• The expiry date of the training licence or card should be checked.
• In addition to formal training for the type of MEWP, operators should have familiarisation training on the controls and operation of the specific make and model of MEWP they are using.