Accident historyĦ Between 1995//2 there have been 5 fatal accidents involving boom type MEWPs being struck by other vehicles, failure of a stability critical part or ground failure. The risksĥ A person can either fall or be thrown from a MEWP carrier or the MEWP can overturn leading to both the person and MEWP falling.
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The exception would be emergency rescue situations. Additionally if anything happens to the MEWP the operator could be stranded. The instruction handbook supplied with a new MEWP (after 15 June 2002) should state that getting on and off the work platform when elevated is prohibited (see clause 7.1.1.2 o). Backgroundġ A new information sheet on Preventing falls from boom type MEWPs (MISC 614) has been published following concerns from the access industry about the lack of clarity between work restraint and fall arrest equipment and their application in OC 314/19 (which has been withdrawn and replaced by this OC).Ģ The information sheet is only intended to cover boom (articulated and telescoping) type mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), which includes self-propelled boom, trailer and vehicle-mounted units.ģ It does not cover scissors lifts, though the principles for preventing overturns and failures are the same but fall protection equipment is not required for normal operation other than in exceptional circumstances.Ĥ The product specific European C standard EN280: 2001 specifically excludes hazards arising from getting on and off the work platform at changing levels from its scope. This OC should be read in conjunction with information sheet MISC 614. It advises inspectors of the publication of new guidance (Information Sheet MISC 614) Preventing falls from boom type MEWPs and provides updated enforcement guidance to inspectors taking account of the EMM, when inspecting such access equipment.