Posted By John Mac Carthy Ladies & Gents, In light of recent regulations the WAH 2005 a lot of employers have reduced ladder usage and now tend to utilise MEWP's etc for similar tasks, which in themselves have inherent risks associated. A ladder is simple enough item to check over however a MEWP is somewhat more difficult even for the trained operative ISTAAR, NPROD etc. I am looking for a MEWP checklist from an employees perspective and that of his supervisor both who hold nationally recognised qualifications. I would be most grateful if you could email me something directly to my private email address: johnmaccarthy25@yahoo.com Many thanks for your assistance, there is nothing quite like the IOSH support one receives from fellow IOSH colleagues. John

Posted By Jerry Lucey Hi John, There are two areas that need to be considered here. Firstly the pre-shift check which can be undertaken by the operator, who has had appropriate training. You should also consider the Statutory Inspections which should be carried out by a competent person or body. The competent person in this case would normally have a qualification in mechanical engineering and be experienced in the type of equipment they are required to certify. Other areas to be considered with this type of equipment would include; 1/ The type of ground on which the MEWPs are operating. With freshly made up ground extra measures may be required to ensure the stability of the machine. 2/ Wind speeds. High winds could cause the MEWP to capsise. 3/ There is a requirement for fall arrest equipment to be worn in these machines. regards, Jerry.

Posted By David Tilsley-Curtis Sorry to be a pedant Jerry, but fall arrest equipment must not be worn in MEWP's. All MEWP's are design with restraint points fitted into the basket or platform area. Scissor lifts and vertical personnel platforms are generally not required to wear harness unless a specific risk assessment has identified a need, users or Booms and similar equipment should use adjustable lanyards for work positioning only. Very few if any at all would actually be able to withstand the dynamic loads induced from a fall, even taking into account the effect of the damper section of the lanyard. David

Posted By Charley Farley-Trelawney Whilst the above is correct in relation to a harness etc, when accessing a roof or area with suitable 'man safe' systems installed then when leaving the basket a twin tail system would be obligatory, unless of course there were a safer route thus eliminating the need for the MEWP in the first place. CFT