Thanks for your replies; I have also checked on the websites for rescue plans.
I can assure you that the personnel working from the M.E.W.P.S will be closely watched, but what if when not been monitored as other dictates there was a situation e.g. 1 operator has stroke the mechanics / electrics of the MEWP Fail.
They will be of course wearing Harness - lanyards ( I should have mentioned that on first post) and all appropriate action will be implemented risk assessment / J.S.A / Briefing to maintenance painting personnel with how works are to be undertaken - Method statement - toolbox talks.
I do not wish to overcomplicate matters. I just want to counter the what if scenario’s (this is not a elf & safety gone mad work project) and have all in place, also please to note below information.
'The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as ammended) specifically states
planning of work at height 'includes planning for emergencies & rescue'
When using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP), it is a legal requirement to assess &
Formulate an emergencies & rescue plan. This plan should be compiled by a competent person
who has sufficient training & experience to assess the risks & to formulate an effective plan.
The emergencies & rescue plan should be relevant, be well communicated to all involved &
Training & drills should be carried out frequently. The emergency services should only be used
as back up or in life threatening circumstances & should not constitute the 'bulk' of the plan.
For further reading see our brief presentation on Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) -
Planning For Emergencies & Rescue. (Click on image below). This presentation has been
prepared from available sources as at 2009 & is intended only as an 'insight' to assist with
any planning involving MEWP. Remember, reference should always be sought foremost
from the various applicable U.K. regulations and safety guidelines enforced by the HSE.
Here is the website
http://accessoperator.co.uk/default.aspx for above..
The Work at Height Safety Association
Technical Guidance Note 5
“Guidance on rescue during work at height”
A series of informative notes for all industries involved with
work at height or rescue.
Guidance on rescue during work at height
Introduction
www.wahsa.org.ukThis leaflet is intended to provide guidance on emergency planning and the provision of rescue
resources for work at height, either for rescue of an incapacitated person by others, or self evacuation of
an individual without additional assistance.
The emergency planning element is often not considered when work at height is being planned.
Employers may wish to consider the following points:
• there is a lack of awareness of the effects of suspension in a harness and its consequences
• employers often fail to appreciate where and when rescue provision is required
• employers often fail to provide adequate rescue equipment or appreciate what is suitable
equipment for use in rescue
• because rescue operations are carried out under extreme pressure, consideration should be
given to all aspects of the rescue process. Elements to consider would include the type of
equipment required, the demands placed upon the rescuer, the training the rescuer will require
to carry out the rescue and how the effectiveness of the rescue system as a whole can be
maintained.
This guidance note offers general information about the issues which should be considered for
emergency procedures for all work at height.
It does not give information or detailed guidance on specific procedures or indicate whether individual
methods might be preferable. Each site and each situation will be different.
The law
The Work at Height Regulations require employers to make specific provisions for emergency planning:
Organisation and planning – Regulation 4
(1) Every employer shall ensure that work at height is … properly planned
(2) Planning of work includes planning for emergencies and rescue.
www.wahsa.org.uk