Rank: Forum user 
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Can you use a MEWP to access a flat roof? (leave the cage of the boom)
We have a site which has plant equipment on which needs to be maintained, there is only one way to access the flat roof and that is via the side of the building. On top of the wall is spikes to prevent access, so we would need to use a articulated boom lift, we would have to demount the boom in order to service the equipment. Scaffolding is the other solution but the maintenance service would take 30-45 minutes to complete so having scaffolding would not be cost effective.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Toby, nice easy question for a Monday morning. No, is the simple answer, because the operative should be clipped on with a harness when working in an articulated MEWP at all times when working at height. However, provided you can justify it through a RA or the 'reasonably practicable' qualification, you could deviate from the aforementioned practice...if you so choose.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Short answer is yes, provided you're well away from edge. Not something to be considered above a couple of storeys though where wind factors can be considerable. Beware of the basket "bouncing" on entry /exit and damaging the roof membrane, and of overloading the basket with materials and men where this is the only access point.
There is an onus on the proprietor or occupier to determine a safe system here.
Beware fragile roof elements, skylights etc.!
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Rank: Forum user
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The answer is yes although plenty of people will tell you no. Many companies frown upon it or prohibit it. From memory, the BS on MEWPs (I forget the number) has a form/procedure which gives guidance on how to go about it.
Kevin
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Rank: Super forum user
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BS 8460 is the latest I have. Clipping on isn't mandatory either, only applicable if there is a risk of being thrown from the basket (e.g. by sudden collision - usually with another vehicle, or if persons are carried whilst the MEWP vehicle is moving).
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Having just completed a course in the safe use and having the operators guide in front of me the answer is No unless there is no safer way of doing the job and a full risk assessment and method statement has been completed.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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interesting to see such conflicting views. I see the British Stanadrds is being reffered to by those who state 'yes'. Is there any documents etc, that those stating 'no' can make reference to?
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Rank: Super forum user
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jarsmith83 wrote:interesting to see such conflicting views. I see the British Stanadrds is being reffered to by those who state 'yes'. Is there any documents etc, that those stating 'no' can make reference to? You couls try the IPAF website or contact them. You are taught on a IPAF course that you should not get out at height unless there is no other way for the job to be completed and a full risk assessment etc. has been completed.
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Rank: Forum user 
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So to paraphrase, even those who say "No" mean "Yes" so long as RA'd etc.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Interesting to see the different views and as I suspected. Although I am in the 'no' camp I did leave the door ajar (no pun intended) because if the right precautions are applied it may not be such a dangerous exercise - seen much worse recently! Unfortunately, we know little about the roof, whether it is a flat roof with no guard rails, a parapet wall, how far the basket will need to extend, etc.
The type of environment could be the difference between a yes or a no. That said, I was always of the opinion that harnesses should be worn at all times when using an articulated MEWP due to their potential for instability, which is not the case for a scissor lift. I dare say the discussion will now move onto the pros and cons of scissor lifts - lol!
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Rank: Forum user
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How old is the building?
Does it have a h&s file?
Is there a designer RA for accessing the roof?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I have seen this take place during erection of structural steelwork, sometimes it is the only practical way of making some of the joints. My understanding is the operatives when about to exit, clip onto the structure before releasing the clip to the MEWP. So for a very short period of time are double clipped. A document from the BCSA ( British Constructional Steelwork Association) was looking into this a few years 2004 ish, see first paragraph. Obviously appropriate precautions are needed for the roof work itself and I dare say the operative falling onto the spiky fence would not be good. www.steelconstruction.or...documents/?task...doc...
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Rank: Super forum user
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Sorry also intended to say the doc being 2004 , so they may have a more definitive answer, now !
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Rank: Super forum user
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jarsmith83 wrote:interesting to see such conflicting views. Not really conflicting. Folks are mostly saying YES IF.... or ONLY IF... only if no other practical access and if risk assessment has put in controls (e.g. positioning, communication, strict method of leaving the cage and getting to a safe position...)
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Rank: Forum user
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Don't forget the wider requirement to prevent falling from height once your gusy have left the -realtive - safety of the MEWP basket. Although you could use the MEWP as a means of access to the roof, what other measures are in place to prevent the plant maintainers from falling off that roof? The MEWP would certainly need to be able to reach in far enough away from the edge (you also mentioned spikes on the roof edge?) so in effect leaving the basket is not too different from leaving it at ground height, provided it is far enough away from the edge.
As others have mentioned, there are also the potential issues of a fragile roof, slippery surfaces, high winds, emergency access for a casualty, etc, etc.
You know the answer really - a thorough risk assessment and decide whether you can control the risks enough or if you need to consider another way of doing it
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Rank: Forum user
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Yes subject to appropriate risk assessment and SSOW demonstrating it is acceptable in this particular set up
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