Rank: Forum user
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When using a MEWP am I correct in thinking that you should also wear a harness, no matter what MEWP it is? Also does everyone who works at height in the MEWP require IPAF training or just the operator advise please
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Rank: Super forum user
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LATCHY wrote: 1) When using a MEWP am I correct in thinking that you should also wear a harness, no matter what MEWP it is?
A safety harness with a restraint lanyard should be worn when using a telescopic MEWP (Cherry Picker type) It should be attached to a suitable anchor point. Usually, in a Scissor Lift, there is no requirement to wear the harness/lanyard unless the site rule states differently.
2) Also does everyone who works at height in the MEWP require IPAF training or just the operator advise please.
IPAF is not a legal requirement. Just an accredited body that most big sites or contractors insist on. Suitable and sufficient training will suffice. As for a passenger, no, they wouldn't require IPAF unless again, site rules specified differently. Maybe some type of Work @ Height Training would be required though.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I have said consistently in the past that I cannot envisage there ever being a real need for restraint harnesses when using a scissor lift. Any argument that it stops people climbing on the rails is for me totally missing the point. Supervision and training are there to stop abuses and misuse. It is not down to the provision of harnesses otherwise we would reach the ad absurdum of requiring all persons on scaffolds to use harnesses. It is time that organisations who insist on such measures got real and began to make proper assessments of the tasks and equipment. I would go further even and suggest that such organisations really do need an in depth study of their management systems by the HSE because something is sadly deficient.
I could go further into the competence of the people making such assessments but I will let it rest here.
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user
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boblewis wrote:I have said consistently in the past that I cannot envisage there ever being a real need for restraint harnesses when using a scissor lift. Any argument that it stops people climbing on the rails is for me totally missing the point. Supervision and training are there to stop abuses and misuse. It is not down to the provision of harnesses otherwise we would reach the ad absurdum of requiring all persons on scaffolds to use harnesses. It is time that organisations who insist on such measures got real and began to make proper assessments of the tasks and equipment. I would go further even and suggest that such organisations really do need an in depth study of their management systems by the HSE because something is sadly deficient.
I could go further into the competence of the people making such assessments but I will let it rest here.
Bob Or you could just say "If it hasn't got a suitable anchor point in the machine, like in a Telescopic Boom MEWP, that tells you there is no requirement"
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Rank: Super forum user
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Are you sure you don't use one in a "Telescopic Boom MEWP" Frankc at #4
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Rank: Super forum user
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Chris42 wrote:Are you sure you don't use one in a "Telescopic Boom MEWP" Frankc at #4 I would certainly use one in a Telescopic Boom, Chris. My post at #4 should have read 'Like there is in a Telescopic Boom Mewp' but as there is no edit facility on here dispite lots asking for it, i thought i would show a similar mindset.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Fair enough, just didn't want to leave people unsure. I have a feeling I actually know you from a previous life, and know you wouldn't use one without.
Mabey I do, Mabey I don't
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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Chris42 wrote:Fair enough, just didn't want to leave people unsure. I have a feeling I actually know you from a previous life, and know you wouldn't use one without.
Mabey I do, Mabey I don't
Chris
Intriguing.
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Rank: New forum user
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Both Boblewis and Frankc make very good points, I remember seeing a large scissor lift with 4 painters on who were all attached onto the lower rails, all clipping and unclipping every 2 minutes and stepping over a cats cradle of lines! Not one identified purpose made anchor point on the machine which tells the requirements or not ... plainly it was down to lack of training but that's another tale.
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Rank: Super forum user
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If there's a risk of ejection by collision or toppling- yes. (but not near water!!)
Otherwise, not mandatory.
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Rank: Super forum user
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IPAF recently promoted the use of harnesses on all mewps. IPAF is taught in various places all around the country, but not everywhere teaches how to use a harness, but when you are qualified, you have an 'h' added to the card (like mine).
IPAF promotes best practice.
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Rank: Super forum user
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As far as I know, you DO HAVE to use a harness in a boom mewp, but it's only best practice in a scissor lift.
As for the water thing, the fear is the mewp topples into the water, dragging the occupants into the water after it.
You also have to ensure that the harness, if used, can be used and that the lanyard (the bit that stops you landing) is short enough to include the ripstop stage when the harness is deployed (that can be a few feet more) see the manual.
The other really important thing to note, when using a mewp, you need a banksman or 3rd person on the ground, who can summon help and lower the mewp should the operators be incapacitated by an event and that if somebody does fall, have an escape or recovery plan in place before hand.
MEWPS are great, but you have to plan for them. The law is only a starter, be better.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Kim Hedges wrote:As far as I know, you DO HAVE to use a harness in a boom mewp, but it's only best practice in a scissor lift.
As for the water thing, the fear is the mewp topples into the water, dragging the occupants into the water after it.
You also have to ensure that the harness, if used, can be used and that the lanyard (the bit that stops you landing) is short enough to include the ripstop stage when the harness is deployed (that can be a few feet more) see the manual.
The other really important thing to note, when using a mewp, you need a banksman or 3rd person on the ground, who can summon help and lower the mewp should the operators be incapacitated by an event and that if somebody does fall, have an escape or recovery plan in place before hand.
MEWPS are great, but you have to plan for them. The law is only a starter, be better. MEWP lanyards should restraint lanyards not fall arrest as you describe
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Rank: Super forum user
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Yes absolutely correct, give that person a promotion.
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