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Tara House  
#1 Posted : 11 April 2018 09:32:17(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Tara House

Hi...can you help.

In the last few weeks I have been asked the same question by contractors installing electrical cables and A/C units above ceilings. Due to the limited space to access the area above the ceiling shorter operatives can not reach the required area as the MEWP can not be rasied high enough due to the ceiling line.

They have asked what they should do as a ladder isn't appropriate for the work they need to carry out and instead they have decided to access the area by standing on the midrail of the MEWP.

Has anyone come across this problem before and what control measures did you put in place? 

douglas.dick  
#2 Posted : 11 April 2018 12:46:05(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
douglas.dick

I assume a suspended ceiling, can the sectional framwork not be removed to allow the MEWP to reach higher?

Kate  
#3 Posted : 11 April 2018 12:57:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Might a different style of MEWP give better reach, eg cherrypicker vs scissor lift? (I don't have a very clear mental image of the situation, so this might not be relevant at all.)

Stuart Smiles  
#4 Posted : 11 April 2018 20:58:04(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Stuart Smiles

have a look at single person ones, they have a basket just a bit bigger than the footprint of the person standing in it, perhaps will mean that you can get in and hire a one from one of the hire companies for the time thay you need it, think they also go through doorways etc so can get where you want so no issues with access. 

http://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/hire/low-level-access 

Hsquared14  
#5 Posted : 12 April 2018 11:50:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Hsquared14

I can see two options here either remove the ceiling section so that the MEWP can go higher or get the single person MEWPs that have a smaller footprint (about 1m x 1m) 

boigy77  
#6 Posted : 13 April 2018 09:26:52(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
boigy77

Mobile alloy towers?

Woolf13  
#7 Posted : 13 April 2018 12:01:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Woolf13

Standing on the midrail of the MEWP defeats the whole purpose of having a MEWP in the first place and goes against any training etc.

Marry the equipment selection to the job.

Currently with our suspended ceilings we utilise mobile towers to provide a safe work platform for similar activities. However, this might not be suitable in your situation.

Risk assessing the activity with your contractors should ensure you come up with a suitable solution which you can then discuss with an appropriate equiment  supplier.

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