Hi JHF,

From my experience, there should always be a trained Operator based at ground level who can operate the ground based controls. This should be included as part of the rescue plan required for all working at height and would cover emergency situations such as medical illness of the main Operator in the basket.

I hope this helps; although someone could maybe explain this further as I'm not an expert.

In short yes, please see below for further information.

For work at height you should have an emergency plan commensurate with the risks associated with the work activity. As part of the safe use of MEWPS this should include a safe lowering procedure which is communicated as part of the operatives "familiarisation" training with the specific kit they are intending to use.

The following links should come in use:

• http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis6.pdf
• http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/mewp.htm

Also, BS 8460:2017 Code of practice for the safe use of MEWPs, states:

The rescue of MEWP occupant(s) if the machine is unable to be lowered for any reason, such as machine malfunction or work platform entanglement, should be part of the safe system of work. The user should ensure that a suitable emergency/rescue plan is developed and the information disseminated to the MEWP operators and emergency teams. The plan should take into account the arrangements for rescue from the MEWP platform, including the ground controls, emergency/auxiliary lowering systems and “basket to basket” rescue.

Wherever possible, rescue should be carried out by an appropriately trained and familiarized person using the machine’s ground controls, emergency/auxiliary power pack or manual bleed down systems. If it is not possible to use the ground controls, another MEWP or crane basket may be used to carry out the rescue.

I hope that helps.

Edited by user 08 October 2018 12:05:35(UTC)  | Reason: Additional information.

Originally Posted by: JHF

Hi all, if the emergency button is pressed (which "kills" the machine), is there a way to bring the operator to ground level? Or should there always be another operator at ground level with access to the controls to bring it to ground level. Thanks in advance.

We often get audited on things like that and if their certification is in date by the HSE and BSI. so it is handy to know what the course instructor provides. We only have one MEWP on site as it is a chemical plant so it s easy to keep a track of records like the above and pre use checks.