We are planning to begin a job next week on a bridge, beneath the bridge is a grass embankment....around 40 ft drop. We will be using a MEWP to fix street lighting beyond the bridge barrier.....we need to come up with a rescue plan, we have some ideas but the situation is far from ideal...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Peacebo, I assume you looking at a Working From Height Rescue Plan. If you are using a Cherry Picker and the guys are wearing a harness with a land yard, there shouldn't be a risk of them falling from the cradle and then having to be rescued etc (unless the Land Yard is to long or you are using a fall arrest harness, which imagine wont be the case). So the risk is recovering the guys should the MEWP get stuck up in the air or if the person in the cradle has an accident and is unable to operate the controls. Most if not all MEWPS have controls at the bottom or a release switch that lower the cradle. Ensure that you have at least one man at ground level who is trained in operating the controls or emergency lowering switch etc and include this in your plan. SI

Suggest you have a look at the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group guidance - has info on emergency plans: http://www.cpa.uk.net/p/...S-and-Overhead-Crushing/