Posted By James Midlake All, Can any construction bods point me right on this one? A pallet of product breaks in the racking ( lets say 3 high ). Access by ladder would be too dangerous. Scaffolding would be possible but not very praticle as it would take time and shut down part of the warehouse. If a MEWP was used the pallet of product could be cleared in a few minutes. But - this would involve someone getting off of the platform at height ( wearing a harness attached to a suitable point away from the platform ). Permitted or not? If permitted for an MEWP why not for a fork lift cage ( where I believe you have to stay on the platform due to the locking gate )? Midlake

Posted By db Check with the manufacturer first. With most Cherry pickers this is not advised but scissors lift/magic carpets can be used - but check the handbook. Be careful of other risks though - is there a safe platform to work on when you get out of the MEWP? where is harness being clipped on to and what will the procedure be to clip on when getting out? What training has the person had in using the harness? What is the emergency procedure if someone falls? How will you get them down? Is there a good 4.5 metres distance for the harness to deploy should someone fall? It may be better to use a tower in front of the racking to comply properly with wah regs but it'd be difficult to say without seeing the racking. Check with the local HSE construction office if you're having trouble with even one of the above.

Posted By Andrew P White It sounds as if you have thought of the answer your self, If the answer is yes then why can you not use a fork lift, (TWO TOTAL DIFFERENT PIECES OF PLANT FOR DIFFERENT TASK) The answer is in the Risk Assessment, consider: Getting the MEWP to the area, is it pedestrianised. access and egress from the MEWP, harnessed to the MEWP yes, while the operative is climbing out of the MEWP a second harness would have to be considered, at no point would the operative be unharnessed to anything, 2 different harness for different task, 1 fall arrest, 1 work restraint. What is the harness attached to, has the structure got an anchor point?? is the structure stable or would it be able to take the weight? What is the operative stud on is that stable. Is there a second operative in the MEWP to monitor the operative climbing out of the MEWP to help in the eventuality of an emergency. Is there someone on the ground to assist in an emergency or lower the MEWP to the ground. Is the MEWP diesel powered or electric, unauthorised diesel release when filling, charging electric in safe area? All the above considered in a Risk assessment the decision is yours me personally definitely NO. If it is a regular situation I would consider better pallets or training for the fork lift driver. You could just go for the scaffold or a scissors lift with a telescopic end. Hope it helps Andy White