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Posted By Brenda H
I notice that HSE Information sheet MISC 614 says that when working next to water a harness should not be worn due to the risk of drowning if the MEWP falls into the water. Life jackets should be worn.
I assume this would apply in the situation of working of MEWP's on bridges over water?
If this is the case, is it acceptable not to wear a harness because of working near water, yet accept the risk of the person being flung out of the basket or fall from height?
THanks,
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Posted By CFT
Brenda
No definative answer from me on this, but guidance aside, if my RA shows there is a risk to life by not being harnessed, then I would take the lesser risk to life be it wearing a harness or not, and my control measures would reflect what is the acceptable level; zero tolerance not withstanding.
Your emergency rescue plan can include for wearing or not as appropriate to the task.
CFT
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Posted By Brenda H
Ok thanks CFT
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Posted By allan wood
if the MEWP operative is working within the confines of the bridge and nor directly over water then i would say wear the harness at all times and ensure that it is clipped on. however if the operative has to position the MEWP directly over the water for whatever reason simply instruct him not to clip on and include this in your safe system of work.
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Posted By Brenda H
The operative would be working on the street lighting lamps, so as close to the edge of the bridge as you can get!
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Posted By Brenda H
Sorry, also add, that strictly speaking you could say they are working in the confines of the bridge when working on the lighting.
But, if the vehicle was hit or there was a similar incident, then it's 50/50 whether the MEWP falls into the water or into the road!
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Posted By Phil
When posed with a similar situation I chose to make the guys wear harnesses, with their 150n auto inflate life jackets over the top of them.
The jackets were also fitted with a rescue knife to cut the lanyard in the even of ending up in the water.
If you decide to go down this route, ensure the life jackets are auto inflator type, and that they are worn over the harness so that they can fully deploy.
Phil
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Posted By Paul Oliver
I'd also recommend that suitbale protetive measures are in place to prevent the MEWP being hit in the first place.
On my current project when working over water, operatives wear life jackets only and no harnesses.
Remember the harness is only in use to restrict vertical movement, not to arrest a fall.
Regards
Paul
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Posted By Mike Draper
As I understand it, the goal is to ensure that the worker remains in the basket, as statistically there is a greater chance of survival in an emergency.
Too many individuals have been thrown out of the basket and either killed by the fall or crushed by the MEWP as it falls.
Where required, use a short lanyard, fixed to the anchor points in the base of the MEWP and not the top rail.
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