At the moment, in a set of RAMS for conducting ducting works on site the use of a MEWP is within this.

However it isnt very thorough.

Would you suggest an additional RA, which covers the use of the MEWP during this evolution which is signed off by those using / operating the MEWP?

Or, a statement within the RAMS for the ducting works, saying to be used in accordance with RA-MEWP-1234 etc.

Thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,

JK

If your RA is generated remotely from the work site how does this consider specific risks from the location - are you conducting pre-work site visits to thoroughly assess activity before documenting or relying on a generic template which may not be suitable?

Having sat both sides of the fence it is convenient to have a set of standard documents as supplier but as client I really need to see something more than paper for papers sake.

My last involvement with RAMS saw the company adopt a hybrid approach where after site induction those present were required to walk through the task with the site contact and update prepared documents to suit the prevalent site conditions (even between a site visit and the day of works things can change) - this activity was a documented step within the method statement preceding the actual task.

Regarding your MEWP enquiry the partially prepared RA would cover matters such as the operational controls (carded operatives etc.) but then leave headings such as access and egress from the work location, overnight security of equipment, protection of adjacent workers to be completed at site.

JK,

Here are just some pointers to add to the positive guidance already given. In my experience, 90% of ducting work is carried out using scissor lifts. The first thing to consider is how the MEWP get loaded and unloaded at the site and complies with the site traffic management plan. For example, city centre construction sites often have loading/unloading restrictions. In addition, some sites have dedicated delivery times, such as near schools. You also need to consider how they will get on and off higher-level floors; the trusty telehandler is common but not great.

It goes without saying that an operative must have IPAF (or equivalent) training. However, ducting engineers are notorious for removing their hard hats to get into awkward areas, and yep, this results in a visit to the first aider because they have cut their head on a sharp bracket or conduit corner, etc. Another trait of engineers is to stand on the toe board, guard rail, and even the handrails of the MEWP to gain that extra height to get into that poorly accessible area. I have even seen ‘hop-ups’ being used on the working platform to gain height, which is not acceptable.

One of the most common issues we face in construction is equipment missing there through inspections. Regular checks and a MEWP register are crucial to minimise this. Equipment, especially scissor lifts, which are often hired and can be on-site for extended periods on larger projects, should be inspected regularly. It's worth noting that more MEWPS are taken out of service on sites than any other type of equipment, making thorough inspections even more essential to keep the project on track.

The other thing to consider is emergency planning and the requirement that floor-based operatives be trained to use the emergency controls. Before I allowed MEWP to be used on a project, the contractor had to conduct and document an emergency drill practice before starting work, as different equipment has different emergency controls, and operatives need to be familiar with them. Finally, the emergency controls of MEWP must face outwards and not towards the wall, where a person cannot access the controls in the event of an emergency. Ducting engineers (and others) loathed it when I stopped work and told them they had to rotate the MEWP 180 degrees to ensure the emergency control was facing outwards, despite this being part of their IPAF training.

This is the sort of stuff that should be included in the RAMS.

Hope this helps.