The latest best practice guidance documents from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) are something we feel are a must read for anyone with any responsibility for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) and their use.
Major inspections
IPAF’s technical guidance on major inspections is aimed at using regular inspection and maintenance programmes to keep equipment safe beyond the manufacturer’s design life. Their downloadable document suggests a major inspection scheme that can be used to check structural integrity and functionality of critical components, and ultimately determine whether a MEWP is safe to use.
The scheme can also be used to assess the safety of machines with insufficient service or that have been exposed to exceptional circumstances. Topics covered include the scope and frequency of inspection, entities conducting inspections, inspection requirements, reports and recommendations.
Management of MEWPs
For rental companies and contractors, IPAF have also published a good practice guide to help with the safe management of all types of MEWPs.
The guide takes rental companies through the full hire process from suggested questions and recommendations at the point of order, through to the checking of customer familiarisation and paperwork on delivery. For contractors, IPAF’s guidance begins with thorough planning prior to hire, relevant to the conditions and requirements of the site and those operating the MEWP. It goes on to highlight relevant safety checks to complete before use, as well as the importance of ensuring that trained operators and rescue procedures are in place.
The guidance for major inspections can be found here alongside additional downloads and helpful video demonstrations regarding inspections.
To download the Management of MEWPs guidance in full, click here.
