Over the past three years, three operators have been killed, and more injured in the UK, when they were trapped between the platform and a beam or other worksite obstruction.
Typically, they have been pushed against the controls while raising the platform or adjusting the position of the machine, and have been unable to release the control and stop further movement, the HSE said.
Legitimately CE-marked machines may still put operators at risk, the HSE said.
It advises that contractors ask:
-Are there overhead obstructions that an operator could come into contact with while the MEWP is being used?
-Is there a system or a physical barrier on the MEWP to prevent an operator from inadvertently operating the controls if they are accidentally pushed against them by an overhead or adjacent object while operating the equipment?
-If the operator is pressed against the controls, would they be able to stop and reverse the direction of travel to release themselves?
The HSE also advises that contractors should ensure that enough people know how to operate the emergency descent system from ground level in case a rescue is necessary. It also advises that MEWP operators are trained to a recognised standard and familiarised with the machine they are using.
To further encourage training, it has teamed up with the International Powered Access Federation to offer £10 off access platform training in the UK.
The HSE is distributing the vouchers, which are good at participating training centres around the UK (visit www.ipaf.org/hse.htm for a list).
IPAF’s training programme has been certified to conform to ISO 18878. A one-day training course that includes theory and practice costs about £200 (Euro 350).
