How to choose a MEWP correctly?

Choosing the right type of MEWP for each task to be carried out, as well as its state of maintenance, revision and correct use, are essential for the use of this equipment in safe conditions.

What is a MEWP?

Mobile Lifting Platforms for People (MEWP) They are very useful machines and essential for working at height safely. A MEWP is a mobile machine that aims to move people to a working position, with a single, defined position of entry and exit from the platform. It consists of at least one working platform with service parts, an extendable structure and a chassis.

What does the current MEWP legislation indicate for a correct choice?

Before you begin, it’s essential to make sure you have the proper training to work safely and legally.

The current PEMP legislation indicates the choice of the most appropriate work equipment for each situation, with the aim of carrying out the work in the best possible safety conditions:

• Law 31/1995, on the Prevention of Occupational Risks. Article 15. Principles of preventive action:

“e) Take into account the evolution of technology”. It is established that the evolution of technology must be taken into account, and the best available technology must be used to carry out the work.

• Royal Decree 2177/2004, which establishes the minimum health and safety provisions for the use by workers of work equipment, in terms of temporary work at height. Annex I. Section 4.1.1.:

“[…] The choice of the most suitable type of means of access to temporary workstations at height must be made according to the frequency of circulation, the height to be climbed and the duration of use. […]”. On this point, the Royal Decree establishes the criteria for the choice of the most appropriate work team.

• In addition, the Ministry of Industry considers that, in the absence of specific regulations for MEWPs, compliance with the UNE 58921:2017 standard “Instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, inspections and inspections of mobile elevating platforms for personnel (MEWP)” is a way of complying with the applicable legislation in this regard. This Standard establishes different requirements on the installation, use, handling, maintenance, revisions and inspections of MEWPs, to guarantee safety in the use and performance of work with this equipment.

How to choose a MEWP correctly?

We explain what the most appropriate considerations are to choose a MEWP correctly to carry out work at height are the following:

• Height and reach.

One of the main questions to ask is whether you need to reach a height only vertical or if you need to reach up and then forward.

For vertical access, scissor lifts they can be the best. When working on racks, the Single-person platforms or low-rise platforms are ideal.

When working over obstacles, articulating boom lifts provide a versatile solution.

• Environment.

Another question to ask is whether you will work indoors or outdoors. A Zero-emission electric machine indoors and, in general, an outdoor diesel machine.

• Terrain.

Know what the ground conditions are in which we will work is also important. If you work in Interiors, you have to consider tires without markings. On the other hand, outdoors where the terrain is usually rougher, it is advisable to select a four-wheel drive option. It is important to have stabilizers on sloping terrain.

• Access.

Are there any access restrictions? to access the work area? Inside, will the machines pass through Doors and Openings of elevation? Does the site have Weight Restrictions of the plant? A good solution for complicated workspaces is the Manual Lifting Platforms. It is mLightweight and easily accessible machines For work at low heights, up to 5 meters. It allows safe, faster and more efficient work.

• Working height.

How high do you want to reach? How far forward do I need to go? Always check the Work Diagrams to make sure that the required reach can be achieved at the height that is needed to carry out the task. It must be considered that the maximum working heights are assumed to be 2 meters above the height of the platform (foot level).

• Duration of the contract.

Another important issue is to consider how long the machine will be needed. Autonomous driving and vehicle-mounted lifting platforms can be adapted to short projects. At Liftisa we offer the rental of machines from one day to many years, as well as lifting platforms for direct purchase.

MEWPs are very diverse work equipment, with different characteristics, structures, sizes, reach heights, ability to move, adaptation to the terrain, accessibility, safety, etc., providing a range of different types and models of these machines that can be adapted to each situation.

Knowing which type of MEWP should be used for each type of job and situation will make a big difference in terms of ease of access, time to complete the job and ensuring the safety of the tasks to be performed, with a key point for safety being the correct choice of the right MEWP for each job.

It is therefore important, when purchasing the right type of MEWP for each job, to seek advice from our expert staff. Contact us and we will help you choose the best solution for your work at height.