MEWP Security: 6 Tips for Working Peacefully

Safety in mobile elevating platforms for people (MEWP) It depends on many aspects: the good condition of the machine, the user’s prevention measures and even the environment. At Liftisa we make sure that our entire fleet of machines is in perfect condition and complies with legal regulations to offer the greatest safety to our customers. With these tips we want to propose the adoption of measures that are very easy to implement to work calmly and minimize risks.

MEWP Security: 6 Tips for Working Peacefully

1. Use a restraint system to work safely in MEWP

Using a restraint system is the easiest and safest way to prevent falls when working at height. The harness or retention belt is comfortable for the user and must be attached to an anchor point on the platform itself at all times through a mooring equipment.

Even if it has never been used before, doing so is very simple. It is very important that the lashing equipment allows you to move and work comfortably but that it is short enough to retain and prevent falls.

2. Signpost and delimit work areas to prevent accidents

One of the risks of using these machines when used outdoors comes from other vehicles or machines. If they do not see that work is being done on a lifting platform, they can cause collisions and other accidents, with the danger that this poses to the user.

To prevent these risks and work more safely on lifting platforms, it is necessary to delimit the work area. In addition, it must be signpost that work is being carried out on site and at height. In addition, these measures are key to prevent someone from going under the machine and from having an accident, for example, if a tool falls from the top of the platform on it.

It is a very easy measure to carry out, it does not cost effort and will only take a few minutes. In return it will improve the safety and safety of other people.

3. Measures to safely use MEWPs in enclosed spaces

This type of machinery can also be used indoors. In this case, a safety measure for using lifting platforms is to check, prior to use, the space ventilation, if a diesel forklift is to be used . And if you don’t have good ventilation, the ideal is to use a Electric Lifting Platform. The reason? The emission of pollutants in this type of lifting platform is zero. So the probability of breathing them in or of the machine “eating” the oxygen in the environment is zero. In this case, it should only be remembered Charging batteries away from heat sources. Another option is to use a manual MEWP, as long as the working height allows it.

4. For safety, use the MEWP in favorable weather conditions

There are specific external conditions that, for security reasons, may force you to change your plans. When it comes to doing outdoor work it is important Check the weather conditions beforehand. In a situation of alert for strong winds, the safety of lifting platforms can be compromised by them, so it is not advisable to work on it.

5. Always move the lifting platform in its lowest position

Driving with the lifting platform elevated does not make much sense, as it does not offer any advantage and does offer some risk, especially when passing under bridges or underpasses. So the best way to avoid risks is to always drive with it in its lowest position.

6. Do not use added elements to gain height

Once you get on the lifting platform and are high, you should not use benches or ladders to reach a greater height. The best thing to do is to raise the platform higher or change it for one that reaches more height. Should not be risking personal integrity with unstable and insecure systems.

These measures for working safely on lifting platforms are very easy to implement. It is important to take them into account to prevent risks and accidents of your own and others.

In addition, Liftisa is firmly committed to safety at work, and with this, training becomes an essential element.

LIFTISA, experts in Training

LIFTISA are experts in training and we have an excellent, qualified and certified team to be able to provide training to carry out work at height.

The training courses offered by Liftisa are oriented to the needs of the end user and comply with current legislation on the handling of lifting platforms: Royal Decree 1215/1997, Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks 31/1995 and the UNE 58923:2014 Standard.

This Certification must be renewed every three years. At the end of the course, and once the theoretical/practical tests have been passed, a Certificate of Aptitude will be awarded. This Certificate is valid for working throughout the European Union.

The required MEWP Courses are:

• Vertical static MEWP.
• PEMP Static Arm.
• PEMP Vertical mobile.
• Mobile arm MEWP.

The courses consist of a Theoretical part that can be done online, optimizing dedication times, and a face-to-face Practical part. Complete 8-hour courses to obtain the Lifting Platform Use and Operation Card .

At Liftisa we organize and manage MEWP courses for our customers, in our delegations or in-company, we take care of the entire registration and follow-up process.

If you have any questions, contact us. We will advise you according to your needs and answer your questions.