The importance of training to operate safely and avoid accidents

When working with mobile elevating platforms, in order to operate safely and avoid accidents, it is essential that operators acquire adequate training.

In other words, an operator of mobile elevating platforms for people (MEWP) must have the appropriate training to guarantee their knowledge of the use of these platforms and the protocol of action in various circumstances.

Training for the use of mobile elevating platforms for people

There is a specific regulatory framework for the use of mobile elevating platforms for people (MEWPs). This type of platform is used when working at height. Its use is much safer than that of other means, provided that appropriate safety measures are taken, including training of MEWP operators.

The current regulatory framework establishes what safety, health and prevention parameters must be taken, as well as the safety of the product used.

In terms of prevention and safety, the two fundamental parameters to be managed are the elimination or minimisation of risk and the consideration of the probability of such risk occurring.

In other words, eliminating occupational risks is not always 100 percent possible. In fact, it is almost impossible to eliminate all the risks involved in working at height by using mobile lifting platforms for people.

However, we must try to reduce it as much as possible. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the probability that, despite everything, there will be an accident, so it is essential to keep in mind what to do in these cases.

In this sense, in order to take measures to avoid the risks of the use of mobile lifting platforms for people, it is essential that personnel have the appropriate specific training for the safe use of this type of equipment.

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Safety regulations in the use of MEWPs

The occupational safety regulations for the use of mobile lifting platforms for people are included in the EN-280 Standard. On the other hand, UNE 58923:2014 and UNE 5892:2017 include specific rules that must also be taken into account.

In order to combat the high accident rate of work at height, compliance with this regulation is essential. To this end, the proper training of staff is a basic issue. In fact, quality training for the use of MEWPs makes a difference, not only in the effectiveness of the use of the platforms, but also in the reduction of accidents.

Prevention and safety measures in the use of MEWPs

As indicated by UNE 5892:2017, having operators of mobile elevating platforms for people who have passed an appropriate training programme favours the application of the necessary prevention measures. In addition, properly trained MEWP operators facilitate the safe use of the equipment.

In this regard, it should be noted that properly trained MEWP operators have the capacity to perform, among others, the following functions aimed at reducing risks:

• Choose the right mobile people lift for the job to be done.
• Assess and evaluate the conditions of the environment and how it can influence the work to be carried out with the MEWP.
• Identify the safety status of the machine.
• To know the particularities of the MEWP to be used.
• Carry out the necessary actions for the correct stabilization of the MEWP.
• Avoid reckless manoeuvres that exceed the working limits of the machine.

These and other measures carried out by the MEWP operator reduce the probability of accidents and reduce the accident rate. To this end, training and awareness of operators is vital.

But the training of the MEWP operator is not enough in itself. In addition, the collaboration, involvement and awareness of all the agents involved in the use of MEWPs is essential. In fact, everyone must be coordinated for the use of machinery in safety matters to improve working conditions.