The UK-based Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group, of which IPAF is one of the lead organisations, has released a Best Practice Guidance for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) with the aim of avoiding trapping or crushing incidents when these machines are used in confined overhead spaces.
There have been a number of such accidents during the last few years, including fatal ones.

Some of these incidents have involved the operator or other person being crushed against fixtures or other obstacles while working at height.

These incidents could have been prevented by proper planning and preparation, selection of appropriate equipment and correct use.

This guide has been prepared by the industry to provide clarity about the safe use of MEWPs including planning, equipment selection, training, provision of information, familiarisation, safe use, supervision and rescue procedures, together with monitoring and management of the work.

'The document offers straightforward guidance for both managers and operators of MEWPs,' said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director.

'Anyone involved in using MEWPs will benefit from reading this document, which will in the longer run help prevent these rare but dangerous accidents that could happen when MEWPs are used in confined overhead spaces.'

The Strategic Forum comprises representatives from the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, ConstructionSkills, the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training (FASET), the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the National Construction College (NCC), UCATT and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG).