16.07.2010

Overhead crushing guidance released

The UK-based Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group, has released its Best Practice Guidance for avoiding overhead trapping and crushing incidents with Mobile Elevating Work Platforms when used in confined overhead spaces.

The Strategic Forum includes a number of industry and user associations, including IPAF and the CPA.

While extremely rare, there have been a number of such accidents over the past few years and they are often fatal. Most of the accidents have involved the operator inadvertently running into an overhead beam or other obstacle while lifting, telescoping or driving and then being pressed against the live controls and being crushed.
These incidents could have been prevented by proper planning and preparation, selection of appropriate equipment and correct use.

The guidance 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 guidance is divided into two parts. Part 1 is aimed at planners, managers and instructors. It covers hazards, risk assessment, controls and responsibilities. The annexes to Part 1 give detailed information that can assist in the identification of trapping risks and in the planning and managing of work activities to protect against trapping incidents. Part 2 is aimed at those using and supervising MEWPs and those responsible for rescuing anyone trapped on a MEWP platform. Part 2 has been designed to be used in briefings or toolbox talks for supervisors and MEWP operators. To download the Guidance click here

IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman said: “The document offers straightforward guidance for both managers and operators of MEWPs. Anyone involved in using them will benefit from reading this document, which will in the longer run help prevent these rare but dangerous accidents.”

The Strategic Forum comprises representatives from the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Skills, 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).

Translations of the guidance in Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish will be available shortly from IPAF.