COMPREHENSIVE new guidance outlining the key principles and ways to reduce likely risks when using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in public areas and near roads has been published by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

The new guidance document, entitled Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas, has been developed by IPAF in collaboration with its International Safety Council (ISC) and supporting members, and is available to view or download in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, simplified Chinese and Spanish.

It can be downloaded free of charge in digital format and is also available print-ready so organisations can produce their own hard copies if they so wish.

Brian Parker, IPAF’s head of safety and technical, said: “The use of powered access to provide an effective means of access to work at height is constantly increasing worldwide as the productivity and safety benefits are recognised by businesses and employers alike.

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An increasing number of MEWPs are being used in areas where members of the public might be present, which is more challenging to control, i.e. not always segregated from unrelated work activities, vehicular traffic or the general public.” 

Visit www.ipaf.org/resources to view or download the IPAF Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas guidance document.