Is your MEWP checked for use?

You’ve probably seen the pilot of a plane you are about to travel in walk around the aircraft with a clipboard, peering at parts of the aircraft just before take-off. He/she is performing a compulsory visual pre-use inspection before take-off. Pilots are required to do this before every flight in order to ensure that there is no obvious damage to the plane that will put lives at danger. If there is obvious damage, the plane will not fly.

The same principle applies to mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). It is in your own interest to keep this equipment in good working order through a planned maintenance and inspection regime which includes: pre-use checks, interim inspection, statutory thorough examinations, and in specific cases, a major inspection.

Pre-use inspections

As an operator, it is in your own interest to do a visual inspection of the MEWP you are about to use. Starting at a set point, and walking slowly around the machine, check all the base, superstructure and platform. Look out for: unsecure pins/retainers, which may work loose; obvious cracks or damage to the structure, oil leaks, loose and damaged electric cables/wiring. Check the safety notices (decals). Make sure they are not damaged or covered in dirt or paint as decals must be clear and readable – and you should understand the safety information they display. Make sure the operating manual is on-board and check the machine is free from site debris and loose equipment.

Now do a function check of all controls. Check the ground controls and emergency/auxiliary functions before going up in the machine. You need to make sure the platform entry gate/bar closes properly and is secure. Check that switches/levers move freely and do not stick on. Check that outreach limiters and slope sensors are working. Refer to the operator’s manual to see all the pre-use checks the manufacturer requires.

Interim inspections

Country-specific regulations identify the need for additional inspections together with the pre-use checks and thorough examination. MEWP manufacturers also identify interim inspection requirements in the operator manuals so that deterioration can be detected and remedied before it results in unacceptable risks. As an operator, you should look for proof that these checks are taking place.

Thorough examinations

Pre-use checks and interim inspections are not the same as a thorough examination. Thorough examinations are more detailed and are conducted by a ‘competent’ person – usually a trained and experienced engineer, who assesses the condition of the MEWP to establish if the machine is structurally sound, in good working order, and functioning correctly. This includes assessing the correct function of all safety devices and identifying defects or weaknesses that could compromise the safe use of the MEWP.

Throughout Europe, North America and in many other parts of the world, it is against the law to use, or to allow to be used, powered access equipment that does not have physical evidence of a current thorough examination by a competent person. The exception is when a MEWP is under six months from the date it was first put into service, in which case the manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity may well be sufficient within the EU.

In addition, a thorough examination is required following exceptional circumstances that may jeopardise the safety of the equipment, e.g. following damage that results in major repair or modification, following an accident or incident. A thorough examination report is often required by law as an official record of thorough examination.

Major inspections

Certain countries outside the EU – Australia, Canada and Finland – have a statutory requirement for every MEWP to have a 10-year inspection. This is a major inspection to validate structural integrity and functionality of critical components of a MEWP and is aimed at keeping equipment safe beyond the manufacturer’s design life.

The growing demand around the world for second-hand machines and the retention of machines in some rental fleets has led to the use of MEWPs beyond the original design life. This has led IPAF to publish specific guidance recommending that MEWPs should undergo a major inspection within 10 years of being put into service and subsequently every five years after that. The guidance has been written for an international audience and does not identify any country-specific inspection requirements.

Well-maintained MEWPs provide one of the safest means of access to perform temporary work at height. Keep your equipment safe through performing pre-use checks and regular thorough examinations as required.

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