Safety Harnesses and Lanyards in MEWPs (New Guidance) - Technical
Update
Applicable Courses:
 Here
at Kingfisher Access we hear many conflicting "stories"
surrounding the use of
safety harnesses and MEWPs during
our IPAF Operator, Demonstrator and Harness training courses. We,
together with IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) and
the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) strongly recommend the use
of harnesses and lanyards in boom type MEWPs
Tim Whiteman managing director at IPAF says:
"We believe that lives will be saved if companies
follow our guidance. Too often people are putting their lives at
risk by not wearing a harness or by wearing inappropriate personal
protection equipment"
IPAF have produced a Technical Guidance Note:
H1 - Safety Harnesses in Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - which was produced by the Powered Access Interest Group (PAIG).
PAIG is a joint committee of IPAF and the Construction Plant-hire
Association, with representatives from hire companies and the Health
& Safety Executive.
A copy of the guidance document may be downloaded here: http://www.ipaf.org/h10505.pdf
 IPAF
says that anyone working in boom lifts, whether self-propelled or
vehicle mounted, should wear a full body harness with an adjustable lanyard set as short as is practical.
Users of scissor lifts and other vertical platforms need not normally
wear harnesses. IPAF stresses that the use of any platform should
be preceded by a full risk analysis to determine the most appropriate
type of harness and lanyard, where and how to tie off, and how long
or short the lanyard should be.
HSE Guidance
Further guidance on the subject of harnesses and boom type MEWPs
may be found on the HSE's website. Their information sheet MISC614 - Preventing falls from boom-type mobile elevating work platforms may be downloaded at the following address:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc614.pdf
Kingfisher Access
Our IPAF approved safety harness training course will ensure that
the users are familiar with the correct selection, inspection, and
proper fitting of the equipment. Further details may be found here:
http://www.kingfisheraccess.co.uk/ipaf/ipaf_harness.html
Date: 5th July 2005 |
