Cherry Picker Safety
Cherry Picker Safety – IPAF operator training
Working at height involves inherent risks, and safety should be the first concern for anyone considering hiring or using a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP). MEWP operators are required to have the right level of training for the piece of equipment they are using, but it is also the responsibility of an employer considering using an MEWP to ensure that the right kit is chosen, and that safety procedure is followed. This article is an introduction to the main types of safety features usually found on an MEWP, and to the other safety concerns which need to be taken in to consideration.
It is the machine’s operator who has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of both themselves and those around them when using an MEWP. Working within the machine’s limits is essential. Before setting up the equipment, the operator should inspect the work area, walking the route the machine will take to the set-up point and assessing risks such as overhead obstacles or appropriate ventilation.
Once the machine is in place, setting up correctly is the next consideration. Toppling due to unstable ground or weather conditions is the most common cause of accidents, so modern MEWPs come with a range of security features to avoid this problem. These usually include outriggers, stabilizers and jacks, extendable supports that increase the support at the base of the lift, levelling the machine on uneven ground and providing greater stability. Some lifts such as the Ferret 125 or the Nifty 170D are specially designed to be used on rough terrain. Level warnings, checks and indicators warn the operator if the mechanism is not level.
Emergency descent mechanisms are a crucial safety feature you should be familiar with before operating an MEWP. The operator should also ensure there is someone on the ground who knows the emergency lowering system too.
If you are unsure about the required training for the MEWP you are planning to use, contact our training team on 01268 282 200, to speak our friendly staff who will be able to advise you on IPAF training courses.