Platforms are efficient tools - get trained to use them safely
October 01st 2005 The use of powered access equipment and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is booming. A warehouse employee uses a scissor lift to reach a shelf too high for a ladder. A port worker hires a truck-mounted boom to do maintenance work on a vessel. These machines are popular across different trades because they offer an effective way to work at height.
In the EU, the introduction of the Temporary Work at Height Directive 2001/45/EC has focussed attention on the use of powered access.
In many countries, people are encouraged to consider modern access equipment instead of using ladders for all jobs. The Directive has prompted more people to look for alternative means of access and solutions for safe machine use. The onus will fall on employers to ensure that their platform operators are properly trained.
The truth is, MEWPs look deceptively easy to use. In a narrow storage area, a worker not aware of curve/swing allowance may hit a scissor lift around a corner and cause the machine to tip over. Someone using a telehandler with an integrated platform to transport persons may unknowingly exceed the maximum weight limits or drop the load, leading to a fatal accident.
Few people operate platforms as their main occupation, which means that they may not have received training. With luck, this is usually not a problem. But if an accident happens, the site manager/owner/ employer will be held responsible. Most national legislation requires employers to provide their staff with adequate training. Section 5 of the UK Work at Height Regulations states that "every employer shall ensure that no person engages in any activity in relation to work at height or work equipment for use in such work unless he is competent to do so".
If your company uses powered access, there is a straightforward solution to reduce liability: training that teaches platform operators about risk assessment, equipment selection and effective use. Such training is available from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and leads to the issuing of a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence). IPAF runs a training programme for operators of MEWPs that has been certified as conforming to ISO 18878. Through a worldwide network of about 180 IPAF-approved training centres, some 50,000 platforms operators are trained each year. Training in the US is provided by IPAF’s North American subsidiary, Aerial Work Platform Training Inc (AWPT).
Training has been developed by manufacturer and rental members of IPAF, which means that it addresses industry needs. In a training session, users are given insight into topics such as legal requirements, how and how not to use these machines, and emergency systems. A training course usually lasts one to two days and covers both theory and practice. Those who successfully complete an IPAF course are awarded a safety guide, a log book, a certificate and a PAL Card. The log book should be filled out and signed after each job, to reflect compliance with safety legislation and document operator experience.
The PAL Card is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.
This ensures that operator knowledge and skills are kept up-to-date.
The PAL Card features a photo of the holder and shows the categories of machines that he was trained in. The familiar yellow PAL Card is accepted across industries as proof that the holder has been trained to work with platforms safely.
Training makes users think more consciously about machine use and safety. For instance, IPAF has issued advice that sliding mid-rails must not be tied up. It has also called on all users working with selfpropelled or vehicle-mounted boom lifts to wear a harness with an adjustable lanyard set as short as is practical. This can save lives when an accident happens. IPAF’s Technical Guidance Note on Safety Harnesses can be obtained at www.ipaf.org/h10505.pdf.
Falls from height accounted for 24% of fatal injuries to workers in 2004/2005, according to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) statistics of fatal injuries. While the construction industry leads the falls statistics, 20% of major injury falls occur in the manufacturing sector.
The number of fall accidents among routine operators, goods drivers and maintenance fitters is particularly high at about 80 major injuries a year. Most falls occur when people use inappropriate equipment or methods to work at height.
Training reduces accidents by making users more thoughtful and sensitised to the possible dangers. They are taught to put safety first by for example, assessing the area and surroundings before starting work, and carrying out safety checks and measures. If your employees in the handling and logistics sector are working with platforms, get them trained. MEWPs are designed to be easy to use, but basic guidance and training is needed. Compared with someone who is using a machine for the first time, a properly trained platform operator will be able to get the job done more efficiently, and above all, safely.
| About IPAF
IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation dedicated to promoting the safe and effective use of powered access. It was set up in 1983 to represent the interests of manufacturers, distributors, hirers, training companies, and users of powered access equipment. Through the years, IPAF has become a strong agent of change in developing and promoting best practice.
IPAF recently stepped up its lobbying and informational activities in the EU. In June 2005, IPAF presented views of manufacturers and users to the committee monitoring the implementation of Machinery Directive 98/37/EC, at a time when the committee was considering some strict controls on the use of equipment. IPAF is also actively participating in the review of EN 280, the standard regulating the design and manufacture of powered access equipment.
IPAF activities are growing rapidly on an international level, with country representatives in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the USA. It monitors national legislation and works together with the relevant authorities (e.g. the HSE in Britain, SUVA in Switzerland) or industry associations (e.g. the Scaffold Industry Association in the USA) to promote safety in the use of platforms.
Members enjoy access to a wealth of practical information on legal, technical and commercial aspects of platform use. They receive free copies of the official IPAF magazine, Access International, including the IPAF bulletin, Raising the Standard. Diverse industry partners- customers, competitors, suppliers and interest groups-meet at several annual events, including the IPAF AGM and Access Summit.
Members have the opportunity to shape legislation and regulations on platform use. The work of IPAF falls under five specialist committees dedicated to: mast climbing work platforms, training, telescopic handlers, manufacturers’ technical committee and powered access interest group. IPAF itself is represented on several standards committees, including FEM (European Federation of Materials Handling and Storage Equipment) and the British standards committees BS 8454 and BS 8460. In addition, IPAF members can tap into a range of free services, including an insurance management system (ClaimControl) and a business information service from the UK-based Institute of Directors (IoD).
Potential members need to be proposed and seconded by existing IPAF members. They are also required to abide by the IPAF Code of Conduct and maintain professional standards. IPAF has, for instance, developed Terms and Conditions of Hire to provide clear guidance on specific contractual issues in platform rental, available in versions for England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
IPAF’s Rental+ quality mark takes the compliance with standards further. It is a voluntary programme for IPAF members to undergo an independent audit to demonstrate that they conform to the rules. These measures ensure that standards and service levels are kept high, that customers get a fair deal, and indeed, that the flag of the powered access industry continues to fly.
| More articles from International Powered Access Federation: |
