Horizon Platforms Blog

By Damian Edge, Senior IPAF Instructor

Keeping your MEWP stable is vital for your safety when working at height. If the platform tips or overturns unexpectedly, you risk your life if you’re catapulted from the cage. That’s why MEWPS fitted with outriggers should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, reducing ground pressure and increasing stability. When deployed, spreader plates should be used without exception when using boom type MEWPs fully supported by their outriggers. With all other MEWPs, spreader plates should also be used with outriggers unless a specific risk assessment indicates that they are not necessary.

By Damian Edge, IPAF Instructor

Using a MEWP can put you at risk, there’s no doubt about it. Though, under the correct conditions elevated platforms are a safe and reliable method for providing temporary height during indoor and outdoor work. You have a duty – as an employer and operative – to ensure your working environment meets legal regulations for safeguarding life-saving practice. So, with expert IPAF training and a sound knowledge of your responsibilities for work at height you can stay safe on site.

By Damian Edge, IPAF Instructor

Ground strength is quite literally the foundation of your safety when working at height. MEWPs – whether static or boom operated – rely on stable ground conditions to keep level during slew and when moving over different terrains. Due to the weight of MEWPs, the ground can settle under heavier loads causing the machine to tip and overturn – sometimes resulting in damage and the catapult effect.

By Damian Edge, IPAF Instructor

Working at height with a MEWP is secure and reliable – but only if you put your safety first and follow the necessary precautions. While there’s no legal requirement for wearing harnesses at height, they’re strongly recommended – particularly for boom lift operators – to help protect you from fatal falls.

If your platform swings, jolts, or tilts unexpectedly away from your machine’s centre of gravity your operator can suffer whiplash or even be flung from the basket. And the higher you are, the faster you’ll be thrown.