Author: Marco Maccio

On Thursday 21st May, Horizon’s Chris Wraith hosted a webinar to launch the new IPAF Guidance on using MEWPS, MCWPs and Hoists safely. You can download the guidance using the button below.

In the guidance it focusses on how to ensure that MEWPS, MCWPs and Hoists are used safely during a period when strict measures are needed to ensure that the risk of spreading COVID-19 is kept to a minimum. You can read some of the steps we are taking in our recent blog on getting you back to working at height safely.

The guidance is framed around applying a heirarchy of 5 controls – eliminate, reduce, isolate, control, PPE.

Eliminate – Remove the Hazard

Reduce – Reducing The Hazard by Implementing Measures to Reduce Risk

Isolate – Ensure Proactive Separation Within the Workplace

Control – Manage the area of work to avoid unnecessary contact

PPE – Protect Personnel By Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The guidance also discusses in more detail some of the recommended cleaning measures that you should undertake whilst using a MEWP on site. At Horizon Platforms, all our machines are decontaminated on delivery. Our priority is your safety.

Finally, if machines are being left for long periods without use, then pre-use inspections are even more paramount to safety. Ensure that all your operators are clear that even with current restrictions, the use of MEWPS requires pre-use inspections and valid LOLER certificates.

Remember, to keep your operators licences up to date. Our training centre is offering online theory. This alone can extend a licence for up to 90 days before a practical test is then required. Our centre has now reopened but we are NOT allowing delegates to sit the theory training onsite, only practicals will be allowed. For more details read our update.

It has been almost 9 weeks since the UK entered lock down, but last week the government announced some ‘relaxation’ of those measures. The key aim is to kick start the economy and gradually move us through what will undoubtedly be a tough economic period.

Despite the lock down, Horizon Platforms have been working day and night to keep essential works happening for our customers. We pride ourselves on our service, which in these tough times has not gone unnoticed. Here are a few comments from some our loyal customers who have felt us go that extra mile during these tough times. Horizon Platforms owe this to our people who are driven to deliver the best service possible to our customers.

Minimising Spread. Maximising Service.

Horizon Platforms have been operating on a reduced staff and put in place some strict measures to ensure that risk of spreading the virus is minimised. You can read more about this in our previous blog. Now that we are slowly moving towards a gradual restart across all sectors, we wanted to reassure our customers of the extra measures we are taking to ensure we minimise the potential spread of COVID-19. Our operating process is followed strictly and helps us keep not only our staff safe, but our customers who rely heavily on their platforms not only turning up on time, but having confidence that their staff are being protected during the delivery, use and collection process.

If you would like further guidance on operating MEWPS during the COVID-19 crisis, IPAF’s latest guidance may assist you. Read our blog on the guidelines.

Watch our short video to understand the process or read the full details below.

Our Process, step by step…

2m SOCIAL DISTANCING

We have implemented further distancing measures and one way system around our depot.

DECONTAMINATION

Each machine is sprayed with AutoSmart Smartsan V to kill on virus that may be present on hard surfaces. This cleaner is proven to kill COVID-19. Full data sheet available here – AutoSmart SmartSanV.

POWERWASH

Once decontaminated, the machine is then power washed. Our power washer solution also contains AutoSmart Smartsan V, which is a no-foam solution.

SINGLE DRIVER DELIVERY

Our driver team work alone to maintain 2m safe distance rules.

DROP OFF

Each driver is equipped with latex gloves to ensure minimal contact with surfaces. Should you have any special measures they need to follow on your site, they will be more than happy to comply.

CONTROL DECONTAMINATION

After safely storing the machine, the driver will then complete a decontamination of the controls using AutoSmart Smartsan V.

GUARDRAIL DECONTAMINATION

Upon exiting the machine the driver will then spray the guardrails to ensure all possible touch-points are fully decontaminated.

COLLECTION

The driver will disinfect the machine upon collection following the same steps mentioned above.

RINSE & REPEAT!

Once the machine is back in our yard, we’ll repeat the same process over again, making sure that each and every contract has a fully cleaned, decontaminated machine ready to use.

We are ready and waiting for you!

Get in touch with us if you have a hire requirement coming up. Here is a reminder of what why Horizon Platforms are the hire partner for you.

If you’ve eggs-austed all the homeschooling actives and egg-ercise everyday with Joe Wicks leaves you in a sweat at just the thought, we’ve got a fun competition for you and the kids this Easter. We say it’s for the kids, but any-bunny is welcome to join in.

Read more “Here’s how you could win a £50 John Lewis voucher this Easter”

As this unprecedented crisis continues to unfold, at Horizon Platforms we are doing all we can to support many of our customers who provide services to some of the essential businesses such as supermarkets, food manufacturers, warehousing and distribution, power generation and pharmaceutical production.  

Read more “COVID-19 – Keeping our customers working safely at height”