IPAF Emergency Rescue — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most important first action if a MEWP operator becomes incapacitated while elevated?
- Call 999 immediately
- Climb up to the platform using a ladder
- Use the ground-level emergency lowering controls to bring the platform down (Correct answer)
- Wait for the platform to descend automatically
Correct answer: Use the ground-level emergency lowering controls to bring the platform down
The most important first action is to use the ground-level emergency lowering controls to bring the platform down safely. All MEWPs must have ground-level override controls for exactly this purpose. Emergency services should be called simultaneously if needed, but lowering the operator is the priority.
Question 2: What is suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) and why is it a concern during MEWP rescue?
- It is discomfort from wearing a harness too long at normal working height
- It is a life-threatening condition where blood pools in the legs when a person is suspended motionless in a harness (Correct answer)
- It is a fear of heights that affects some operators
- It is bruising caused by a poorly fitted harness
Correct answer: It is a life-threatening condition where blood pools in the legs when a person is suspended motionless in a harness
Suspension trauma occurs when a person hangs motionless in a harness — the harness straps compress blood vessels in the legs, causing blood to pool. Without rescue within 15-20 minutes, this can lead to renal failure and death. This is why rapid rescue is critical.
Question 3: How quickly should a rescue of a suspended person be completed to minimise the risk of suspension trauma?
- Within 1 hour
- Within 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Within 45 minutes
- There is no time pressure
Correct answer: Within 15 minutes
Rescue should be completed within 15 minutes to minimise the risk of suspension trauma. After this time, the risk of serious injury or death from orthostatic intolerance and toxin build-up in the blood increases significantly.
Question 4: A rescue plan for MEWP work at height should include which of the following elements?
- Only the phone number for the emergency services
- Identified rescuers, rescue equipment locations, communication methods, and rehearsed procedures (Correct answer)
- A note saying 'call 999 if something goes wrong'
- The nearest hospital address
Correct answer: Identified rescuers, rescue equipment locations, communication methods, and rehearsed procedures
A rescue plan must identify trained rescuers, specify the location of rescue equipment, establish communication methods, define step-by-step rescue procedures, and these must be rehearsed. Simply having emergency service phone numbers is not a sufficient rescue plan.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the emergency stop button on a MEWP?
- To shut down the engine and stop all movement in an emergency (Correct answer)
- To lower the platform automatically to the ground
- To activate the fire extinguisher system
- To sound the alarm to nearby workers
Correct answer: To shut down the engine and stop all movement in an emergency
The emergency stop button immediately shuts down the engine or power source and stops all machine movement. It is used when there is an immediate danger and all motion must cease instantly. Note: it does NOT lower the platform — the emergency lowering system is separate.
Question 6: Who on site should be trained in MEWP emergency rescue procedures?
- Only the site first aider
- Only the MEWP operator themselves
- At least one person at ground level for every MEWP in operation (Correct answer)
- Only the site manager
Correct answer: At least one person at ground level for every MEWP in operation
For every MEWP in operation, at least one person at ground level must be trained and competent in using the emergency lowering controls and rescue procedures. This person must be present and available throughout the work at height activity.
IPAF Emergency Rescue
What is the most important first action if a MEWP operator becomes incapacitated while elevated?