IPAF Ground Conditions and Stability 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: After heavy rainfall, what additional ground condition checks should be carried out before using a MEWP?
- None — rain does not affect ground conditions
- Check for waterlogged or softened ground, reduced load-bearing capacity, and potential for the machine to sink or slide (Correct answer)
- Only check that the MEWP wipers are working
- Wait exactly 24 hours then proceed without checks
Correct answer: Check for waterlogged or softened ground, reduced load-bearing capacity, and potential for the machine to sink or slide
Heavy rain can significantly reduce the load-bearing capacity of soil, create hidden soft spots, and cause previously firm ground to become unstable. A fresh assessment must be made, paying particular attention to areas where water has pooled or where soil may have become saturated.
Question 2: What is the maximum gradient (slope) that most scissor lift MEWPs can safely operate on?
- Up to 15 degrees
- Typically 3 to 5 degrees as specified by the manufacturer (Correct answer)
- Any gradient as long as outriggers are deployed
- Up to 45 degrees with a trained operator
Correct answer: Typically 3 to 5 degrees as specified by the manufacturer
Most scissor lift MEWPs have a maximum safe operating gradient of 3 to 5 degrees, as specified by the manufacturer. Operating on steeper slopes can cause the machine to overturn. The exact limit varies by model and must be checked in the operator's manual.
Question 3: What role does a ground conditions assessment play in the MEWP risk assessment process?
- It is optional and only done if the client requests it
- It is a fundamental part of the risk assessment that must be completed before any MEWP is positioned (Correct answer)
- It is only required for boom lifts, not scissor lifts
- It is completed by the hire company, not the site team
Correct answer: It is a fundamental part of the risk assessment that must be completed before any MEWP is positioned
A ground conditions assessment is a mandatory and fundamental component of the overall MEWP risk assessment. It must be completed before positioning any MEWP, regardless of type. The assessment should consider ground type, loading capacity, services, slopes, and environmental factors.
Question 4: A MEWP needs to be operated on a newly laid tarmac surface. What is the concern?
- The tarmac colour may not match the MEWP
- New tarmac may be soft and unable to support the concentrated loads from wheels or outriggers, causing sinking (Correct answer)
- New tarmac is too smooth and the MEWP will slide
- There is no concern — tarmac is always suitable for MEWPs
Correct answer: New tarmac may be soft and unable to support the concentrated loads from wheels or outriggers, causing sinking
Freshly laid tarmac may not have fully cured and can be soft, especially in warm weather. The concentrated point loads from MEWP wheels or outriggers can sink into the soft surface, causing the machine to tilt and potentially overturn. The surface must be fully cured before use.
Question 5: When operating a MEWP on a slope within its rated gradient, what additional precaution should be observed?
- The platform should be raised to maximum height for stability
- The machine should be positioned so that any boom movement operates uphill where possible, and travel should be up and down the slope, not across it (Correct answer)
- No additional precautions are needed if within the rated gradient
- Only operate the MEWP in reverse when on a slope
Correct answer: The machine should be positioned so that any boom movement operates uphill where possible, and travel should be up and down the slope, not across it
Even within the rated gradient, the machine should be oriented to minimise overturning risk. Travel should be directly up or down the slope (not across it, which creates a side-tipping hazard), and boom movements should be directed uphill where possible to maintain stability.
Question 6: What is the purpose of checking for underground services before positioning a MEWP?
- To avoid disrupting the internet connection on site
- To ensure that the combined weight of the MEWP does not collapse underground voids, chambers, or shallow services beneath the setup position (Correct answer)
- To check if the MEWP can be earthed to underground cables
- To locate water for cleaning the MEWP
Correct answer: To ensure that the combined weight of the MEWP does not collapse underground voids, chambers, or shallow services beneath the setup position
Underground services such as drains, culverts, service chambers, and shallow utility runs can create voids or weakened ground. The concentrated weight of a MEWP (which can exceed several tonnes) can collapse these features, causing the machine to suddenly drop and potentially overturn.
IPAF Ground Conditions and Stability 2
After heavy rainfall, what additional ground condition checks should be carried out before using a MEWP?