IPAF Overhead Hazards & Site Risks 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What hazard does operating a MEWP near a building façade or structure present?
- The platform or boom may be trapped between the façade and the machine base if the MEWP travels, crushing the operator (Correct answer)
- Façades only present a visual obstruction
- The hazard is only relevant at full platform height
- Building façades prevent flashover from power lines
Correct answer: The platform or boom may be trapped between the façade and the machine base if the MEWP travels, crushing the operator
When a MEWP boom is extended toward a building and the machine travels, the operator can be trapped between the platform and the building. This is a leading cause of MEWP-related fatalities.
Question 2: What is the risk of operating a MEWP near scaffolding?
- The platform may become entangled in scaffolding tubes or boards, trapping the operator or causing the platform to tip (Correct answer)
- Scaffolding presents only a minor obstruction to MEWP travel
- The risk is only relevant if the scaffolding is more than 3 metres high
- Scaffolding and MEWPs can operate in close proximity without risk
Correct answer: The platform may become entangled in scaffolding tubes or boards, trapping the operator or causing the platform to tip
MEWP booms and platforms can become entangled in scaffolding tubes, boards, or ties. This can trap the operator, damage both the MEWP and scaffolding, or cause the platform to be pulled into an unstable position.
Question 3: What overhead hazard is particularly relevant when using a MEWP on a public road or footpath?
- Overhead telephone, electrical, and streetlight cables at low heights, as well as traffic signals and gantries (Correct answer)
- Only high-voltage transmission lines
- Overhead hazards do not exist on public roads
- Only relevant at night when cables are less visible
Correct answer: Overhead telephone, electrical, and streetlight cables at low heights, as well as traffic signals and gantries
Public roads have numerous overhead hazards at relatively low heights — telephone cables, street lighting cables, traffic signals, and gantry signs. These may be within reach of a MEWP even at modest platform heights.
Question 4: What action should be taken if a MEWP is to work in an area with unmapped overhead hazards?
- Stop work, carry out a survey to identify all hazards, consult relevant authorities, and establish controls before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Proceed carefully and avoid obvious hazards
- Proceed if the site manager confirms it is acceptable
- Only a verbal reminder to the operator is needed
Correct answer: Stop work, carry out a survey to identify all hazards, consult relevant authorities, and establish controls before proceeding
Unmapped overhead hazards must be surveyed and identified before work proceeds. This may require consulting the DNO, telecommunications companies, or local authority. Controls must be in place before the MEWP is used.
Question 5: What is the risk of using a MEWP inside a building with moving overhead cranes or hoists?
- The MEWP or its operators could be struck by a moving crane or suspended load — operations must be co-ordinated (Correct answer)
- Overhead cranes cannot harm MEWP operators as they are elevated
- Only relevant if the overhead crane is lifting loads over 5 tonnes
- No risk if the crane operator can see the MEWP
Correct answer: The MEWP or its operators could be struck by a moving crane or suspended load — operations must be co-ordinated
A moving overhead crane or suspended load can strike the MEWP, its platform, or operators, causing serious injury. MEWP and crane operations in the same area must be coordinated and separated where possible.
Question 6: What does a 'height restriction bar' achieve on a MEWP site access route?
- It physically prevents vehicles and MEWPs taller than the bar from entering areas with low overhead hazards such as pipes, cables, or beams (Correct answer)
- It marks the speed limit on a haul route
- It indicates the maximum load capacity of the access road
- It is a decorative feature to mark the site entrance
Correct answer: It physically prevents vehicles and MEWPs taller than the bar from entering areas with low overhead hazards such as pipes, cables, or beams
A height restriction bar is a physical control that prevents tall vehicles and MEWPs from entering areas where there are low overhead hazards such as pipes, cables, or structural beams, preventing collision.
IPAF Overhead Hazards & Site Risks 2
What hazard does operating a MEWP near a building façade or structure present?