IPAF Rescue Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'entrapment' on a MEWP and why is a rescue plan important?
- When the operator in the platform cannot lower themselves — a rescue plan ensures a safe, fast response to extract them (Correct answer)
- When the MEWP's wheels get stuck in soft ground
- When the MEWP is blocked in a corridor
- When the MEWP's battery runs out during operation
Correct answer: When the operator in the platform cannot lower themselves — a rescue plan ensures a safe, fast response to extract them
Entrapment occurs when the operator in the platform cannot lower themselves — due to incapacitation, mechanical failure, or obstruction. Without a rescue plan, the person remains at height with no means of descent.
Question 2: What are the two primary methods of rescuing an entrapped MEWP operator?
- Ground-level emergency lowering using the base controls, or aerial rescue using another elevated platform or ladder (Correct answer)
- Using a rope thrown from ground level
- Only waiting for the operator to recover
- Tilting the machine to lower the platform
Correct answer: Ground-level emergency lowering using the base controls, or aerial rescue using another elevated platform or ladder
The two primary rescue methods are: ground-level emergency lowering using the machine's base emergency controls (the preferred method), or aerial rescue where another elevated means is used to reach the operator.
Question 3: Before operating a MEWP, what rescue information must every operator know?
- The location and operation of the ground-level emergency lowering controls and the site's rescue procedure (Correct answer)
- Only the general emergency number
- Rescue procedures are only for supervisors to know
- Rescue information is provided during the MEWP's annual service
Correct answer: The location and operation of the ground-level emergency lowering controls and the site's rescue procedure
Every operator must know the location and operation of the ground-level emergency lowering controls and the site's specific rescue procedure before ascending. This knowledge enables rapid response if entrapment occurs.
Question 4: What is the role of a 'dedicated competent observer' during MEWP operations in risk areas?
- To monitor the operator and machine from ground level, and to initiate rescue immediately if entrapment or emergency occurs (Correct answer)
- To assist the operator from another MEWP
- To control access to the exclusion zone
- To complete the pre-use check for the operator
Correct answer: To monitor the operator and machine from ground level, and to initiate rescue immediately if entrapment or emergency occurs
In areas with higher risk — such as near traffic or in complex environments — a dedicated competent observer monitors the MEWP operator and is ready to initiate rescue immediately if the operator becomes entrapped or incapacitated.
Question 5: Why should a MEWP operator always wear a harness with a lanyard attached to the designated anchor point?
- To prevent being ejected from the platform in the event of a sudden jolt, collision, or platform failure (Correct answer)
- Because harnessing is compulsory for all work at height regardless of MEWP type
- Harnesses are only required on boom lifts, not scissor lifts
- To attach tools so they do not fall from the platform
Correct answer: To prevent being ejected from the platform in the event of a sudden jolt, collision, or platform failure
A harness with a correctly attached lanyard prevents the operator from being thrown out of the platform if the MEWP jolts, is struck, or partially fails. Ejection from a MEWP at height is frequently fatal.
Question 6: What is 'suspension trauma' and why is it relevant to MEWP rescue?
- A potentially life-threatening condition caused by hanging in a harness for too long — rescue must be rapid and the casualty treated carefully when lowered (Correct answer)
- A type of structural failure in suspension-boom MEWPs
- Trauma caused by the vibration of MEWP travel
- Only relevant if the harness was incorrectly fitted
Correct answer: A potentially life-threatening condition caused by hanging in a harness for too long — rescue must be rapid and the casualty treated carefully when lowered
Suspension trauma occurs when blood pools in the legs during vertical suspension in a harness, reducing blood flow to vital organs. It can be fatal within minutes. MEWP rescues must be rapid, and the person must not be laid flat immediately.
IPAF Rescue Procedures
What is an 'entrapment' on a MEWP and why is a rescue plan important?