Safe work at height
June 1st 2004

As more and more companies turn to powered access machines, A-Plant looks at some of the options available and emphasises the importance of training Due to the continued occurrence of fatalities and injuries caused by falls from height, health and safety legislation regarding working at height is becoming more and more stringent. This has led to many industrial companies considering the use of powered access machines, as opposed to ladders and other traditional equipment, for construction, maintenance, refurbishment, cleaning or other work, such as stock control, where additional height is required. Specifiers of powered access equipment have a multitude of options to choose from and selection of the relevant machine for a particular job is dependent upon a range of factors such as the required working height, site conditions and any access or loading restrictions. A-Plants Powered Access division, part of A-Plants Specialist Products business, has a fleet of more than 1600 machines available to hire ranging from scissor lifts that reach a maximum height of 5.6m, to articulating booms, that can extend to over 26m and offer a combination of up-and-over clearance and horizontal outreach. Industrial use The equipment is suited for use in manufacturing or other industrial facilities, as key machines in the range have features such as non-marking tyres, narrow width and height for restricted access through doors, as well as motion alarms and flashing beacons that are essential for use in premises where pedestrians are present. There are also battery-powered machines in the range, that offer low noise and clean air benefits. One of the latest additions to the range is the new electrically-powered M400AJPn Multi-Power Articulating Boom Lift, that is 1.5m wide, despite having a maximum outreach of 6.83m at 7m working height, and is for confined space work on site and in narrow aisles. Before employees operate powered access equipment, it is essential that they receive adequate operator training in order to meet Health & Safety requirements. More and more workplaces are insisting on viewing evidence that operators are adequately trained in operating equipment before they are even allowed to position, set up or operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) on site. Similarly, employees who assemble, move or dismantle mobile access towers should also be trained, preferably by a company that is independently audited by awarding bodies, such as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PASMA). It is advised that employees who operate powered access equipment or install access towers follow height safety training courses approved by IPAF and PASMA. Both organisations offer stringently assessed operator and demonstrator courses, that are recognised by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and in the case of IPAF, the Main Contractors Group (MCG). In recognition of the importance of safety training on access platforms, A-Plants Powered Access division has launched a new Access Safety Training Centre, that offers a series of one-day training courses independently approved by IPAF and PASMA, as a support service to A-Plant customers. The courses are delivered by qualified trainers at seven A-Plant training locations - Manchester, Bridgend, Brentwood, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aberdeen and Stockton-on-Tees and can also be delivered at customers own premises if required. Approved courses Courses approved by IPAF include MEWP Operator Training, that comprises training on the operation of MEWPs such as self-propelled booms, vehicle mounted platforms and van and truck mounted booms. IPAF has also approved A-Plants MEWP Demonstrator Training Course and its MEWP Harness Training Course. Successful course attendees receive a certificate of competence and a Powered Access Licence (PAL) card, that is valid for five years. PAL cards provide proof that operators have undergone and completed adequate training to a nationally recognised standard. Rupert Douglas-Jones, training scheme manager at IPAF, said: We applaud A-Plants initiative in establishing the IPAF approved courses. Access safety training is becoming increasingly important, as current legislation dictates that employers must ensure their staff are adequately trained. Many sites will not allow personnel to operate any form of equipment without the relevant qualifications. A-Plant also offers a one-day Access Tower Training Course, that is independently approved by PASMA. The course is both theory and practical-based and covers areas such as hazards and the safe use and stability of towers. Successful candidates receive a PASMA identity card, that identifies that the person has received universally- recognised training on mobile access towers.

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