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Skanska policy for mobile elevated work platforms Forward: The purpose of this policy is to provide consistent control of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) across all Skanska UK Operating Units. This will be achieved through Operating Units demonstrating documented compliance with the requirements of this procedure, statutory regulations and HSE guidance. The use of a MEWP should not be adopted simply for convenience, but should be the result of a thorough selection process considering typically:

1. Has the plan of work considered an alternative to working at height (W@H)? Can it be designed out? Can W@H be reduced in scope? Can the programme wait for permanent or easier access?

2. Is there an alternative method of access that reduces the overall risk? Have the alternatives been considered, risk assessed and residual risks compared?

If the use of MEWP remains the considered preference then you must comply with the following procedure and HSE Regulations as a minimum.

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Policy: This policy is not prescriptive in how it is applied. Operating Units shall ensure they have procedures in place to ensure all of the following. 1 MEWP selection:

The MEWP selected meets the specification for the task and the site conditions A competent person makes or approves the selection. (Note that for sub-contractors wishing to use a

MEWP, this could be a Skanska competent person.) A process is in place to check the selection, especially if the available MEWP is not as originally specified. For activities involving boom type MEWPS (category 3b) the machine shall be fitted with an additional

Secondary Guarding Device (1). 2 Safe systems of work:

That specific risk assessments and method statements are in place and reviewed regularly. Where the shared use of MEWPS is envisaged that special consideration is given to the management of

the MEWP’s and additional controls implemented. Operations and site conditions including assessment of ground, weather conditions and adjacent

activities are continuously monitored and, where appropriate, remedial action is taken by a competent person to ensure the safe operation of the MEWP. That a system is in place to prevent the unauthorised use of machines.

3 Emergency and recovery plans: That a recovery plan is in place including:-

o The consideration of lone workers. o The nomination of a person for performing a recovery. o Communication of the plan to all personnel included in the plan. o Regular practice of the plan by those involved.

4 Supervisor and operator competence:

The person responsible for planning the works, specifying the MEWP and controlling the works shall, as a minimum, have undertaken the IPAF “MEWPS for Management” training course. The operator of the MEWP shall hold, as a minimum, the CPCS or IPAF qualification for the

appropriate category of MEWP. Unless the operator can demonstrate experience of the particular machine i.e. logs books or similar, they must undergo familiarisation of the machine prior to operating that machine. High risk trades (Steel erectors, netters and associated trades) shall hold as a minimum IPAF PAL+

qualification. 5 Inspection and maintenance:

A competent person is responsible for ensuring the MEWP is suitable for the specific operation. A competent person performs pre-use /daily inspections weekly and statutory inspections. That the weekly and statutory inspections are recorded. That the MEWP is maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. A competent person ensures the MEWP is identified & prevented from use in the event of defects or

malfunctions and this is recorded. Additional protection devices as detailed in Skanska Definition of MEWP Secondary Guarding devices.

MEWP USAGE – BEST PRACTICE FLOWCHARTTo be read in conjunction with the Skanska Policy for Mobile Elevated Working Platforms which has preference  

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

PLANNING 

STAGE  ACTIVITY  REMEDIAL 

ACTION 

Working at height is 

anticipated?

Is there an alterative to 

W@H? 

Is there an alternative to 

using a MEWP that involves 

less risk? 

PROCUREMENT 

Risk assessments, method 

statements and recovery 

plan approved? 

MEWP specification 

approved by competent 

person? 

COMMENCEMENT 

DAILY 

Suitable MEWP available? 

3b Secondary Guarding 

device available and 

operational?

Operator competence: 

High Risk Trades‐IPAF‐PAL+ 

Qualification     ok? 

Recovery plan and 

nominated recovery person 

in place?

Pre‐used inspection          

ok?

Are site conditions suitable 

for the safe operation of 

chosen MEWP?

Periodic inspections         

ok?

Maintenance ok?

Design out, or reduce 

W@H 

Use access method with 

lowest overall risk 

Approve prior to 

selecting MEWP 

Approved prior to 

requisition 

Reconsider the plan 

As a minimum ensure 

CPCS/IPAF training and 

familiarisation 

Report to competent 

person and prevent from 

use 

Continue use 

Report to competent 

person and prevent from 

use 

Report to competent 

person and prevent from 

use 

Report to competent 

person and prevent from 

use 

Report to competent 

person and prevent from 

use 

Rev 01 - 12/12/11

www.skanska.co.uk

Skanska MEWP standard 2012

Are you ready to meet the standard?

All Skanska hired category 3b MEWP’s to have

additional protective devices.

All category 3b MEWP’s provided on Skanska

sites to have additional protective devices.

In recent years Skanska has lead the industry in making attachments and MEWPS

safer. But now we will go a step further.

From the 2nd April 2012 all boom-type MEWPs (IPAF Category 3b) that are

operated by sub-contractors on our sites will be required to have additional

protection fi tted. These extra safety features will need to be in place from the

3rd January 2012 for any MEWPs that we hire.

H&S–MEWP-Poster-3.indd 1H&S–MEWP-Poster-3.indd 1 12/12/2011 11:2212/12/2011 11:22