Page 827 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive
P. 827
Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 304
24 May 2012
Incorrect use of MEWP Stabilisers
During a recent site inspection, one of our team identified a site team using the stabilisers of a MEWP
to tilt the MEWP so they could get easier access and reach the equipment to be worked on.
Simulation of MEWP being deliberately tilted to access adjacent panel.
This is not a safe method of work and is not the intended purpose of the stabilisers. Equipment must
only ever be used for its intended purpose and it should be noted that stabilisers are designed to
stabilise the machine, not tilt it; whilst the team undertaking the work were not aware that this is not
good practice and were using tilting it with the best of intentions, it should be noted that deliberately
abusing equipment is a serious offence and could result in severe consequences.
A positive intervention was made, and during discussions it was identified that this was not the first
time this method had been used to gain closer access to some work areas.
By positioning the MEWP end on, and extending the platform, much closer access to the work area can
be obtained whilst maintaining the level of the MEWP.
If additional lanes or areas need to be closed in order to position the MEWP end on to the work
equipment, then that should be agreed with the site manager at the start of the work period.
