Know About Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Contact us to discuss your requirements of mobile aerial work platform supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly known as aerial work platforms enable personnel to access work areas at moderate heights. Due to their versatility and wide application in use of MEWPs, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) , the national standards and regulations authority, revised policies and standards that employers and equipment operators should stay abreast of.

The changes made are documented in the ANSI A92 standard and are not only meant to unify global standards for MEWPs, but improve their design, reduce accidents, and ensure their safe use. These new standards are a result of the collaboration of ANSI and SAIA (Scaffold and Access Industry Association) . As of June 1st, , these new standards were enforced.

New ANSI Standards

1. A92.22 &#; Safe Use: This standard outlines safety requirements and hazard-preventative measures for MEWPs to ensure personnel can safely carry out their work. Important points of note in the standard include:
   • A qualified person is required to perform a risk assessment of the work to be done, the safest method for executing the operation by creating procedures and control measures (e.g., rescue plans), and ensure the task can be carried out safely by assessing criteria such as ground conditions and overhead hazards.
   • Only the appropriate MEWP should be used for a specific type of job. Operators and supervisors should both be sufficiently familiar with it.
   • The MEWP operator should be monitored by a properly trained and qualified supervisor.
2. A92.24 &#; Training: The scope of this standard covers updates to all MEWP types and their training requirements. Specific requirements to note include:
   • Operators must be properly trained, familiarized and authorized to operate the MEWP.
   • Occupants working from the MEWP must be aware of any potential work hazards, be aware of work plans and procedures, and must use fall protection equipment.
   • At least one occupant must have training over basic MEWP controls, to raise or lower the platform in emergencies.
   • Supervisors must receive training on appropriate MEWP selection, operator and occupant requirements, potential hazard identification, and understand rules and regulations that apply to safe MEWP operation.
3. A92.20 &#; Design: This standard covers functional and operational capacities of MEWPs, with the objective of improving safety. Some of the changes include:
   • Load Sensing &#; The platform will not elevate if overloaded, showing indicator lights if it is. Booms will not extend beyond load extension limits.
   • Wind Exposure &#; Although maximum wind speed for safe operation is still rated at 28 mph (approx. 45 km/h), all MEWPs are now required to have stability testing, wind indicators, and ratings for the number of occupants.
   • Guardrail Heights &#; Changed from 39.5 inches to 43.5 inches
   • Stability Testing &#; Solid or foam tires are required. MEWPs using air tires must remain stationary to allow for stability of the lift.

MEWPs compliant with new design standards will be identifiable with a black and yellow banded tape running on the toe-board and counterweight.

Types of MEWP

Implementation of the new ANSI standard also reclassified MEWPs into two main categories:

1. Group A &#; Group A MEWPs utilize platforms that move vertically while staying inside the tipping lines. The platform being parallel to the base during operation means that these MEWPs are very stable. E.g., scissor lifts.
2. Group B &#; These MEWPs allow for lifting of the platform beyond the equipment&#;s tipping lines, and is categorized by all MEWPs outside Group A. What Group B MEWPS sacrifice in stability, they make up for in utility, as the base does not need to move to allow work at several overhead positions of the platform. E.g., articulating boom lifts.

Potential Hazards of MEWPs

Even with new safety standards having been enforced, it is advisable for all personnel working with and around MEWPs to look out for these main hazards:

1. Overturning &#; This is when the MEWP tips over due to a lack of balance, and can be caused by strong wind, unstable surfaces, or platform overloading.

Safety Tips: 

1. • Carry out thorough site and pre-use inspections, checking for factors such as unstable surfaces, stabilizer condition and tire conditions.
   • Only move the MEWP with the platform lowered and free of occupants.
2. Collisions &#; The MEWP may come into contact with overhead cables, pedestrians, or nearby structures. This is due to the operator&#;s poor hazard visibility, especially while moving when the platform is raised.

Safety Tips:

1. • Operator should familiarize themselves with the work environment for obstacles.
   • Have a spotter or Signal Person on site to give direction
   • Avoid moving the MEWP with the platform raised
2. Falling &#; Occupants and loads on the raised platform risk falling after sudden movements or loss in balance.

Safety Tips:

1. • Ensure occupants have fall-safety equipment
   • The work platform should be fitted with proper guard rails and toe-guards
   • Ensure the area beneath the raised platform is clear of personnel and pedestrians
2. Electrocution &#; This is when the MEWP or platform occupants unintentionally come into contact with an electric current. Overhead and underground cables are the main risks of this hazard, but working on buildings under repair or construction can also cause electrocution in case of contact with exposed wiring.

Safety Tips:

1. • Ground and/or de-energize overhead and underground cables
   • Adequately insulate the MEWP and equip insulated PPE for occupants and operators when working on sites with a potential electrocution hazard.

MEWP Training At Total Equipment Training

Reduce the risks at your MEWP work site by getting up-to-date, professional and qualitative training for personnel at all levels with Total Equipment Training . Thanks to an experienced and very well-informed team, with a stellar MEWP (formerly AWP) training program , you can rest assured of updated, OSHA-compliant safety standards. Contact TET today for a consultation from anywhere across the country and our industry experts will see to all your training and inspection service needs.

In the construction industry, there are many instances where it&#;s necessary to reach heights that exceed the capabilities of conventional ladders and scaffolding. Aerial work platforms (AWPs), also called aerial lifts, are invaluable in these scenarios.

Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about AWPs, such as:

The company is the world’s best Wheeled Aerial Work Platform supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• What Is an Aerial Work Platform?
• What Is an Aerial Work Platform For?
• What Are the Different Types of AWPs?

The insights listed below are aimed to help you make an informed decision on the right kind of AWP to use for your project and whether to rent or purchase an AWP.

What Is an Aerial Work Platform?

AWPs are a type of heavy equipment used to bring workers to areas at height. They are also called aerial lifts and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

While there are different types of AWPs, they all share the following parts in common:

• The base: This is where the drive system is located. The drive system is what propels the workspace to the elevated area. Typically, it is powered by hydraulics.
• The lifting mechanism: This can be a boom, a telescopic arm or a scissor package.
• The platform: This is the workspace where workers stand or where equipment is placed. The platform can be fixed or articulated, depending on the type of AWP.

An aerial working platform can be unpowered, self-propelled or vehicle-mounted. Unpowered AWPs require manual operation, while self-propelled AWPs are mounted on wheels or tracks and can be driven around a worksite. Meanwhile, vehicle-mounted AWPs are, as their name suggests, mounted on vehicles, typically trucks.

Unpowered AWPs are rarely used due to their limited reach, capacity and versatility. Vehicle-mounted and self-propelled aerial lifts are more common on construction sites.

AWPs are used by construction workers for a wide range of tasks, from roof repair to duct installation. However, they&#;re also utilized in other industries for work that requires accessing high and hard-to-reach areas, such as tree trimming, line repair and organizing goods in warehouses.

What Is an Aerial Work Platform Used For?

AWPs are indispensable tools in the construction industry, as they help accomplish a wide variety of tasks. The following are some examples:

Installation Work

AWPs are go-to tools for installation tasks, whether installing electrical wiring, a new roof or an HVAC system. An elevated work platform allows workers to reach high areas to accomplish these tasks safely and efficiently. Additionally, some AWPs have the space and capacity to carry equipment for installation tasks and workers. 

Painting Projects

An elevated work platform makes it easy to access and paint high ceilings, walls and other large, hard-to-reach areas. The stability of AWPs makes painting jobs significantly faster and less labor-intensive. In turn, this reduces project timelines and operational costs.

Roofing Work

AWPs are essential in roofing work. They help workers access heights for roof installation, repairs, and maintenance, including fixing shingles, gutters and flashing.

Facade Maintenance

AWPs enable workers to reach and work on building exteriors, including windows and cladding. AWPs make facade maintenance tasks, from cleaning and painting to caulking and inspections, safer and more accessible.

What Are the Different Types of AWPs?

AWPs come in various forms. Choosing the right elevated work platform is crucial for efficient and safe project completion. Here&#;s a brief overview of three common types:

• Scissor Lift: Scissor lifts are used in interior and exterior construction work at moderate heights. Their scissor-like mechanism provides smooth and controlled elevation, making them ideal for drywall installation, painting, window cleaning and other tasks that require stability. Compact and maneuverable, scissor lifts are suitable for working in confined spaces and on uneven terrain.
• Vertical Mast Lift: This type of elevated work platform is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for tasks that require access to elevated areas within a narrow or confined space. They&#;re also suitable for indoor construction work. Vertical mast lifts are often used in warehousing, inventory management and general maintenance tasks. Some vertical mast lifts are designed to be rugged enough for use in outdoor construction.
• Boom Lift: A boom lift features a platform or bucket mounted on a hydraulic arm and a stable base. This configuration allows workers to access elevated work areas, both vertically and horizontally, with precision and flexibility. Boom lifts can reach much further than other kinds of lifts, making them ideal for work on high-rise buildings and bridges.

The Benefits of Renting vs. Buying an Aerial Work Platform

Choosing between renting and buying an AWP is a critical decision that impacts a company&#;s operations and finances.

When deciding whether to rent or buy, it&#;s crucial to consider the pros and cons of each option. 

Renting is cost-effective since you only pay for the time you spend using the equipment. You also won&#;t have to pay for maintenance, repairs and storage. Additionally, renting provides flexibility: you can rent different types of AWPs depending on the needs of a specific project.

Meanwhile, owning an AWP gives you access to one whenever you need it, which is beneficial for businesses that frequently use this equipment. Additionally, you can customize it for specific job requirements. If your company plans to use AWPs often, purchasing one might be more cost-effective than renting. However, remember that ownership comes with maintenance, repair and storage costs.

Choosing between hiring and owning depends on your project requirements, budget and company size. For short-term projects with varying needs, renting is often more economical. On the other hand, larger companies that will use AWPs frequently may find ownership more cost-effective in the long run.

Elevate Your Projects With Aerial Work Platform Rentals From National Dispatching

National Dispatching offers superior aerial work platform rental solutions for construction work and other demanding projects. Our inventory includes high-quality scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts and articulating boom lifts made by trusted manufacturers.

Our team of experts is happy to assist you with choosing the right equipment for your needs. Contact us today to get started!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Spider Lift Platform.