Know About Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Know About Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

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Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), previously termed aerial work platforms, provide essential access for personnel to reach various work areas at moderate heights. The ANSI (American National Standards Institute), responsible for national standards and regulations, has updated its guidelines to enhance the design, safety, and usage of MEWPs.

The revisions are outlined in the ANSI A92 standard and aim to standardize global MEWP practices, mitigate accidents, and ensure safe operation. This collaborative effort from ANSI and the Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) brings unified, improved safety standards, which have been in effect since June 1st.

New ANSI Standards

1. A92.22 – Safe Use: This standard details safety measures and hazard prevention steps to ensure safe MEWP operation. Key points include:
   • A qualified individual must perform a risk assessment, develop safety procedures and control measures (like rescue plans), and evaluate risks such as ground conditions and overhead hazards.
   • Operators and supervisors should be well-acquainted with the specific MEWP for their job.
   • The MEWP operator must be supervised by a trained and qualified individual.
2. A92.24 – Training: This standard outlines training needs for all MEWP types. Key points include:
   • Operators must undergo proper training and be authorized to use the MEWP.
   • Occupants must understand potential hazards, work procedures, and use fall protection equipment.
   • At least one occupant should be trained to operate basic MEWP controls in emergencies.
   • Supervisors must be trained in MEWP selection, operator requirements, hazard identification, and relevant safety regulations.
3. A92.20 – Design: This standard covers MEWP functionality and safety improvements, including:
   • Load Sensing: MEWPs will not elevate if overloaded, providing indicator lights if the limit is exceeded.
   • Wind Exposure: MEWPs must undergo stability testing and have wind indicators and ratings for maximum wind speeds and occupant numbers.
   • Guardrail Heights: Increased from 39.5 inches to 43.5 inches.
   • Stability Testing: Requires solid or foam-filled tires. MEWPs with air-filled tires must remain stationary for stability.

MEWPs meeting these new design standards can be recognized by a black and yellow banded tape on the toe-board and counterweight.

Types of MEWP

The updated ANSI standard has reclassified MEWPs into two primary categories:

1. Group A: These MEWPs have platforms moving vertically within the tipping lines. E.g., scissor lifts.
2. Group B: These MEWPs allow the platform to move outside of tipping lines, providing greater utility. E.g., articulating boom lifts.

Potential Hazards of MEWPs

Even with updated safety standards, it's important for MEWP operators and nearby workers to be aware of potential hazards:

1. Overturning: This occurs if the MEWP tips over due to imbalance from strong winds, unstable surfaces, or overloading.

Safety Tips:

1. Conduct thorough site and pre-use inspections.
2. Move the MEWP only with the platform lowered and no occupants onboard.

1. Collisions: MEWPs may collide with overhead obstacles, pedestrians, or nearby structures.

Safety Tips:

1. Familiarize with the work environment for any obstacles.
2. Use a spotter or Signal Person.
3. Avoid moving the MEWP with the platform raised.

1. Falling: Workers and loads on the platform are at risk of falling due to sudden movements or loss of balance.

Safety Tips:

1. Ensure use of fall-protection equipment.
2. Equip the platform with guard rails and toe-guards.
3. Keep the area beneath the platform clear of people.

1. Electrocution: Risk arises when MEWPs or occupants come into unintended contact with electrical currents.

Safety Tips:

1. Ensure grounding or de-energizing of overhead and underground cables.
2. Use insulated MEWP and PPE when necessary.

MEWP Training At Total Equipment Training

Enhance safety at your MEWP work site with professional training from Total Equipment Training. Our experienced team offers comprehensive, OSHA-compliant training programs, ensuring your personnel are well-prepared. Contact TET today for consultations and training services nationwide.

What Is an Aerial Work Platform? A Guide for Construction

In construction, reaching greater heights often surpasses the abilities of traditional ladders and scaffolding. Aerial work platforms (AWPs), or aerial lifts, are indispensable in these scenarios.

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

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 below are aimed at helping you make an informed decision on the right kind of AWP to use for your project and whether to rent or purchase one.

What Is an Aerial Work Platform?

AWPs are heavy equipment designed to transport workers to heights. They go by other names such as aerial lifts and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Despite having various types, AWPs share common parts:

• Base: Houses the drive system. Hydraulics often power this system to move the workspace to an elevated area.
• Lifting Mechanism: Can be a boom, telescopic arm, or scissor package.
• Platform: Provides the workspace where workers stand or place equipment. Platforms may be fixed or articulated, depending on the AWP.

AWPs can be unpowered, self-propelled, or vehicle-mounted. Unpowered AWPs require manual operation, whereas self-propelled AWPs can be driven around a site. Vehicle-mounted AWPs, typically on trucks, are more adaptable for construction work.

AWPs find use in construction for varied tasks like roofing or duct installation. They also serve other industries for tasks such as tree trimming, line repair, and organizing warehouse goods.

What Is an Aerial Work Platform Used For?

In construction, AWPs are essential for several tasks. Here are a few examples:

Installation Work

Tasks including installing electrical wiring, new roofs, or HVAC systems benefit greatly from AWPs. They allow workers to reach high spots safely and efficiently. Some AWPs also carry necessary installation tools and equipment.

Painting Projects

AWPs help in accessing and painting high ceilings and large surfaces. Their stability makes painting faster and less labor-intensive, reducing project timelines and costs.

Roofing Work

In roofing, AWPs assist in accessing roof areas for installation, repairs, and maintenance tasks, such as fixing shingles and gutters.

Facade Maintenance

AWPs enable facade maintenance, from cleaning windows to painting and inspection, making these tasks safer and easier to execute.

What Are the Different Types of AWPs?

Choosing the right AWP is essential for efficiency and safety. Here's an overview of three common types:

• Scissor Lift: Suitable for moderate height tasks, scissor lifts provide stable and controlled elevation, ideal for drywall installation, painting, and window cleaning.
• Vertical Mast Lift: Compact and light, these are perfect for narrow spaces, suitable both for indoor and some outdoor tasks like warehouse operations and maintenance.
• Boom Lift: With a hydraulic arm, boom lifts offer vertical and horizontal reach, useful for high-rise building and bridge work.

The Benefits of Renting vs. Buying an Aerial Work Platform

Choosing whether to rent or buy an AWP impacts your operations and finances. Consider the pros and cons:

Renting is cost-effective—pay only for use, with no maintenance or storage costs. It offers flexibility, allowing you to rent different AWP types for different projects.

Buying offers constant access, beneficial for frequent use, and allows customization. However, it comes with maintenance, repair, and storage expenses.

Your decision should match your project requirements, budget, and company size. Short-term, variable needs lean towards renting, whereas larger companies with frequent use may benefit more from owning an AWP.

Elevate Your Projects With Aerial Work Platform Rentals From National Dispatching

National Dispatching provides top-notch aerial work platform rental solutions. Our inventory includes reliable scissor, telescopic boom, and articulating boom lifts from renowned manufacturers.

Our experts are ready to help you choose the right equipment for your needs. Contact us today to get started!

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