MEWP and Boom Lift Tip Overs Are No Joke –Follow Our Tips to Prevent Accidents and Injuries
Oops! is not one of the words you want to hear while operating a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), Aerial Work Platform (AWP), or boom lift. In a previous blog, we covered protocols to prevent falls from MEWPS–one of the most common MEWP accidents. This blog provides guidelines for preventing the other most common type of elevated platform accidents–MEWP tip overs.
As always, one should NEVER operate a MEWP unless you’ve had thorough training not only on the general safe use of elevating work platforms but also specifically on the model that you are going to be working on. APEX offers on-site OSHA-compliant group training and certification classes.
Preparing your machine for use is the best first step in safe MEWP operation. Included in this prep should be the following:
- Have the Manufacturer’s Operation and Safety Manuals on Hand. This will quickly settle issues of weight load, height restrictions, slope or grade operation, and pre-op checks.
- Check Tire Inflation. Make sure all tires are inflated to the proper pressure indicated in the user manual. Underinflated tires are an invitation to a tip-over.
- Check Hydraulics. Conduct an inspection of the vehicle to ascertain that all hydraulic hoses and connections are intact and not leaking.
Once you’re satisfied that the MEWP is in good working order, here are some operational tips to avoid tip-overs:
- Check Ground Conditions. Make sure the vehicle is positioned on a firm, level, and smooth surface before elevating the platform or driving the vehicle in an elevated position.
- Drive Carefully. Driving a MEWP over bumps, potholes, or other road hazards is dangerous and can lead to a tip-over.
- Use Outriggers. If your MEWP is fitted with outriggers or stabilizers, don’t try to take a shortcut. Use them. And be sure they are firmly planted on the ground.
- On a Slope or Grade. If you have to operate on a slope or grade, do not exceed the manufacturer’s specification, generally around 5% for a raised platform. Driving on a sloped surface can be especially hazardous. Use extreme caution.
- Use Extra Care on Bridges, Trucks, or Platforms. Check weight restrictions on above-ground surfaces to make sure they can handle the weight of your vehicle.
- A MEWP is Not A Crane. Do not attempt to use the MEWP to lift heavy objects. That’s an invitation to a tip-over.
- Do not Attach the Platform to Any Structure. If the vehicle moves while the platform is attached, a tip-over will occur.
- Be Aware of Weather. Windy conditions can be hazardous for elevated platforms. Generally, a MEWP should not be used in wind speeds over 28 mph.
- Never Exceed Manufacturer’s Specifications. MEWPs have specs for total platform weight load, maximum working height, maximum horizontal reach, and below-ground reach. All of these need to be respected.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms are powerful, versatile tools that allow workers to access work areas that are generally difficult to reach. But they need to be used with an eye firmly fixed on safety. Operator training for MEWPs and all sorts of working vehicles, such as forklifts, is paramount to ensuring their safe operation. Besides offering a wide variety of MEWPs, AWPs and boom lifts for sale, lease, or rent, Apex offers extensive forklift, aerial lift, and fall protection training. In the Chicagoland area, Apex is your MEWP and material handling equipment headquarters.