Do you know your MEWP inspections and maintenance regulations?
In this blog, we have put together a quick guide to maintenance and mandatory inspection procedures for MEWPs in the UK.
The Risks
MEWPs and powered access platforms are only safe and efficient if they are in excellent working condition.
Making sure access equipment is stable, safe and fit for purpose is essential to health and safety and means work at height tasks can be completed in a safe and productive way. Whether it is a new or used access platform, keeping the access equipment in good working condition extends its performance and lifespan.
A programme of daily visual checks, regular inspections and servicing schedules should be established in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the risks associated with each MEWP.
Operators should be encouraged to report defects or problems. Reported problems should be put right quickly and the MEWP taken out of service if the item is safety critical.
Download our: Mobile Elevating Work Platforms: Inspection Checklist and Guidance
LOLER & PUWER Regulations
If a MEWP is being used for working at height then this is governed by the following regulations:
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
LOLER has the following requirements for servicing access equipment:
- Equipment used for lifting people should be safe to use and all necessary precautions must be taken to eliminate or reduce any risk
- Access equipment should be thoroughly examined before it is used for the first time
- Examinations should be carried out in use every six months for access platforms lifting people and 12 months for all other equipment
- Inspections and servicing should be carried out by a qualified person who submits a full report to the owner/employer
See the HSE publication Safe use of lifting equipment Lifting Operations: Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
The servicing requirements of PUWER for work equipment are:
- It should be suitable for use
- It is used and maintained in a safe condition for use so that people’s health and safety is not at risk
- Inspected regularly to ensure that it is safe for use
- A competent person should carry our inspections and a record kept until the next inspection
- Mobile access platforms used for carrying people should be fit for purpose with measures taken to reduce the risks to anyone using it or in the vicinity
The HSE publication “Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance” is available here.
Proactive planned service and maintenance agreements for your convenience
At HLS we ensure that your mandatory examinations are planned, so that you can meet your LOLER and PUWER requirements with ease. We will send you a reminder and ensure an inspection is completed before they are due.
All our yearly maintenance contracts include as a minimum:
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2 x Thorough examinations (LOLER)
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2 x Routine services and planned maintenance (PUWER)
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Inspection reports
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Certificate of Thorough Examination
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Management of mandatory visits - we contact you when they are due
Summary
Powered access platform maintenance is important to meet regulations and maximise the functionality and safety of the equipment. To comply with LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998, have access equipment tested and thoroughly examined at regular intervals.
Getting your powered access platforms inspected and serviced regularly is not only a legal requirement but a way to ensure that your equipment is operating efficiently, ensuring that work at height tasks are completed safely.
Spring be safe and save
We are offering 5% off any new equipment added to an existing or new service contract to all customers for orders received before 31.05.22.
For your quote and to redeem your discount. Click the link below and complete your details and input the code HLS springoffer.
