Mobile elevating work platforms

Types of MEWPs and associated risks

The UNE-EN 280 standard classifies MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) into two groups according to the platform’s position relative to the chassis: Group A, in which the vertical projection of the load’s center of gravity always remains within the tipping lines (scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts), and Group B, in which it can be located outside these lines (articulated and telescopic boom lifts). Based on their movement, they are classified into types 1 (only with the platform in transport position), 2 (with the platform raised and controlled from the chassis), and 3 (with the platform raised and controlled from the platform itself). This classification determines the tipping risks, stability requirements, and operator training.

The most serious accidents involving MEWPs are due to a limited number of mechanisms: overturning due to unstable or inclined terrain, overloading, wind, improper extension or undeployed stabilizers; falls of people due to leaving the platform at height, climbing on the railings or being thrown in a sudden movement; entrapment of the operator between the railing or the control panel and a fixed obstacle (beams, ceilings, structures) when moving the platform; contact or electric arc with overhead lines; and blows from falling materials or collision with vehicles in traffic areas.

Royal Decree 2177/2004 incorporated into Royal Decree 1215/1997 the provisions on temporary work at height and establishes that the choice of equipment must give priority to collective protections, that MEWPs must be designed, installed and used in such a way as to prevent falls of persons and overturning, and that the workers who use them must have adequate and specific training.

Usage requirements

• Equipment compliant and maintained. MEWP with CE marking, declaration of conformity, manual in Spanish, load plate, inspections and maintenance according to the manufacturer and documented periodic checks, including inspections after any event that may affect safety.
• Selection according to the task. Choose the type and model based on the height, reach, load (people, tools, materials), terrain, environment (indoor, outdoor, wind, power lines) and available space.
• Preliminary and environmental check. Visual and functional inspection at the start of the day, verification of the terrain (resistance, slope, holes, manholes), marking of the area, deployment of stabilizers and leveling where appropriate.
• Use from the platform. Keep your feet on the platform floor, without climbing on railings or using elements to gain height; respect the nominal load and the number of people; do not use the platform as a crane or to move loads.
• Fall protection. Guardrails with toe board and intermediate protection, access door with automatic closing; on group B platforms, use of harness with short lanyard anchored to the point provided by the manufacturer.
• Power lines. Maintain the safety distances of Royal Decree 614/2001 and, when this is not possible, de-energize or protect the lines; exercise extreme caution with overhead lines outdoors.
• Entrapment. Plan movements in environments with high obstacles, reduce speed, use secondary protection devices when available, and anticipate intervention from the ground using emergency controls.
• Emergencies. Person trained on the ground who knows the emergency descent and rescue procedure for an incapacitated operator at height.

Training and work organization

• Specific training. The use of MEWPs requires theoretical and practical training on the type and category of machine, on the risks of the environment and on emergency procedures, with express authorization from the company; NTP 1039 and 1040 and the UNE 58923 standard describe the contents and accreditation.
• Authorization for use. Only designated, trained and writtenly authorized workers may operate the MEWP; rental operators and subcontractors must provide proof of the same training.
• Planning. Working at height with MEWPs requires planning: specific risk assessment, work procedure, permit when applicable, coordination with other activities, and forecasting of weather conditions.
• Rental and transport. When equipment is leased, a manual, declaration of conformity and maintenance record must be provided; loading, unloading and transport are covered in NTP 1049.
• Records. Daily checks, periodic inspections, maintenance, training, and authorizations must be documented and available.
• Supervision. Presence of preventive resources when the assessment identifies particularly serious risks, and control of environmental conditions throughout the operation.

Organizational application: how to manage the safe use of MEWPs

1. Inventory the owned and rented MEWPs with their compliance documentation, manual, maintenance plan and inspection record.
2. Evaluate the risks of each job at height with MEWP, considering terrain, environment, power lines, obstacles, weather and traffic, and define the work procedure.
3. Select the appropriate type and model for each task, avoiding uses not intended by the manufacturer.
4. Train and authorize operators in writing according to the type of machine, and verify the accreditation of external operators.
5. Implement daily pre-use checks and marking of the work area, with recorded checklists.
6. Establish the emergency and rescue procedure, with ground personnel trained in emergency descent.
7. Control maintenance and periodic inspections, removing equipment with anomalies from service until it is repaired.
8. Analyze incidents and near misses with MEWPs and review procedures and training based on them.

Preventive management software allows you to maintain the inventory of MEWPs with their documentation, plan maintenance and inspections, record daily checks and use authorizations, and link work permits at height with the risk assessment.

Limits and common mistakes

1. Leaving the elevated platform to reach a work point, or climbing onto the railings.
2. Using the MEWP on sloping or unstable terrain without checking the strength or deploying the stabilizers.
3. Exceeding the rated load or number of people, or using the platform to lift materials.
4. Moving the elevated platform in environments with obstacles without planning the movements, with the risk of trapping the operator.
5. Working near overhead power lines without respecting safety distances or taking precautions.
6. Allowing operation by people without specific training or authorization, or renting equipment without documentation.

The detailed conditions for the use of work equipment for temporary work at height are set out in Annex II of Royal Decree 1215/1997 and in the INSST Technical Notes; this sheet is for informational purposes.

Regulatory and reference framework

• Royal Decree 1215/1997, of July 18. Minimum health and safety provisions for the use of work equipment, including Annex II on temporary work at height.
• Royal Decree 2177/2004, of November 12. Amendment of Royal Decree 1215/1997 regarding temporary work at height.
• Royal Decree 1644/2008, of October 10. Marketing and commissioning of machinery; essential requirements applicable to MEWPs.
• NTP 1039: Mobile elevating work platforms (I). Preventive management for their safe use (INSST) . Types, risks, selection and organization of the use of MEWPs.
• NTP 1040: Mobile elevating work platforms (II). Preventive management for their safe use (INSST) . Training, checks, use and emergencies.
• NTP 634: Mobile elevating work platforms (INSST) . Classification, risks and safety measures of MEWPs.

The UNE-EN 280 standard establishes the design, calculation, stability and testing requirements for MEWPs, and the INSST NTP 1049 deals with safety in transport, loading and unloading; Royal Decree 614/2001 sets the safety distances against electrical risk .