MEWP Risk Assessment Form

Project Information
Company Name: Date:
Jobsite Location:
Task:
Type of MEWP(s) used:
Primary Assessor:
Does this risk assessment replace a previous assessment? (circle) No Yes
If Yes, date of previous assessment

Assessment
Hazard Risk Control Measure

Site Risk Assessment Performed by:

Name (print): Signature:

Name (print): Signature:

Name (print): Signature:

Name (print): Signature:

Name (print): Signature:

Risk Assessment Guidance
Risk assessments are a critical element of jobsite and worker safety. The risks associated with the task specific to MEWP
operations must be identified before the work begins. Risks might be associated with the work area, the nature of the
MEWP, or the personnel, materials, and equipment to be carried.
The risk assessment involves visiting the work site, preferably with site personnel or their representatives who can identify the
hazards associated with the area and the surface where the MEWP will operate.
Once the hazards and risks involved in the task have been identified, the procedures and measures required to eliminate or
mitigate them must be identified and implemented. The risk assessment results are used to plan safe work procedures,
including any contingencies required to complete the tasks.
Rescue planning is a necessary component of a risk assessment when working at height. Advance planning can aid a safe and
timely rescue. A separate form for Rescue Planning should be completed as a part of the risk assessment.
The user, which is most commonly the employer, is responsible for communicating the results of the risk assessment to
everyone involved in the operation.
CHANGES: Before a job starts and periodically throughout a long-term job, the risk assessment must be reviewed to
determine if tasks have changed or the work environment has changed and how these effect operational safety. If any
modifications to the risk assessment are required, these must be communicated to everyone involved prior to
resuming the job.
Completing the Risk Assessment
Before MEWP operation and during MEWP use, the user must verify that the operator performs a workplace inspection in the
MEWP work area.
The workplace inspection should be performed prior to moving the machine to the site.
The site must be walked and checked for all possible hazards, such as, but not limited to:
 Overhead power lines (electrical conductors) for electrical energy supply or communications purposes
 Drop-offs or holes, including those concealed by water, ice, mud, etc.
 Slopes
 Bumps, floor obstructions, and electric cables
 Confined spaces
 Debris
 Overhead obstructions
 Hazardous atmospheres and/or hazardous locations
 Surfaces inadequate to sustain the ground-bearing pressures imposed by the MEWP in all operating configurations
 Wind and bad weather conditions
 Traffic hazards
 The presence of personnel (authorized and unauthorized) and other mobile equipment
Safety of Workers on the Ground and the General Public
During MEWP operation it is important to keep workers and the general public safe, so they are not exposed to potential
hazards in the work area. Maintain a controlled area below and around the MEWP to prevent persons and objects from being
struck by the MEWP or falling objects. Look for these hazards and add them to the risk assessment.
When a MEWP is being loaded or unloaded from a transport vehicle on a public road, the users and operators must verify that
appropriate measures are taken to protect everyone in or near the area.
These measures may include, but are not limited to:
 Warning cones or hazard tape
 Signs and signal personnel wearing reflective clothing
 Flag personnel to warn people and other vehicles of the presence of the MEWP and the transport vehicle
Examples of Hazards
Hazard Risk Control Measure
1. MEWP equipment is operated Tip-over Read and understand the manufacturer’s operator’s manual
on a slope, grade, ramp, etc., and be aware of the limitations of the MEWP equipment.
that exceeds the rating by the
Do not operate outside the allowable range as defined by the
manufacturer.
manufacturer.
Perform a workplace risk assessment. Identify and barricade
unsafe work areas.
Have operator properly trained to know the appropriate travel
speed and direction of travel on sloped surfaces.
2. The load can make the Tip-over Read the manufacturer’s operator’s manual and know the rated
MEWP equipment unstable capacity prior to operation.
or damage the equipment.
Monitor and supervise to verify compliance.
Select the most appropriate MEWP equipment for the work that
needs to be accomplished.
Verify MEWP equipment operator/occupant(s) are aware of the
weight of all materials to be carried in the MEWP equipment,
including personnel. Do not exceed the additional maximum
load allowed.
3. Ropes, cords, hoses, etc., are Tip-over Avoid hanging any material outside the work platform.
hanging from the MEWP
Maintain a clean and orderly work area; do not allow hanging
equipment or in the work area,
objects in the work area of the MEWP equipment.
creating potential for
entanglement with the work
platform and/or damage to
property.
4. Platform is overloaded from the Tip-over Always be aware of the work requirements and select the
ground or at height. appropriate MEWP equipment to support the maximum
allowable rated workload.
The operator must read the manufacturer’s operator’s manual
in order to be aware of the rated working load (RWL) of the
MEWP equipment prior to operation and know the total weight
of all personnel and materials being placed on the platform.
Verify that the load is appropriately placed on the platform and
platform extension as defined by the manufacturer for proper
load distribution.
Extra precautions must be made if a load is introduced to the
MEWP equipment while the platform is elevated (e.g., lowering
equipment for replacement). Specific knowledge of the total
weight must be known prior to operating (as stated in Nos. 1-3
above).
5. MEWP equipment is being used Tip-over Never allow the MEWP equipment to be used except as
like a crane to lift items even designed and approved by its manufacturer.
though the MEWP equipment is
Never add frameworks, mounting of attachments for
not designed to lift materials
holding/lifting tools and materials or other modifications without
except on the platform and
the prior written permission of the MEWP equipment
within the manufacturer’s RWL.
manufacturer.
Lifting items on the guardrails or
by attaching, in any manner, to Never exceed the RWL defined by the MEWP equipment
the MEWP equipment (not manufacturer.
approved by the manufacturer)
may result in damage or failure
of the machine. The damage
may not be obvious at the time
of loading, but fatigued
components could fail in the
future.
Examples of Hazards
Hazard Risk Control Measure
6. MEWP equipment is being used Tip-over Only allow MEWP equipment to be used on unusual support
on a barge, truck bed, floating equipment/locations when the application has been approved in
vessel, scaffolding or similar writing by the manufacturer or a qualified person.
type of equipment. The
supporting equipment may be
unable to support the load, not
provide a level base that may
result in shifting loads/exceeding
allowable slope, etc., of the
MEWP equipment in use.
7. Site conditions, such as the Tip-over MEWP equipment operator must follow safe-use guidelines for
support surface, congestion, travel as defined by the manufacturer in the operator’s manual.
visibility, slope, etc., when
Always travel at the low travel speed when working at elevation
driving the MEWP equipment.
or when appropriate for conditions.
Higher travel speed limits the
control the operator has under Always maintain a safe distance from obstacles, holes, slopes,
these conditions and exposes etc., to verify safe travel.
personnel to collisions or
injuries.
8. The work platform becomes Tip-over Immediately stop the operation of the MEWP equipment from the
caught or snagged on a platform and remove the operator/occupant(s) prior to any attempts
structure or object that prevents to free the platform by using the lower ground controls.
it from normal motion of
operation.
The power of the hydraulic
systems on the MEWP
equipment can create significant
forces if the platform is stuck and
the control functions are used.
Great potential harm to
personnel can occur in this
instance.
9. Work to be performed requires Tip-over Read the manufacturer’s operator’s manual prior to operation. Know
significant side or horizontal the required side force for the task and select the most appropriate
force. Increasing the side load or MEWP equipment for the project or change the work process to be
horizontal force beyond the within the limits of the machine’s horizontal forces.
rated horizontal force set by the
manufacturer can result in a tip-
over. This can become even
more likely if not situated on a
hard-level surface.
10. The ground condition in the work Tip-over Have a qualified person verify that the surface the MEWP
area varies during the project. equipment will travel across and rest upon is capable of
supporting the load as defined by the manufacturer for the
MEWP equipment is dependent
MEWP equipment in all configurations. Be aware that in certain
on a hard, level surface that is
configurations, up to 80 percent of the MEWP equipment’s
capable of supporting its load in
weight maybe on one tire or outrigger.
all working configurations.
Operator is to perform a workplace inspection before and during
use to check for possible hazards.
Site supervisor additionally should perform workplace
inspection and verify the operation is performing to compliance.
11. The ground conditions are Tip-over Select the most appropriate MEWP equipment with a rated
unlevel and irregular. slope for the work area.
Some MEWP equipment are Select a machine with outriggers and leveling devices that can
designed to operate on limited address the workplace conditions.
slopes.
Examples of Hazards
Hazard Risk Control Measure
Outriggers, stabilizers, extendable axles, oscillating axles, or
other stability-enhancing devices must be deployed and locked
as required by the manufacturer.
12. Rough terrain or poor ground Tip-over Select only MEWP equipment that is designed to operate on rough-
conditions exist. MEWP terrain surfaces and use it in compliance with the manufacturer’s
equipment may exceed recommendations.
manufacturer’s recommended
slope.
13. MEWP equipment is struck by Tip-over or Identify and comply with local ordinances or safety standards
vehicle or mobile equipment. established for the workplace.
Fall from
height Restrict the work area around the MEWP equipment, placing
warnings, such as flags, a roped-off area, flashing lights,
barricades, etc., around the area.
Assign a spotter to control and warn operators of other moving
equipment.
Schedule work to eliminate potential conflicts.
14. Drivable boom lift hits a bump or Tip-over or A workplace risk assessment must be done before and during work
drives over a curb. to verify a safe travel route.
Fall from
height
15. Guardrail is not installed or Fall from Verify a daily prestart inspection occurs and any missing,
damaged. height damaged or non-functioning components are repaired before
operation. Apply accident-prevention tag. Verify it stays on until
the equipment is repaired to proper operation.
Verify that access gates or openings are closed per
manufacturer’s instructions.
16. Operator/occupant(s) are: Fall from Verify that all MEWP equipment operators/occupant(s) are
height trained on use and inspection of PFPE. Always comply with
 Not wearing proper PFPE. manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Not properly connected to Monitor to verify that only manufacturer-supplied anchorages
the anchorage. are used for fall protection system.
 Not using proper PFPE for Provide operator/occupant(s) correct PFPE when required
task. (always on boom-type MEWP equipment) and monitor to verify
 Using damaged PFPE. For that they use it as required.
instance, the PFPE has cuts, Verify daily prestart inspection includes personal protective
the stitching is worn, etc. devices.
17. Operator/occupant(s) attempt to Fall from Verify proper training and supervision for compliance.
reach beyond the capacity of the height
Always maintain firm footing on the floor of the platform. Never
platform by climbing on guardrail
use ladders or other devices to gain additional height.
or using planks, ladders or other
devices to achieve additional Verify most appropriate MEWP equipment is selected to
height. perform the work required.
Reinforce with operators that safety cannot be compromised by
shortcuts.
Verify proper PFPE is used.
Make sure management monitors, supervises and warns.
18. Operator/occupant(s) vacate or Fall from Train operator/occupant(s).
enter an elevated platform. height
Verify supervision and monitoring are in place.
Choose appropriate MEWP equipment for the work to be
performed.
Use proper PFPE as required.
Examples of Hazards
Hazard Risk Control Measure
Vacate/enter an elevated platform only if approved by the
manufacturer and then only by following the manufacturer’s
recommended procedure.
19. The requirement to drive through Crushing Whenever possible, restrict MEWP equipment’s activity where
openings, access areas with overhead obstructions are present.
overhead structures, work
Work with a partner when high-risk work is involved.
between steel structures, etc.
Have a ground person familiar with the ground controls
available in case of an emergency.
Verify that the MEWP equipment operator is experienced,
thoroughly trained, and familiar with all control functions when
exposed to known overhead clearance work.
20. Personnel or equipment may be Crushing The operator must verify that the work area of operation is clear
hit by the lowering of MEWP prior to lowering or driving the MEWP equipment.
equipment/structure.
If personnel are expected to be in the work area, flag off the
MEWP equipment work area.
If the MEWP equipment is always in a work environment, select
one fitted with a motion alarm to make sure personnel are
aware of the MEWP equipment’s movements.
21. Proximity in work area to Electrocution Identify all potential electrocution hazards before starting work
energized conductors (power and take appropriate action to prevent any contact with a power
lines)/electrically energized source, disconnect and tag out power.
conductors.
Clearly mark the minimum approach distance for the MEWP
equipment, including the reach of a boom beyond the base.
Place markers on the ground to identify them and remind
MEWP equipment operators of any overhead power source.
As electrical work requires a qualified person to perform the
work, verify only qualified individuals assess the risk and
determine the appropriate action for safe use in the work area.
22. Loud noise(s), falling objects or Environmental Provide and verify all workers are utilizing proper PPE such as
flying debris from sawing/cutting. hazards to a hard hat, eye and ear protection, gloves, steel-toed shoes,
For example, foot injuries from workers in the etc.
falling items or being hit by work area
Monitor personnel for compliance.
moving objects, acid spill injuries
from checking a battery, welding,
etc.
23. Operator identifies problems or Damaged Operator performs daily prestart inspection and reports issues
malfunctions with the MEWP machine immediately.
equipment but continues to hazard
Operator’s supervisor monitors that prestart inspections are
operate the machine. When the
being performed.
MEWP equipment ceases
operation, creating a malfunction MEWP equipment is tagged out of service and secured until
that results in machine failure. service/repairs are completed.
Operator addresses machine issues immediately during use.
24. Workers are exposed to a health Hazardous Verify a competent person has assessed the work area before
risk from the material in the atmosphere authorization wo work in the area and that the area is marked
atmosphere and/or there is the approved for operation.
potential of fire.
Verify that a properly equipped MEWP equipment is used for
the hazardous classification intended.
Provide workers with an understanding of what to look for if
there is potential exposure in the work area and what action to
take during an incident.
Examples of Hazards
Hazard Risk Control Measure
Operators will immediately report any potentially hazardous
location that becomes evident during operation.
25. Fueling or charging the battery Hazardous Fuel or charge batteries in a well-ventilated area, free from flames,
introduces hazardous fumes into atmosphere sparks, or other hazards that may cause a fire or explosion.
the work area, creating potential
for fire or harm to workers.
26. Multiple workers are in the Collision Operator must verify that the work area is clear of personnel
general work area of the and equipment before moving (driving, lowering, etc.) the
operating MEWP equipment. MEWP equipment.
The MEWP equipment may hit If the potential for dropping tools or equipment exists, either
and injure workers on the restrict the work area below the elevated operator/ occupant(s)
ground when moving and/or the or prevent tools and equipment from dropping to lower areas
operator/ occupant(s) of the (e.g., tether tools, use workplace netting, etc.).
MEWP equipment may drop
All workers must be aware of the potential movement of
objects on workers who are
equipment such as sounding a horn prior to driving or installing
below.
a motion alarm.
27. Others in the work area or Unauthorized Always secure and implement means to prevent unauthorized
unauthorized individuals attempt use use of the MEWP equipment such as elevating the work
to use the MEWP equipment. platform at the end of the shift and removing the key.
Only authorized personnel who Verify that the operator is aware not to allow anyone not
have been trained and authorized by his employer to use the MEWP equipment, even
familiarized can operate MEWP for a few minutes.
equipment. Non-authorized
individuals can be exposed to all
known hazards, which could
damage the equipment, place
themselves and others in harm’s
way, and cause property
damage.
28. Interlocks or other safety devices Unauthorized Never alter or disable any safety device. Verify that the device
are tampered with or modification has not been altered or disabled by completing the required
disconnected to allow operator daily prestart inspection and function test and checking that the
to maneuver MEWP equipment safety devices are operating correctly.
in manner restricted by the
No modifications may be made without the prior written
manufacturer, such as
permission of the manufacturer to verify compliance with
disconnecting the noise from
standards and regulations.
warning alarms, etc.
Modification or alterations to
MEWP equipment in any
manner can create unintended
hazards and risks for the
operator/occupant(s) and
personnel in the work area.