AA Guide to the Use of MEWPs in Arboriculture

[Peter]

Yes, I can see it would be a pain in many circumstances. The only time I have done it was in a big basket, with a really good mewp operator, who more importantly, understood tree work. If any of those elements are missing, you are wasting your time.

 

I have my ipaf ticket, so if it was easier I would both cut and operate.

[Mesterh]

We used to have 2 peeps in a bucket loads of times, as long as the other guy is well enough skilled then there s no problem whatsever. Its probably safer too

[David Humphries]

We've also gone two up at times, but depends on size and SWL of the cage, plus ammount of work.

 

If you have a history, training and complete faith in you co worker, you can produce very efficient and ergonomic output.

[treequip]

NPTC (don’t jump on me for that) has a minimum distance to other people at 5 m.

 

Now I have worked with some seriously large mewps and I have yet to see a basket that big.

 

Last I heard (from the horses mouth) was that the HSE are adamantly opposed to 2 men in the basket regardless of isolation measures and the like.

 

Maybe things have changed, if they haven’t it’s the worst gaffe the AA have made since they spelt arboriculture wrong on the website.

 

Andy

[Rowan the Bruce]

I agree with Peter and MonkeyD, having two in a mewp is well useful if you can trust the operator, efficient with good communication even if the other person is just moving the bucket, its a bit less boring aswell!

[Mr Ed]

I've never like people holding onto pieces of timber while your cutting them. Its like something people used to do in 1958 before they realised chainsaws were dangerous.

 

Jeez! Chainsaws are dangerous? why did'nt someone tell me? I've been using the damn things for years, I could have really hurt myself!

[Tom D]

Got a flyer for the guide yesterday, It says:

 

"In selecting appropriate work equipment it is a requirement that collective measures to prevent falls (such as mewps ) must be considered beforeother measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall ( such as fall protection systems )or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.

 

So basicaly if you can use a MEWP then you should use a MEWP:scared:

[Peter]

HSE have been saying that for years.

[skyhuck]

Got a flyer for the guide yesterday, It says:

 

"In selecting appropriate work equipment it is a requirement that collective measures to prevent falls (such as mewps ) must be considered beforeother measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall ( such as fall protection systems )or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.

 

So basicaly if you can use a MEWP then you should use a MEWP:scared:

 

Oh right, and this was from who..........God!!

 

Better do as we're told then!

[Andy Collins]

I dont know about anyone else, but I dont really share the opinion that mewps ARE safer. I've experienced problems with the operating levers on an older mewp, I've been on site when a mewp suddenly slewed and dumped down across a highway, Deans mewp doesnt enamour me to them either. Yes, it may be a fact that recorded accident figures,at the moment, are lower than climbing accidents, but for how long? As more and more mewp usage, for all trades, comes into play, then the figures will go up. How long before the H&S, the AA et al, then decide that it was safer to climb all along?