Loading and unloading focus from IPAF at bauma

IPAF’s stand at bauma 2016, taking place in Munich, Germany, during April, will highlight the safe loading and unloading of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) as an essential part of site operations.

Visitors to the stand, N1115, in the outdoor area, will benefit from demonstrations on how to load and unload MEWPs safely, good practice information and findings from IPAF’s accident reporting project. The stand will also provide a meeting point for members to network and discuss issues affecting the industry.

Almost a third of MEWP-related incidents reported by rental companies involve delivery drivers while loading and unloading machines. This is one of the trends identified from IPAF’s accident reporting project and the Federation is working to make MEWP loading and unloading activities safe and effective.

The campaign highlights the importance of planning and management of the delivery and collection processes. It also clarifies the responsibilities of different parties (including end-users, contractors, rental companies, haulage companies and drivers) to communicate and cooperate to ensure the work is done safely and effectively.

“MEWPs are one of the safest tools to carry out temporary work at height, and IPAF wants to keep the industry safe by minimising the potential dangers associated with loading and unloading,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “The main causes of loading and unloading incidents have been traced to insecure loads and machines falling off between ramps. These risks can be prevented through proper training and management of the work.”

IPAF has called on all its members exhibiting at bauma to observe safe loading and unloading practices in conformity with recommended guidelines. IPAF-approved training centres also offer a course on the loading and unloading of MEWPs, soon to be available in several languages.

The IPAF Stand Reception at bauma will be held on Wednesday, 13 April, from 17:00 to 19:00. All IPAF meetings around bauma and the its accident reporting initiative can be found at www.ipaf.org