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A report into the use of mobile elevated
work platform (MEWPS) for tree work has
been published by the Health and Safety
Executive.
The report is intended to promote awareness
and understanding of MEWP capabilities for
arboricultural operations, in response to
the high number of accidents in the arboricultural
industry.
The report has been prepared by Forest
Research, an Agency of the Forestry Commission,
and has evaluated the factors which affect
the performance of such equipment and which
types are suitable for particular types
of sites and operations. The report also
provides information to help employers and
contractors use MEWPS safely. The Arboricultural
Association, The Forestry Contractors Association
and others provided assistance to ensure
it reflected arboricultural practice.
The report, Use and effectiveness of mobile
elevating work platforms (MEWPS) for tree
work, Research Report 123, has identified
a range of health and safety advantages
including a more safe and secure environment,
reduced effort of the operator while gaining
access to the working position and potential
increases in efficiency and productivity.
Adrian Hodkinson who deals with arboriculture
for HSE’s national Agriculture and
Food Sector said:
“The use of work positioning rope
systems in tree climbing is high risk work
with the potential for serious injury or
even a fatal accident. MEWPS provide safe
and quick access to trees and a secure working
platform. This research has shown that use
of MEWP has the potential to provide 74%
time savings and up to 67% cost savings
when compared to the cost of a climbing
team.”
He went on to say ”HSE is not looking
to stop tree climbing using work positioning
techniques, but is looking for work to be
properly planned and for appropriate work
equipment to be selected to make it as safe
as possible.
“Every arboricultural business should
assess each job carefully and use MEWPs
where appropriate. They are particularly
suited to tree work in urban areas; work
on diseased or dying trees; where tree climbing
is difficult or arduous because of tree
species or tree form; and, where there is
a reasonable number of trees to be worked
upon.”
Billy Robb, Chairman of the Forestry Contracting
Association, Arboriculture Specialist Group
said "Due to the likely effects of
the new Work at Height Regulations in 2004;
the general recognition that arborists work
in a high risk environment; and, the subsequent
knock-on effect with high insurance premiums
this year, it is time our industry took
the use of MEWPS more seriously.
“The new HSE research report lays
out exactly how to do this. It is very thoroughly
researched and gives extremely helpful practical
guidance for the benefit of our industry."
Copies of Use and effectiveness of mobile
elevating work platforms (MEWPS) for tree
work, RR 123, ISBN 0 7176 2701 2, price
£15, are available from HSE Books,
PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA,
tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995.
Priced publications are also available from
good booksellers.
HSE's Research Reports are available on
the HSE web site at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm.
- William (Billy) Robb is Chairman of
the Forestry Contracting Association,
Arboriculture Specialist Group. He is
an urban forester/contractor and lectures
arboriculture at Newton Rigg College,
Penrith.
- Free advice is available in HSE AFAG
Guide 403 – Mobile Elevating Work
Platforms (MEWPs) for Tree work. HSE Books
or on the web site at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag403.pdf
Public Enquiries:
Call HSE's InfoLine, tel:
08701 545500, or write to: HSE Information
Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly
CF83 3GG.
Press Enquiries:
Press Enquiries regarding this press release:
Journalists only: Liz Justice 020 7717 6179.
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