MEWP Exclusion Zones

MEWP exclusion zones protect people on the ground from being struck by the moving machine or falling objects.
The zone must cover the full sweep area of the boom plus a safety margin on all sides.
Pedestrians, other plant, and vehicles entering the exclusion zone risk being struck by the MEWP.
Objects dropped from the MEWP platform accelerate to lethal speeds even from moderate heights.
The exclusion zone must be physically marked with barriers, cones, or tape and actively enforced.
Banksmen or ground marshals may be needed to control access at busy sites with multiple trades.
Overhead power lines within the MEWP operating envelope create electrocution risk and require separate assessment.
The MEWP operator may have limited visibility of the ground zone when the boom is fully extended.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER 1998 require safe operation including ground protection.
Falling object protection such as tool lanyards and toe boards on the platform reduces dropped item risk.

Crush injuries	People on the ground are crushed by the MEWP chassis, counterweight, or boom swinging into their position.
Falling objects	Tools, materials, and debris dropped from the MEWP platform strike and kill workers in the zone below.
Legal requirement	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require measures to prevent injury to people below work at height.

Do

Don't

Establish an exclusion zone covering the full boom sweep area plus a safety margin.
Mark the zone with physical barriers, cones, or warning tape on all sides.
Appoint a banksman to control access if the zone is near busy work areas.
Use tool lanyards and toe boards on the platform to prevent objects falling.
Brief the MEWP operator on the exclusion zone limits and ground hazards.
Check for overhead power lines within the MEWP operating envelope.
Maintain the exclusion zone throughout the entire MEWP operation period.
Communicate with ground workers before moving the MEWP to a new position.
Adjust the exclusion zone size when the boom reach or position changes.
Ensure the operator can see or communicate with the banksman at all times.

DON'T allow pedestrians to walk through the MEWP exclusion zone during operations.
DON'T leave the exclusion zone unmarked or rely on verbal warnings alone.
DON'T carry loose tools or materials on the MEWP platform without lanyards.
DON'T operate the MEWP near overhead power lines without a clearance assessment.
DON'T reduce the exclusion zone size to accommodate other activities nearby.
DON'T park vehicles or store materials within the MEWP exclusion zone.
DON'T move the MEWP without checking the ground zone is clear of people.
DON'T allow other plant to operate within the exclusion zone simultaneously.
DON'T assume the operator can see all areas at ground level from the platform.
DON'T remove barriers or cones from the zone while the MEWP is in operation.

See also: Cherry Picker (Boom Lift) Safety | Scissor Lift Safety

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