Use and Effectiveness of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (Mewps) for Tree Work

Due to the high number of accidents in the arboricultural industry, the Health and Safety Executive commissioned an evaluation of the use of Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) in such work. A number of different designs were trialed in several different site and tree situations in order to assess: Potential benefits of MEWPs over manually climbing and working in the crown Factors which affect the performance of MEWPs in tree work and to develop guidance on: the selection of MEWPs for particular types of sites and operations; working practices appropriate for working with MEWPs in arboriculture. provision of a more safe and secure working environment, reduced effort of the operator when gaining access to the working position and potential increases in effectiveness and efficiency. The trials evaluated the performance criteria of MEWPs which has enabled the development of guidance on both the selection of MEWPs and working practices for the use of MEWPs in tree work. Output and cost comparisons with manual climbing are also given.