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Working at height can be fraught with risk, especially in hot weather conditions. The effect of heat on humans – especially over prolonged periods or when working exposed – can cause fatigue, dehydration, and heat stroke, which can all contribute to accidents and injuries.
Powered access equipment, such as boom or scissor lifts, can help make working at heights safer and more efficient, but it is important to take additional precautions when using these machines in hot weather. This article will discuss some important considerations for safe work at height using powered access in hot weather conditions.
Plan for the task
As with all work at height using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and mast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs), it is vital to plan ahead for safety. A majority of incidents involving MEWPs that are often attributed to “operator error” can in fact be traced back to something having gone wrong at the planning stage, such as an incomplete risk assessment, poor machine selection, inadequate training or supervision of operators, or a host of other problems that arose from a lack of proper planning and co-ordination leading to corners being cut and mistakes being made. Working at height during extremely hot weather merely adds another variable into the planning process – anyone planning work using MEWPs should consider the added impacts of heat on both the personnel and the equipment involved and factor in mitigations accordingly.
Ensure operators and supervisors are trained
Before operating any powered access equipment, workers should receive quality training on the machine type to be used. This training should encompass principles of safe operation, maintenance, pre-use inspection of the equipment, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal fall protection equipment (PFPE). Once trained, operators will be aware of the risks associated with working at height and how to identify and avoid hazards specific to using powered access equipment. In addition to this standard training, workers should receive specific training on working in hot weather conditions, including how to identify and prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and sun stroke. Managers and supervisors should also be trained, as many problems or accidents when using MEWPs can be traced back to inadequacies in either the planning or oversight of operations. Supervisors of operations have an important task to ensure all operators are trained, familiarised, competent and that they do not experience difficulties while completing the task. A comprehensive rescue plan should be in place and communicated to all those involved in the task before work commences. When operating in hot weather it is additionally important that whoever is supervising the work at height is mindful that operators are not overly exposed to extreme heat and shift patterns should be tailored accordingly, including plenty of hydration breaks.
“anyone planning work using MEWPs should consider the added impacts of heat on both the personnel and the equipment involved”
Choose the right equipment
Choosing the right MEWP is crucial for safe working at height. Selecting the correct machine in terms of capability, outreach, load capacity and so on is fundamental to safe operation. It can also save time – for example, if the machine being used is not sufficient for the job it can lead to excess movements, moving and setting up the machine multiple times, or even cause delays in terms of sending a rental MEWP back and ordering another one that is more suitable. Any delays such as these will likely cause frustration and could leave operators unnecessarily exposed to extreme heat on work sites. The fitting of canopies to shade the operator or platform occupants is forbidden as it can create a sail leading to the risk of the MEWP overturning being increased.
Monitor weather conditions
It is always important to monitor weather conditions before and during any work at height using MEWPs. While sandstorms, heavy rain and increasing wind speed are all things that operators will typically be on the look-out for, rising temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight should also be considered when working during particularly warm weather. Temperatures naturally climb throughout the day, while workers can be exposed to sunburn or sunstroke as the sun’s angle of incidence changes. When working in hot weather conditions, it is important to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Workers should take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing. In addition, work schedules may need to be adjusted to avoid working during the hottest parts of the day. All of this should be monitored by the person(s) tasked with monitoring and supervising work using powered access.
Inspect equipment regularly
Regular equipment inspections are critical to ensuring safe work at height in any weather conditions. During hot weather, equipment may be subjected to additional stress. In these situations the equipment may require more frequent inspections and maintenance compared to MEWPs in more temperate climates. Operators should always inspect equipment before each use and report any defects or malfunctions immediately. Particular attention should be given to batteries and MEWP tyres during very hot weather, if subjected to extreme heat for prolonged periods. For electric-powered machines that require diesel generators, consideration should be given to where charging takes place and any combustible fuel should be stored away from direct sunlight in temperature-controlled conditions.
Use correct PPE and PFPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) where appropriate – typically a full-body harness and adjustable fall-restraint lanyard attached to a designated anchorage point in all boom-type MEWPs – are essential for safe work at height in any weather conditions. In hot weather, workers should wear lightweight and breathable clothing that covers as much skin as possible. In addition, workers should wear hats or other head covering to protect against the sun. Sunscreen should also be applied to any exposed skin to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Operators should never compromise or opt not to wear either PPE or PFPE owing to hot weather conditions.
Ensure workers stay hydrated
Maintaining hydration is critical for safe work at height in hot weather conditions. Workers should drink water regularly throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. In addition, workers should avoid caffeine and any other food or drink that can exacerbate dehydration.
Take regular breaks
Regular rest breaks where all occupants of MEWPs are lowered to the ground and can cool down indoors or at least under full shade should be planned in, and shift patterns should be modified to avoid any MEWP occupant being exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time. These frequent breaks are important for preventing heat-related illnesses during work at height in hot weather conditions. Breaks should be taken at least every two hours, or more frequently if workers are feeling fatigued or overheated. This should be rigorously enforced by supervisors and managers, and workers should have access to medical facilities in case of any concerning symptoms. Dehydration and heat stroke can affect decision-making, mental cognisance and cause vision impairment, among other symptoms, so it is extremely important that operators of MEWPs are not exposed to extreme heat and that any individual displaying the early signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke or dehydration should be stood down and examined by medical staff without delay.
Plan for heat-related illness
Despite taking all of the precautions above, heat-related illnesses can still occur during work at height in very hot weather. Workers should be trained on how to recognise the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In addition, there should be a clear plan for standing workers down and for consulting appropriate medical experts, including emergency medical assistance on stand-by and a comprehensive rescue plan to ensure occupants of MEWPs can be brought safely to the ground without delay in all cases.
“ensure workers are adequately trained, and that weather conditions are monitored closely”
Conclusion
Working at height using MEWPs and MCWPs can be challenging, and particularly so during hot weather conditions. However, with proper precautions and forward planning,
it can be done safely and efficiently. It is important to ensure that all workers are adequately trained, and that weather conditions are monitored closely. As is the case with high winds or electrical storms, it may be the case that temperature can rise to a point where it is impossible to operate safely, at which time operations should be suspended until the temperature cools.
Choosing the right equipment, inspecting it regularly, and using proper PPE and PFPE are also critical to conducting safe operations and minimising the risk of accidents and injuries occurring. Particular attention should be given to parts of the MEWP that are susceptible to extreme temperatures, such as batteries and tyres, and these should be monitored closely both before and after use. If any fault is found, tag, isolate and report the MEWP until such time as it can be inspected by an engineer or technician and passed safe for use.
In terms of the physical effects on operators and platform occupants, maintaining hydration, taking frequent breaks, and having rest areas with access to medical support if necessary for those who are working shifts during periods of hot weather are all essential precautions to avoid workers becoming exhausted or dehydrated. In turn, the health of all those on work sites that are subject to high temperatures should be closely monitored by those tasked with supervising and managing operations.
At the first sign of any concerning symptoms, workers should be stood down and examined by appropriate medical personnel without delay, as performance and judgement can be seriously impaired, putting everyone in the vicinity of MEWP operations at risk. Any incident or near-miss using MEWPs on any site anywhere in the world should be reported quickly and easily via the IPAF reporting portal1. All data gathered via the portal is confidential and anonymised and is used to inform all of the work IPAF does to help make the industry as safe as it can be.
Utilise free resources to keep work sites safe
IPAF offers a wide range of tailored safety guidance, which is completely free for all to download, including detailed documents about the Safe Use of MEWPs in Public Areas, the Safe Use of MEWPs in the Vicinity of Power Lines and the MEWP Catapult Effect. IPAF offers a range of safety campaigns, including Plan Ahead For Safety, Street Smart, Don’t Fall For It! and High Voltage!2
IPAF publishes Toolbox Talks and Andy Access safety posters including briefings on: Safe Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) and construction hoist (CH) loading; MCWP and construction hoist rescue planning; assessing MEWP tyre condition; how to prevent falls from height – part of IPAF’s Don’t Fall for It! global safety campaign; Operating MEWPs Alongside Roads; Avoiding Contact with Power Lines; and Safety in Working Around RF Antennas, developed in conjunction with Network Safety.
IPAF’s popular Toolbox Talks are a series of short safety briefings designed to share specific safety messages on work sites and in breakrooms. They are complemented by accompanying Andy Access safety posters to remind operators and supervisors of the principles of safe operation. These are available in multiple languages for use on work sites around the world. Toolbox Talks are the ideal way to empower workers to take control of their own safety on site, and to look out for each other.
IPAF puts a lot of resource into preparing Toolbox Talks and the Federation now has a Toolbox Talk Work Group drawn together from across its membership. Toolbox Talks are created based on feedback from across the industry, as well as trends IPAF identifies through analysis of data gathered through the IPAF accident reporting portal and in IPAF’s annual Global Safety Report.
IPAF offers further guidance on using MEWPs that provides more detail on specific risks and advises on safe operating procedures. For more information on all of IPAF’s safety campaigns and links to relevant technical guidance visit www.ipaf.org/safe or see www.ipaf.org/contact to find your nearest IPAF office or representative. Please visit www.ipaf.org/training and www.ipaf.org/resources for the full range of IPAF training courses and the latest safety and technical guidance materials from IPAF.
References
- www.ipafaccidentreporting.org
- www.ipaf.org/safe
