New IPAF Toolbox Talk on Ground Conditions

IPAF has launched a new series of toolbox talks to help further improve safe working at height. Toolbox talks are handouts or posters designed to enable discussion sessions between powered access platform users and their superiors. These quick talks should explore the risks and safety issues specific to their work site. IPAF recommends that toolbox talks are used regularly, to reinforce learning and gain worker buy-in.

The latest toolbox talk focuses on assessing ground conditions before deploying a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).

It applies to:

• User – the person who has control of the use of the MEWP on site
• MEWP operators – anyone else who will operate the MEWP on site
• Site manager and supervisors – those responsible for the site on which the MEWP is used

You can download the MEWP Ground Conditions toolbox talk here. It includes information on:

• Who needs to be involved
• Why ground conditions are important
• Which MEWPs are affected by ground conditions
• Actions to take, including risk assessments and ground checks
• Key information you need in order to carry out an assessment

FURTHER REFERENCES

• Andy Access Poster (Ref A6) – Unsafe Ground?
• Andy Access Poster (Ref A17) – Setting Up on a Slope?
• Guidance on the Assessment of Ground Conditions
• IPAF spreader pad poster and leaflet
• IPAF Ground Pressure Calculator www.ipaf.org/pads
• SFPFG Ground Conditions for Construction Plant