A

BS 8460 : Revision C
C
Code of Practice for E
Safe Use of MEWPs S
S
Chris Wraith – Director
S
Access Safety Management Ltd A
2017.10.04 F
E
www.accesssafety.co.uk
T
Y
BS 8460 Safe Use of MEWPs - Code of Practice

• Background

• Why and how it was reviewed

• What changes have been made

Who use BS 8460?
Standards structure

MHE12
Material Handling Equipment
Committee 12 – Lifting Equipment
TC98.1
EN 280

MHE12.1
Working Group 1 – MEWPs
DR - ISO 21455
BS 8460 Safe Use CoP
ISO 18878
ISO 18893
ISO 16363
TC214.1
MHE12.1.1
Drafting Committee
Where do standards fit in legal hierarchy?

❖ Legislation

❖ Approved codes of practice

❖ Standards

❖ Industry Guidance

❖ Company policies
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
 BS8460 – Scope

Recommendations and guidance: Operator selection

and training
Thorough
Selection
examination
Selection and training
Hiring of other personnel
Maintenance

Positioning
Safe use Selection of
competent persons

Notes - give references and additional information that are important but do not form
part of the recommendations
Commentaries - give background information
Design changes since 2005
Changes to legislation and HSE guidance

GEIS 6 - 2014
References to new guidance

Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group MEWP Safety Group

Definitions

3.9 deck-riding
practice of placing a MEWP on a previously erected structure above the ground prior
to structural completion, either by using a static “sled” fixed to the base of the MEWP
or by placing the MEWP on a temporary MEWP support frame
3.28 primary guarding
function enable device which requires activation prior to any lift or drive movement
control being activated
NOTE Examples include a foot pedal, a recessed hold-to-run button or trigger.
3.32 secondary guarding
device fitted to a MEWP in addition to the primary guarding systems, to further
reduce the risk of entrapment and/or provide an alert that an entrapment situation
has occurred
NOTE Shrouds placed over the controls are not considered as secondary guarding
Definitions

3.41 user
person or organization that has control of the planning, management and use of the
MEWP on site and is responsible for ensuring the MEWP is kept in a safe working
condition
NOTE 1 This can include the person responsible for the site, principal contractor or
subcontractor.
NOTE 2 This is not necessarily the same as the operator (see 3.22).

3.23 oscillating axle – definition enhanced

3.23.1 active oscillating axle

3.23.2 passive oscillating axle

Enhanced Risk assessment tables

Positioning prior to
carrying out work During use Maintenance

Setting up Thorough examination

(including testing)
 Loading and unloading transport vehicles

User responsible for providing On the public highway

➢ a well-lit area for loading activity to take place
➢ of sufficient size; Avoided where reasonably practicable
➢ on firm and level ground;
➢ segregated from other work activities; ❖Schedule deliveries for a quiet time
➢ free of traffic, pedestrians and members of❖Identify
the where the delivery vehicle will park
public where possible; ❖Direction of vehicle for increased visibility
➢ clear of overhead and underground hazards❖Competent and authorized
supervisor/signaller
❖Vehicle and pedestrian management
MEWP is suitably restrained using appropriate load restraint devices
Secure…….slew pins to prevent booms accidentally slewing
..extending decks to prevent sliding out
..canopy doors to prevent opening
Modifications and or fitting additional devices or equipment

Annex D - Machine modifications and CE marking

Interchangeable equipment
a) installed by the operator;
b) after machine is put into service;
c) changes the function of the machine or
attributes a new function to the machine;
d) not a tool.

Responsibility
Original MEWP manufacturer is not liable for the adaptation, addition
or modification or any effects it has on the safety and performance of
the MEWP.
The person carrying out the adaptation, addition or modification takes
on these responsibilities and may become liable for the safety of the
complete MEWP.
Self familiarisation

✓ Previous experience
Authorised by User ✓ Complexity
✓ Capacity

✓ Operator is confident in his ability

✓ Adequate time
✓ Safe location
✓ All relevant information available -Manual
➢ Manufacturer's instructions and warnings
➢ Features of the specific model
➢ Control functions
➢ Safety devices and Evidence recorded
➢ Emergency lowering procedures
 Example of a rescue plan hierarchy

1 - Upper Primary controls

2 - Upper Auxiliary controls

3 - Ground Primary controls

4 - Ground Auxiliary controls

5 – Mid air rescue – (Annex B)

 Trapping or crushing of persons in work platform

Preventative measures: Operator and nominated rescue

• correct planning and preparation personnel familiarisation:
▪ functionality
• selection of an appropriate MEWP
▪ how it is triggered
• trained operator and ▪ operated and reset
• safe use Included in pre-use checks
The fitting and use of any additional device intended to further
reduce the risk of entrapment and/or provide an alert that an
entrapment situation has occurred, should not replace the
operator’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and
the need to follow safe working practice and protocols, but
should be additional to those fundamental requirements
Secondary guarding
Working near electricity

MINIMU SAFE DISTANCE GENERAL EXCLUSION ZONE – 9 and 15 metres

Working safely inside the general exclusion zone

Standoff distance Live line working

Warning devices and slew restrictors Emergency procedures

BS 8460:2017 also includes……

Non-ionizing radiation Pedestrian

control of
MEWPs
during Access control
travelling Machine security
Telematics
Competent person (MEWP selection)

Supervisor

Ground person or rescuer

MEWPs on
other
structures
 Summary – BS 8460

Important status and purpose

The access industry has developed significantly in last 12 years

Significant aspects of safe use that are not addressed in the 2005 standard

Compiled by a cross section of experts from across the industry

The revision uses current guidance to enhance any recommendations