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Working Safely at Height
The Use of Fall Protection in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP)
Working Safely at Height
The Use of Fall Protection in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP)
Working at height requires additional safety measures. One of the most commonly used tools for such work is a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). Although MEWPs are designed to allow safe work at height, the risk of falling still exists. That’s why fall protection is essential. In this blog post, we discuss the regulations regarding fall protection in MEWPs, with a particular focus on the use of a lanyard with an energy absorber.
Why Use Fall Protection in a MEWP?
MEWPs can make unexpected movements, tip over, or be affected by external factors such as wind or collisions. If a worker is not secured, they can fall from the work basket, resulting in serious or even fatal injuries. For this reason, many employers and safety protocols require the use of a harness and lanyard.
Legal Obligations
The main legal frameworks for fall protection in the Netherlands include:
- Working Conditions Act (Arbowet): Requires employers to provide a safe working environment.
- Working Conditions Decree and Regulations: Define specific safety measures.
- NEN-EN 280-1:2022: European standard for the design and use of mobile elevating work platforms.
- NEN-EN 363 and NEN-EN 365: Standards for personal fall protection systems and their inspection/maintenance.
Use of a Lanyard with Energy Absorber: What Do the Regulations Say?
A common misconception is that using a lanyard with an energy absorber is always required or safe in a MEWP. In reality, this depends on the MEWP’s construction and the manufacturer’s instructions.
According to NEN-EN 280-1:2022, anchor points on MEWPs must be suitable for use with personal fall protection systems and withstand a static load of at least 6 kN. However:
Many (especially older) MEWPs have anchor points rated for only 3 kN.
An energy absorber can generate forces up to 6 kN when activated.
The deployment distance of an energy absorber can be up to 1.75 meters, which may result in the user falling below the basket or hitting the ground.
Therefore, the use of a lanyard with energy absorber is generally not allowed in a MEWP. It is only permitted if the manufacturer explicitly allows it and the anchor point is rated for higher loads.
What Is Recommended?
The standard and safest procedure is the use of:
- A safety harness (EN 361)
- An adjustable restraint lanyard without energy absorber, adjusted to prevent the user from reaching beyond the basket’s guardrails.
This setup prevents movement outside the safe working area of the platform and minimizes fall risk and shock load.
Practical Tips
1. Always consult the user manual of the MEWP.
2.Check whether the anchor point is certified and which system is approved.
3. Perform regular inspections of the fall protection equipment.
