Mobile elevating work platforms are essential for completing elevated tasks in refineries, pipelines and offshore facilities, but these are inherently hazardous environments.
Safe operation of access equipment requires rigorous adherence to inspections, environmental considerations, fall protection and site-specific protocols. JLG Industries, a leading global manufacturer of MEWPs and telehandlers, provides key guidelines to help operators maintain safety and efficiency on the job.
Annual machine inspections are a cornerstone of MEWP safety. Industry standards mandate inspections every 13 months to verify equipment integrity, correct malfunctions and close out safety bulletins before use.
Environmental conditions in the energy sector demand strict compliance with temperature limits. Cold weather requires specialized packages and oils, while hot conditions may necessitate hydraulic oil coolers and close monitoring of system temperatures.
Tire and rim safety is vital since ground conditions in industrial sites can be uneven. Operators must inspect tires daily, maintain correct pressures, monitor for wear or damage and use manufacturer-approved replacements to ensure stability at height.
Safe parking procedures reduce risks during breaks or shutdowns. Operators should retract booms, engage emergency stops, shut off controls and protect panels from environmental exposure. When parking with an elevated boom, it must remain retracted.
Transportation safety is equally critical. Machines should be stowed, secured at tie-down points and stripped of loose items before movement. Lifting must only be performed from designated points, using properly rated equipment while maintaining level positioning.
Fall protection requirements vary by MEWP type. On boom lifts, full-body harnesses with approved anchorage points are mandatory. For scissor and vertical mast lifts, while not always required, fall protection is recommended and site policies may enforce 100% tie-off.
Special applications, such as barge operations, require added precautions, including ensuring vessel stability, limiting list and trim, wearing flotation devices and disabling drive functions except during loading and unloading.
Platform transfer safety demands careful planning. Operators should position platforms within one foot of structures, maintain 100% tie-off with dual lanyards and follow all applicable regulations.
Cribbing guidelines address uneven terrain. Only manufacturer-approved cribbing methods should be used, supporting loads safely, avoiding steep slopes and locking drive/steer functions when elevated.
The operator’s role is central to safety. Staying current on training, communicating requirements clearly and documenting procedures all help maintain a strong safety culture.
MEWP safety in O&G is about more than protecting workers at height. It safeguards assets, ensures compliance and reinforces safety as a strategic investment. By integrating inspections, fall protection, terrain awareness and specialized applications into daily practice, companies protect both their people and their operational integrity.
For more information, visit jlg.com
