Familiarise plant operators or face legal action

Employers have been warned they leave themselves open to possible legal action if a trained MEWP operator has an accident while using a piece of equipment with which they have not been familiarised.

Contractors may think the Powered Access Licence (PAL card) covers their legal responsibilities, but Tim Whiteman, managing director of card issuer IPAF, said it shows the individual has successfully completed the training. He told a health and safety seminar audience: "Individuals need familiarisation on any new equipment they are going to use."

Gary Fisher, safety, health and environmental manager at Kier Plant, said familiarisation should be mandatory unless operators can show (via IPAF or CPCS logbooks) that they have used that equipment in the past few months.

"Plant companies can't deliver machines to every site at 8am and while we can familiarise an individual on the machine, we have no control on who uses that equipment," said Wright. "Contractors must be reasonable about when they need the equipment and have the relevant people there for familiarisation," he said. "Plant hirers must also deliver at the agreed time."

Lavendon, owner of Nationwide Access and Panther Platforms, organised the seminar to discuss ongoing problems such as materials handling at height and operator familiarisation. Suggestions from the floor included a cut-down 'quick start' version of the operator's handbook showing the basic functions, safety features and daily checks.

"The key to this is better communication between contractors and plant hirers," said Lavendon Access Services UK chief executive Andy Wright.

He called for contractors and subcontractors to join both the debate and IPAF. He also pledged to investigate the 'quick start' guide idea and establish a working group within IPAF for contractors, subcontractors and hire companies.