process in a toolbox talk to show how the operation has to be done,” says Thomas. “The Olympics was a great example of
a site that had good toolbox talks to build safety awareness,” Walker notes. Most contractors now would expect a
crane operator to work with spreader plates or timbers when they arrive on site, but the
spreader plates for smaller equipment is a bit like PPE and should be supplied to suit the site by the contractor.” Spreader plates are covered briefly in the
PAL Card training course, particularly if the applicant is taking the 1b category. There is a use of spreaders section in the Operator’s Safety Guide. As for deciding how and where spreader plates should be used, Facelift’s
MOST CONTRACTORS NOW EXPECT A CRANE OPERATOR TO WORK WITH SPREADER PLATES OR TIMBERS WHEN THEY ARRIVE ON SITE, BUT THE SAME IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE OF ACCESS EQUIPMENT
same is not always true of access equipment, particularly when supplied without an operator for use by existing site personnel. And the delivery driver cannot be expected to explain the use of spreader plates when deliveries are often made out of general working hours. Manufacturers supply many larger
truck-mounted platforms with spreader plates for outrigger legs, but often this is not the case with smaller, lighter machinery. Sometimes there is not even anywhere on the machine to carry spreader plates when not in use. It is difficult for a hire company to supply the correct spreader plates for a smaller machine, without having seen the job site or the ground on which it will be operated. “A large majority of hire firms do already
supply them. Certainly conscientious hirers will supply plates with boom machines, but not with scissor lifts,” says Leicester. “All truck-mounted MEWPs will have
spreaders, but 7.5 tonne and below they are not supplied. There is an argument that
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Gordon Leicester says: “The operator certainly has to take some responsibility for this. Our operators, who have been trained by us, will all use them all the time. But I know that others sometimes don’t. I would strongly recommend that hire companies have it in their terms of employment.” Panellists acknowledged that the problem
with any form of training is that personnel on site do not always follow the methods and lessons they have been taught – partly through time constraints and through poor management on site. By providing clear messages on the use of
spreader plates, through posters, stickers on machines, the internet and toolbox talks, IPAF hopes to reinforce the messages taught in its training courses. Indeed Wraith says IPAF is considering
proposals for more advanced operator training. There seems little doubt that any additional training opportunities would also be used to reinforce the practical messages and awareness of the potential loads being imposed by MEWP outriggers
and how choosing the correct spreader plates can reduce those loads on the ground. “But the whole chain should take responsibility, from the directors down to the operator,” adds Thomas. “We need to raise awareness from the top, senior management and work down.” IPAF knows the campaign to increase the
use of spreader plates is going to take time to get the message through. It will require a general raising of awareness that must be regularly refreshed. “The HSE’s position is that you should use
them unless you can show otherwise,” says Thomas. “There is guidance out there, it’s just a case of getting people to use it.” After taking on board the advice that
operators should use spreader plates at all times, the next question is who should provide the spreader plates, and who decides on the size and material required? The plates can be simply sturdy timber,