The working group for the Safe Management of MEWPs in TV and Film Production was formed in 2019 in response to a desire expressed by various parties in and around the TV and Film industry to raise awareness and establish safety standards regarding the use of MEWPs on sets.

Broadcasters, on-demand service providers, media companies, manufacturers, hirers, safety consultancies, operators, and enforcing authorities were among the parties involved.

The group’s aim was to create guidance for production companies and operators in production that provides information that may assist in ensuring that lifting operations on their projects are carried out safely and in compliance with best practice and legal requirements.

MEWPS in Film and TV

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are used throughout the TV and Film industry. They are a type of hydraulic lifting equipment primarily designed for lifting people to a place of work at height; they differ from other lifting equipment such as cranes and telehandlers.

Any lifting operation in the UK involving a MEWP must comply with appropriate legislation and should be undertaken in line with the requirements of BS8460.

Accident Trends

According to the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the top 3 lost time incidents for 2023 were falls from the platform, overturns and electrocutions. There were 128 fatalities, an increase of 12% on 2022.

Top Six Fatal Incident Types

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Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are used throughout the TV and Film industry. They are a type of hydraulic lifting equipment primarily designed for lifting people to a place of work at height; they differ from other lifting equipment such as cranes and telehandlers.

This guidance is not intended to advocate, indemnify, or instruct upon the use of all MEWPs within a production environment and only applies to those manufacturers who have approved their machinery as suitable for use within the TV and Film production industry.

MEWPs Cross-Industry Guidance

Broadcasters, on demand service providers, media companies, manufacturers, hirers, safety consultancies, operators, and enforcing authorities are among the parties involved in the working group for the Safe Management of MEWPs in TV and Film Production to raise awareness and establish safety standards regarding the use of MEWPs on sets.

Important

This guidance document does not constitute legal advice or interpretation. Its purpose is to offer best practice recommendations for the use of MEWPs in the TV and Film industry and to inform productions of their legal responsibilities regarding lifting operations involving production equipment, to help productions ensure these activities are carried out safely. Additionally, you should always refer to current legislation and Approved Codes of Practice before undertaking any such work activities.

Agreed and understood

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