When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and rescue plans teams carrying out mewp rescue plan — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised work at height hazards for this task, with the controls a reviewer expects to see.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 8 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 10-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Plan rescue of an operative from a MEWP — ground controls, lowering and entrapment.
Sequence of works
- 1Before MEWP operations begin, prepare a written site-specific rescue plan covering: named rescuers, MEWP type and ground control location, emergency lowering procedure, emergency services contact and site access route.
- 2Brief all operatives and the designated rescue team on the rescue plan. Physically demonstrate the location and operation of ground controls and emergency lowering system on the specific MEWP to be used.
- 3Confirm the MEWP has a valid LOLER thorough examination certificate, a current pre-use inspection has been completed, and the operator holds an IPAF PAL Card or equivalent for the machine category.
- 4On identification of a rescue situation (operative trapped, unresponsive or suspended), immediately designate a rescue team leader and call emergency services (999) — do not delay this call pending an on-site resolution.
- 5Establish an exclusion zone around the MEWP; stop adjacent plant operations and redirect site traffic away from the area.
- 6Maintain continuous verbal communication with the casualty. Instruct them to remain still and not attempt to self-rescue by climbing unless under direct instruction from the rescue team.
- 7Assess whether ground control lowering is safe (i.e. the platform is not entrapped against a structure). If safe, operate ground controls to lower the platform in a controlled manner to ground level.
- 8If normal ground control lowering is not possible, locate and operate the manufacturer's emergency/manual lowering system (gravity valve, battery back-up or manual override) as identified in the rescue plan.
- 9If mechanical lowering is impossible due to entrapment, do not force lowering. Implement the entrapment escalation route identified in the rescue plan (secondary MEWP, scaffold access or awaiting fire and rescue service aerial platform).
- 10Once the operative is safely at ground level, carry out first aid assessment, treat for suspension trauma if required (recovery position, not upright), and record the incident. Do not allow the MEWP to return to service until an investigation is completed.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Fall from height during rescue
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Operate the MEWP ground controls to lower the platform in a controlled manner before any person attempts to access the basket from an adjacent platform or ladder. Ground controls must be tested and demonstrated as functional during pre-task briefing.
- › Confirm the MEWP's manufacturer-specified emergency lowering system (manual override, gravity lowering valve or battery back-up) is present, functional and understood by the rescue team before work commences.
- › Conduct a documented pre-task briefing covering the rescue scenario, roles, ground control location, emergency lowering procedure and rendezvous point for emergency services. All operatives on site to be aware of the plan.
- › Operative in the basket to wear a full-body harness with work-restraint or fall-arrest lanyard attached to the manufacturer's designated anchor point within the basket at all times.
Suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Rescue plan must specify a target rescue time (typically within 6 minutes of suspension being identified). Ground controls or emergency lowering should be initiated immediately on discovery of suspended/trapped operative.
- › All MEWP operators and rescue team members to receive training in recognising suspension trauma, providing in-basket relief (foot loops/straps) and post-rescue recovery position requirements.
- › A trained first aider must be present on site during MEWP operations and made aware of the MEWP rescue plan. Emergency services (999) to be called immediately for any suspended casualty.
Entrapment in MEWP basket
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Before commencing MEWP work, identify overhead obstructions, adjacent structures and pinch points on the planned travel route. Record findings in the RAMS and brief all operatives.
- › The rescue plan must include a specific entrapment scenario: if lowering would worsen entrapment, the plan should identify the use of a secondary MEWP, scaffold/podium access or liaising with fire and rescue service as the escalation route.
- › A designated ground-level spotter monitors MEWP travel and elevated position, with authority to instruct stop at any time, reducing risk of the basket becoming entrapped.
Uncontrolled lowering or machine failure
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Carry out documented daily pre-use inspection of the MEWP including testing of ground controls and emergency lowering function before work commences. Only use machines with a current thorough examination certificate.
- › Ensure MEWP has a valid LOLER thorough examination (6-monthly for personnel-carrying equipment). Retain certificates on site for inspection.
- › Nominated rescue team members must read the manufacturer's operator manual and physically locate the manual/gravity lowering valve or battery back-up control before work commences.
Collision with plant or vehicles during rescue
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › On identification of a rescue situation, immediately establish a clearly marked exclusion zone around the MEWP using barriers or cones. Stop adjacent plant operations and direct site traffic away from the zone.
- › Rescue team leader to communicate with site manager/foreman to suspend adjacent plant and vehicle movements for the duration of the rescue. Use radio, alarm or verbal instruction as appropriate.
Inadequate rescue competence
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › At least two ground-level personnel must be designated, trained and briefed as rescue operatives before any MEWP work begins. Training should cover the specific MEWP type in use, ground control operation and emergency lowering.
- › A written MEWP rescue plan specific to the site and task must be available at the work location. Plan to include: trigger for rescue, named rescuers, ground control location, emergency lowering method, emergency services contact and assembly point.
- › MEWP operator to hold a current IPAF PAL Card or equivalent demonstrating competence for the machine category in use. Verify cards before permitting MEWP operation.
Delayed emergency services response
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Rescue plan to state that emergency services (999) should be called at the same time as the on-site rescue is initiated — not as a last resort. Provide site address, access gate and nature of incident to the operator.
- › Site induction and rescue plan to identify emergency vehicle access route and ensure it is kept clear of obstructions during MEWP operations. Gate codes or contacts to be noted in the rescue plan.
Psychological stress and shock in casualty
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Maintain calm, continuous verbal contact with the trapped operative throughout the rescue. Reassure them, confirm the rescue plan is in progress and instruct them not to attempt to climb out of the basket.
- › Following rescue, the operative must be assessed by a first aider. Do not allow them to return to work immediately. Arrange welfare support and medical assessment particularly where suspension occurred.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
Competence
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Scaffold / mobile tower / MEWP as selected
- › Podium steps or ladders for short-duration tasks
- › Tool lanyards and tethers
- › Edge protection components
- › Inspection tags
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ A named access method (scaffold / tower / MEWP) with inspection regime
- ✓ A rescue plan that doesn't rely on calling 999
- ✓ Collective protection considered before harnesses
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a mewp rescue plan RAMS?
Someone competent to plan the work — usually the contractor doing the job or their supervisor. A template like this gives you the recognised hazards and controls for mewp rescue plan, but the person signing it off must review it as the competent person and confirm it matches the actual site and method.
How long is the RAMS valid for?
Until something changes — there's no fixed expiry in law. Review it if the method, site conditions, equipment or people change, after any incident or near miss, and at sensible intervals on longer jobs. Date the review and re-brief the team.
What regulations apply to mewp rescue plan?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Work at Height Regulations 2005, reg 7 — collective protection priority, LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations are the main ones, alongside PUWER 1998 — Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a RAMS need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.