The HSE HM Principal Mechanical Inspector approached Nationwide Platforms Health, Safety & Environmental Director, Mark Keily, to develop the bespoke course which looks to upskill HSE Mechanical Inspectors knowledge on MEWPs.

Nationwide Platforms were selected as their partner of choice due to the advanced technical knowledge they could provide, their experience in the utilisation and testing of powered access equipment and their award winning in-house technical training team.

A team of Nationwide Platforms staff comprising of three senior IPAF Instructors, John Snead, UK Quality Manager and Mark Keily developed a two-day MEWP Technical Masterclass providing the HSE Inspectors with information, instruction and training to aid them when investigating mechanical failures in MEWP’s.

The course covered topics including reducing risk in the use of powered access equipment, MEWP theory and technical awareness, rescue planning and mid-air rescue techniques and practical MEWP operation.

This was supported with virtual reality simulator training of 3a/3b MEWP’s where delegates got to experience a true-to-life look and feel of operating an access platform in a safe and controlled environment.

Andrew Pinkham, Nationwide Platforms UK Training Operations Manager said: “We are fortunate to have a close working relationship with the HSE and appreciate the opportunity to support them in developing this unique course for their new team of Mechanical Inspectors.

“Health and safety when working at height is of paramount importance to us as a business and we are always more than happy to lend our technical and training expertise to support our customers in developing their understanding of MEWP operation in an effort to reduce risk as much as possible.”