United Kingdrom - The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) called for a radical re-examination of harnesses used by female operators of boom-type mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and announced a competition to find the best new design.

"Research suggests that MEWPs are increasingly used by women, particularly in the non-construction sector, which now accounts for more than 40 percent of European MEWP rental activity," said IPAF Managing Director Tim Whiteman. "However, women operators regularly complain that the design of traditional harnesses make them uncomfortable and could cause serious pain and damage to breast tissue in the event of a catapulting incident."

IPAF believes that operators of boom-type platforms should wear a full-body harness with an adjustable, short lanyard to prevent possible ejection from the basket in the case of an accident. For this reason, it is concerned by the complaints received from female MEWP operators and is determined to make the necessary Personal Protection Equipment comfortable and appropriate for women.

"Harnesses should be designed to be as comfortable as possible for all users - MEWPs are the safest way to perform temporary work at height, but without appropriate harnesses, women expose themselves to unnecessary risk," said Whiteman.

Despite the discomfort, female operators should never operate boom-type platforms without a full-body harness. Full details of industry recommendations are set out in IPAF Technical Guidance Note H1, available at the Publications section of www.ipaf.org