RISK ASSESSMENT METHOD STATEMENT (RAMS)

PROJECT DETAILS:
Project: MEERKAT + Area: CARNARVON, NORTHERN CAPE

WORK ACTIVITY: Mobile Elevated Work Platform

Consult relevant workers during development, approval, and communication of this RAMS RAMS Approved by: Page 1 of 11

Prepared by: NAME: Signature: Job Title: Date: Name:

Signature:

Date:

Overall Risk Rating After 4 Acute 3 High

COMMUNICATE THIS SWMS TO ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN TASK PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING
Controls 2 Moderate 1 Low

DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024

Authorised by: Site Manager Page 1
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
1. Preparation and Lack of proper training and Operators not Before any operation do a proper pre-
Inspection certification of equipment and understanding safe use inspection...
machinery. operating procedures,
resulting in accidents, All persons in the platform must
Failure to conduct a thorough injuries, or fatalities. always wear safety harnesses.
inspection may result in
operating a defective or Equipment failure, leading Comprehensive training programs for
malfunctioning cherry picker, to accidents such as all operators.
increasing the risk of collapse or malfunction
accidents. during operation. Conduct refresher courses to
reinforce safe operating procedures.

Provide clear and easily

understandable operating manuals.

Routine maintenance schedules and

inspections by qualified technicians.

Ensure all equipment meets safety

standards and regulations.

Have a system in place for reporting

and addressing any equipment
malfunctions promptly.

2. Site Assessment Uneven terrain or unstable Cherry picker tipping over, Ensure proper training for operators
ground. potentially causing injuries on weight distribution and load
or fatalities to occupants. capacities.
Overhead hazards such as
power lines or tree branches Electrocution or contact, Conduct pre-operation inspections to
leading to severe injuries or check for stability and proper setup.
death.
Use outriggers or stabilizers as

DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024

Authorised by: Site Manager Page 2
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
needed, especially on uneven
surfaces.

Conduct thorough site assessments to

identify and mitigate electrical
hazards.

Ensure operators are trained on the

safe distance from power lines and
other electrical sources.

3. Set Up Positioning the cherry picker Instability during operation, Emphasize proper positioning and
on uneven or unstable resulting in tipping or load distribution during training.
ground. collapse and potential
injuries or fatalities. Implement wind speed limits for
Failure to properly extend the operation in adverse weather
outriggers or stabilizers. Reduces the stability of the conditions.
cherry picker, increasing
the risk of tipping or Encourage operators to cease
instability during operation. operation if they notice any signs of
instability.

Conduct regular inspections to identify

and repair any structural issues.

Ensure operators are aware of the

weight limits and avoid overloading
the platform.

2. Safety Failure of components Fall from heights, leading to Enforce the use of fall protection
Harnesses and equipment, such as harnesses and
DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024
Authorised by: Site Manager Page 3
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
Fall Arrest Devices Incorrect use and fitting injuries. lanyards.

Failure to wear appropriate Discomfort, restricted Implement guardrails and toe boards
PPE. movement, and on the platform.
compromised safety.
Not using seat belts or
harnesses. Head injuries from falling
objects or injuries from Ensure operators have ergonomic
slips, trips, or falls from seating and proper workspace.
height.
Allow for regular breaks to prevent
Occupants being ejected fatigue.
from the platform in the
event of sudden movement
or tipping, leading to
serious injuries or fatalities. Require the use of hard hats and
other personal protective equipment.

Implement measures to secure tools

and materials on the platform.

Ensure all occupants are properly

trained on safe operating procedures.

Implement safety features such as

guardrails and harnesses

Operation Sudden movements or jerky Can destabilize the cherry Train operators on the importance of
motions. picker, causing tipping, proper setup and weight distribution.
collapse, or loss of control,
Overextending the boom leading to injuries or Conduct regular inspections to identify
fatalities. any issues that could affect stability.
DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024
Authorised by: Site Manager Page 4
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
Entanglement with moving Structural failure or tipping,
parts or pinch points resulting in serious injuries
or fatalities to occupants or Implement weight limits and enforce
bystanders. them rigorously.

Crush injuries, amputations, Conduct regular structural inspections

or other serious injuries to by qualified technicians.
operators.

Enforce strict safety protocols for

working near moving parts.

Provide thorough training on

equipment operation and
maintenance.

6. Working at Falls Serious injury or death, • Conduct thorough site

heights head injuries, fractures, assessments to identify and mitigate
Tip-overs sprains, and other trauma. potential hazards and obstructions.

Entrapment Striking objects or Ensure all occupants wear

structures during the fall. appropriate personal protective
Falling objects equipment.
Potential injury or death to
Mechanical failure occupants. Establish clear boundaries and work
zones to prevent collisions.
Weather conditions Possibility of striking nearby
structures, vehicles, or Have rescue protocols in place and
Overloading workers upon tipping. conduct regular drills.

Operator error Crushing injuries if Ensure operators are adequately

occupants are trapped trained on proper equipment operation

DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024

Authorised by: Site Manager Page 5
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
Communication issues beneath the equipment. to minimize risks.

Workers caught between Establish weather-related operating

cherry picker and adjacent guidelines and enforce them
structures, machinery, or rigorously.
objects.
Provide training on safe operation in
Crushing injuries, limb adverse weather conditions.
entanglement, or
asphyxiation. Avoid operating on slick or unstable
surfaces whenever possible.
Injury to workers below
Enforce strict weight limits and
Possible property damage. provide training on load management.

Debris causing slips, trips, Provide ongoing supervision and

or falls for workers below. corrective feedback to operators.

Equipment malfunction. Implement checklists for pre-operation

and post-operation inspections.
Sudden and unexpected
movements or collapse of Establish clear roles and
the cherry picker. responsibilities for all personnel
involved in the operation
Potential for serious injury
or death to occupants or Before raising the boom, make sure
nearby workers if that the unit is resting on la level
mechanical failure occurs surface. Level it with outriggers is the
during operation. surface is uneven.

Risk of decreased stability Make sure all persons in the EWP

and control of the cherry bucket are wearing proper safety
picker in adverse weather harnesses to prevent them from falling
conditions such as high on to any part of the machine or to the
DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024
Authorised by: Site Manager Page 6
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
winds, rain, snow, or ice. ground.

Potential for slipping, When working at heights, never over-

sliding, or loss of traction on reach beyond the confines of the
slick or unstable surfaces. cage.

Possibility of impaired Never rock the unit when the platform

visibility or reduced reaction is in a raised position.
times due to weather-
related factors. Make sure the gates on the platform
guard rails are closed and are locked
Structural damage or failure in place.
of the cherry picker platform
due to excessive weight. The total load in the bucket of the
EWP, including all materials,
Potential for instability, equipment, tools and personnel must
tipping, or collapse if the never exceed the safe working load of
weight limit is exceeded. the unit.

Possibility of injury or death Never use the boom lift as a crane for
to occupants or nearby lifting materials. Carry loads within the
workers if the cherry picker confines of the platform cage only.
cannot support the load.
Never tie the platform or the boom to
Risk of accidents or any adjacent structure.
incidents due to lack of
training, inexperience, or To prevent material and tools from
negligence. falling, use lanyards when working.

Potential for improper Before raising, make sure the unit is

operation of the cherry parked on a firm and stable surface,
picker, leading to
hazardous situations. Do not use belts, only use parachute
type of harnesses.
DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024
Authorised by: Site Manager Page 7
 Control Measures - Steps To Respons
Risks R R
Task Steps Potential Hazards Follow ible
B A
Safety Checks & PPE Officer
NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented.
Possibility of overlooking When in an elevated position, never
safety procedures or failing open the gates.
to recognize and respond to
risks appropriately. Always avoid any jerky or sudden
movement.
Inadequate coordination
leading to unsafe working Never try to climb on, sit or stand on
conditions or improper platform guard rails.
equipment operation.
Make sure never to exceed the safe
working load of the EWP.

Never place the loads outside the

perimeter of the platform.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment Requirements

Hearing Protective Head Eye Hand Sun Safety

Foot Protection Clothing Protection Protection Protection Protection Harness
Protection

DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024

Authorised by: Site Manager Page 8
 DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024
Authorised by: Site Manager Page 9
 RISK ASSESSMENT

Step 1Determine Likelihood – What is the possibility that the effect will occur?
Likelihood Definition
Almost Expected to happen in A common and very possible
certain most circumstances. result
Likely Will probably occur in Known to have occurred and has
most circumstances. happened before
Possible Might occur at some Could occur and is likely it has
time happened before
Unlikely Could occur at some Not likely to occur
time
Rare May occur only in Very unlikely
exceptional
circumstances

Step 2 Determine Consequence – Expected Consequences

Likelihood Definition
Almost Expected to happen in A common and very possible
certain most circumstances. result
Likely Will probably occur in Known to have occurred and has
most circumstances. happened before
Possible Might occur at some Could occur and is likely it has
time happened before
Unlikely Could occur at some Not likely to occur
time
Rare May occur only in Very unlikely
exceptional
circumstances

DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024

Authorised by: Site Manager Page 10
Step 3 Determine the risk score Step 4 Record risk score (Note – Risk scores are only estimated and should not be
solely relied upon)
CONSEQUENCE
Score Action
LIKELIHO Insignific Minor Moderate Major Catastrop 4 URGENT – Act on and lower the risks immediately.
OD ant h ic A: Acute Demands immediate attention.
Almost 3 High 3 High 4 Acute 4 Acute 4 Acute 3
certain H: High Decisions required urgently by Management.

Likely 2 3 High 3 High 4 Acute 4 Acute 2

M: Moderate Follow instructions given by management.
Medium
Possible 1 Low 2 3 High 4 Acute 4 Acute 1 Manageable. Review regularly, and if any conditions
Medium L: Low of work change.

Unlikely 1 Low 1 Low 2 3 High 4 Acute

Medium
Rare 1 Low 1 Low 2 3 High 3 High
Medium

DOCUMENT NO: ACTIVITY: MEWP OPERATION REVIEW NO: 1 DATE: 05/02/2024

Authorised by: Site Manager Page 11