BS 7981:2017 - TC

What is this standard about?

It’s about mast climbing work platform (MCWP) safety. It offers recommendations and guidance on the installation, dismantling, maintenance and thorough examination of MCWPs. It also gives recommendations and guidance on their safe use.

Who is this standard for?

Users will come from many industry sectors including: 

• Building construction and maintenance
• Telecommunications
• Tree surgery
• Rental industry
• Training companies

The standard will be used by: 

• Employers, managers, supervisors and operators of MCWPs
• Safety professionals
• Training and educational establishments
• Trade and industry federations
• Rental companies
• Manufacturers
• Enforcement authorities and standard agencies

Why should you use this standard?

Working at height is a high risk activity. Using this standard maximizes the likelihood that appropriate MCWPs are selected for use and that they are positioned, used, maintained and examined safely.

What’s changed since the last update?

Since BS 7981:2002 was published there have been significant technical developments affecting machine design, safety and working practices. Major changes to the standard include:

a) Greater detail on the implementation of a risk assessment

b) Simplification of the responsibilities for the safe operation of an MCWP, including:

1. The removal of the term “user” and its replacement with “operator”
2. The introduction of recommendations for the “appointed person (user)” and the“appointed person (supplier)”
3. The recommendation for a trained installer to remove and reinstall a top tie
4. Clarification of the role of the demonstrator

c) The replacement of “induction” with “familiarization” and additional recommendations for familiarization

d) Additional recommendations for:

1. Alteration
2. Thorough examination, including examination following installation, reconfiguration and repositioning
3. The use of safety harnesses and the preparation of a rescue plan
4. Record retention

e) A new table giving a mast climbing work platform training needs analysis

f) New example MCWP daily and weekly checklists in Annex A

g) A new example checklist for thorough examination in Annex E

NOTE: The vertical moving component (work platform/deck) of a MCWP is used to move persons and their equipment and materials from the work platform to and from a single point. This is of one of the features that distinguish MCWPs from builder’s hoists. 

This British Standard does not give recommendations for: 

1. Dealing with the hazards involved in the manoeuvring, erection or dismantling, fixing or removing of any materials or equipment which are not part of the mast climbing work platform 
2. The handling of specific hazardous materials
3. Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) as defined in BS EN 280, suspended access equipment as defined in BS EN 1808 or lifting tables as defined in BS EN 1570
4. Delivering persons and/or materials to fixed landing levels

Equipment referred to as lifts, hoists or transport platforms are dealt with by other standards, including BS EN 12158-1, Builder’s hoists for goods, BS EN 12159, Builder’s hoists for goods and passengers, and BS EN 81-43, Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts.