HSE retracts emergency stop statement

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has withdrawn a statement on the use of emergency stop buttons on MEWPs after industry associations said it did not reflect how they are commonly used.

HSE confirmed the revision to IPAF on Friday, which had led calls for a change to the guidance sent to manufacturers in a letter.

The HSE said, “We are committed to engaging with industry representatives and we are happy to work with IPAF and its industry partners to clarify matters.”

As a result, the following text from HSE’s letter has been retracted. ‘This means that: Activating the emergency stop on a MEWP must not disable the safety related parts of the machine’s control system such as overload monitoring, inclination monitoring, stabiliser/outrigger monitoring, and associated alarms.’

The issue for IPAF and other industry bodies was the suggestion that items, such as alarms, should be viewed as safety devices, therefore causing confusion and wider problems across the sector.

“HSE’s interpretation of the requirements has extrapolated the requirement from BS EN ISO 13850 to include, for example, alarms which are not safety functions,” said IPAF.

Apology issued 

HSE said in its response that the wording was intended to convey a generalised example of what might be checked and was not intended as a reinterpretation of the standard. “We apologise for any confusion caused and would encourage you to make your members aware of this information.”

After careful consideration, HSE added that it did not feel it would be beneficial to issue revised letters as this may lead to further confusion. “Instead, we are willing to work with you to minimise confusion through verbal discussions.”

“HSE acknowledges that IPAF and its industry representative partners support the broader intent of the letter which was that the emergency stop function should not impair the effectiveness of other safety functions.

“The requirements in the letter relate to new machines being placed on the market in Great Britain.”

In its response to IPAF, the HSE added that would welcome the opportunity to draw up a document to provide your members with greater clarity in relation to the requirements of the standard.

“HSE also remains committed to its longstanding involvement in relevant safety standards workgroups.”

Industry urges HSE to retract emergency stop statements IPAF, alongside other industry bodies, asks HSE to clarify letter send to OEMs