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BS 7981:2025 Mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) – Selection, configuration, installation, maintenance, thorough examination and safe use – Code of practice, 2025
- Foreword
- 1 Scope
- 2 Normative references
- 3 Terms and definitions
- Figure 1 — Example drive train assembly with centrifugal brake
- Figure 2 — Example drive unit using one drive train assembly
- Figure 3 — Example drive unit using two drive train assemblies
- Figure 4 — Example of FOPS
- Figure 5 — Example single-mast mobile MCWP
- Figure 6 — Twin-mast MCWP illustrating one fixed and one moveable chassis
- Figure 7 — Typical mast tie arrangement 1
- Figure 8 — Typical mast tie arrangement 2
- Figure 9 — Example of an overspeed safety device
- 4 Hazards associated with MCWP working
- Table 1 — Typical hazards associated with the planning, installation, erection, dismantling, alteration and use of MCWPs
- 5 Selection, specification, installation, planning, erection, dismantling and alterations of MCWPs [Go to Page]
- 5.1 General
- 5.2 Responsibilities of principal contractor
- 5.3 Responsibilities of supplier organization
- 6 Management and control of MCWP operation [Go to Page]
- 6.1 General
- 6.2 Considerations when selecting use of MCWPs
- 6.3 Responsibilities of the user organization
- 7 Personnel and training [Go to Page]
- 7.1 Selection
- 7.2 Fitness to work
- 7.3 Minimum attributes of personnel
- 7.4 Training arrangements
- Table 2 — Levels of responsibility, requirements and training
- 7.5 Familiarization [Go to Page]
- 7.5.1 General
- 7.5.2 Machine-specific familiarization
- Figure 10 — Example of operator familiarization record
- 8 Planning of the installation, maintenance, inspection and dismantling [Go to Page]
- 8.1 General
- 8.2 Planning
- 8.3 Safe system of work for erection, alteration and dismantling
- 9 Positioning of MCWPs [Go to Page]
- 9.1 General
- 9.2 Alterations of OEM’s standard equipment
- 9.3 Temporary works [Go to Page]
- 9.3.1 General
- 9.3.2 Tie loads and tie anchors
- 9.3.3 Effects of foundation loads
- 9.3.4 Assembly and examination of assemblies of lifting equipment
- 9.3.5 Falling object protection and dropped object protection
- 9.4 Access to the platform at the boarding point [Go to Page]
- 9.4.1 General
- 9.4.2 Sites accessible to the public
- 9.4.3 Sites not accessible to the public [Go to Page]
- 9.4.3.1 General
- 9.4.3.2 Risk of being struck by falling objects
- 9.5 Traffic access
- 10 Installation [Go to Page]
- 10.1 Installation personnel
- 10.2 Erection
- Figure 11 — Example of load charts – Single and twin
- Figure 12 — Examples of load charts – Extension use
- Figure 13 — Example of reduced payload due to asymmetric platform from a symmetric load
- 10.3 Alteration
- 10.4 Dismantling
- 11 Operation, use, maintenance and inspection of MCWPs [Go to Page]
- 11.1 Operation and use of MCWPs
- 11.2 Transfer of a mobile MCWP
- 11.3 Distribution of load
- 11.4 Pre-use checks
- 11.5 Weekly checks
- 11.6 Inspections after exceptional circumstances
- 11.7 Maintenance of MCWPs
- 12 Thorough examination of MCWPs [Go to Page]
- 12.1 Frequency, scope and nature of thorough examination [Go to Page]
- 12.1.1 Thorough examination following MCWP installation
- Table 3 — Example of examinations and documentation
- 12.1.2 Thorough examination following reconfiguration
- 12.1.3 Thorough examination of mobile MCWP following repositioning on site
- 12.1.4 Periodic thorough examination
- 12.1.5 Thorough examination in exceptional circumstances
- 12.2 Thorough examination report [Go to Page]
- 12.2.1 Reporting and rectification of defects found during thorough examination
- 12.2.2 Observations
- 12.2.3 Responsibility for the rectification of defects
- 12.2.4 Record retention
- 13 Safe system of work for the MCWPs use [Go to Page]
- 13.1 Principal contractor
- 13.2 Person(s) using the MCWP
- 13.3 Safe operation
- 13.4 Proximity hazards
- 13.5 Barriers and edge protection [Go to Page]
- 13.5.1 Barriers
- Figure 14 — 2 m high continuous anti-climb fencing to prevent unauthorized access
- 13.5.2 Edge protection
- 13.6 Coordination with other plant and equipment
- 13.7 Rated capacity
- Figure 15 — Example of a MCWP load chart
- 13.8 Access to the MCWP platform
- Figure 16 — Access at first floor level from scaffolding platform accessed via stairs with secure entrance
- Figure 17 — Secure walkway fitted with secure self-closing and warning signs as access from within structure at upper level
- 13.9 Weather conditions and wind speed monitoring
- 13.10 Special applications
- Figure 18 — Example of MCWPs sharing the same mast
- 13.11 Emergency
- 13.12 Falling object protection
- 13.13 Dropped object prevention
- Annex A (informative)Example checklists for pre-use and weekly inspections
- A.1 Pre-use checks
- A.2 Weekly inspections
- Figure A.1 — Example MCWP pre-use checklist
- Figure A.2 — Example MCWP weekly checklist
- Annex B (informative)Example checklists for thorough examinations
- Figure B.1 — Example report of thorough examination
- Annex C (informative)Thorough examination
- C.1 General
- C.2 Management of thorough examination
- Annex D (normative)Scope and nature of the thorough examination
- D.1 Structural
- D.2 Drive
- D.3 Safety components
- D.4 Platform
- D.5 Area travelled by the MCWP
- D.6 Signs and legends
- Annex E (informative)Thorough examination checklist
- Figure E.1 — Example checklist for thorough examination
- Bibliography [Go to Page]
