• Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to lift people to a position where they can work at height safely within the platform. MEWPs are not designed to transfer people from one level to another, or for people to exit the platform at height.

    Exiting the Platform at Height
  • Guidance on how members of the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) should manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) on their sites. First issued by the UKCG in January 2014, with input from IPAF and the Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group.

  • The IPAF Operators’ Safety Guide for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms is a pocket-size publication that sets out the recommended working practices for the safe operation of MEWPs over a wide range of applications, from initial checks, through transport and positioning on site, to carrying out the required tasks.

    IPAF MEWP Operators’ Safety Guide
  • Attach Your Lanyard. Always attach the lanyard to an anchorage point in boom type MEWPs.

  • Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Thorough/ Frequent Examination form.

  • A Practical Approach to Inspection, Maintenance and Thorough Examination of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Jointly published for the Strategic Forum for Construction - Plant Safety Group by the CPA and IPAF.

  • Technical Guidance

    MEWP Safety Alert Protocol

    The purpose of this guidance is to develop a standard approach to the generation and circulation of safety alerts in the MEWP industry.

  • Scissor lifts are not designed to hold banners. Attaching banners to a scissor lift will increase the surface area and create a "sail board” effect which will destabilize or potentially turn over a MEWP.

    Scissor lift MEWP with banner overturning
  • Rental & Access International is the official magazine of IPAF.

    Rental & Access International
  • Do not jump out of the platform. Always enter and exit the platform using three points of contact.

  • Danger keep well clear. When using pedestrian controls stand clear of the MEWP and return back to the platform when safe.

  • Caution with guardrails. Be careful not to trap your fingers when lowering or raising guardrails.

  • Setting up on a slope? Outriggers and spreader pads must be on level and stable ground.

  • Correct MEWP selection. Always use the right MEWP for the job.

  • Don't overload the Platform. Always respect the load chart and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for its intended use.

  • Do not interfere with ties. A mast climbing work platform (MCWP) needs all of the ties for stability.

  • The loading and unloading of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is potentially a high risk activity, as findings from the IPAF accident reporting database (www.ipaf.org/accident) show. This document outlines the importance of planning and managing the delivery and collection operations.

    Loading and Unloading