Raising the Standard is the IPAF bulletin. It is published twice a year and carries news of particular interest to IPAF members, such as developments in legislation and technical standards, and new member services.

Register pre-owned MEWPs. Make sure you register with the MEWP manufacturer to get safety alerts and product updates.

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.

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.

Don't use a MEWP as a crane! Lifting objects can overload or damage the MEWP and cause it to overturn.

Prevent unauthorised use. After use, always leave the MEWP in a safe and secure place and remove the key.

Keep clear of cables. You do not need to touch the power cables to be electrocuted – electricity can jump!

Overhead obstructions. Always be aware of your surroundings and identify crush hazards when moving the platform.

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

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.

Attach Your Lanyard. Always attach the lanyard to an anchorage point in boom type MEWPs.

Beware of falling objects. Organise a drop zone clear of the MEWP base.

Unsafe ground? Always check ground conditions – plan your route.

Caution when loading and unloading. Always load and unload MEWPs safely.

Never attach banners to MEWPs. Always remember a banner can act like a sail.

This guidance is intended to assist companies to demonstrate the independence, impartiality and integrity of the 2nd party inspection/examination bodies that they employ.

This document outlines a major inspection scheme to validate structural integrity and functionality of critical components of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Such a scheme may be undertaken to determine if a machine is within safe design and use criteria beyond the manufacturer’s design life. Design life is defined as the duration determined by the manufacturer for which a structure or a structural component may be used for its intended purpose with recommended maintenance.