Normal and auxiliary control systems built into a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) will allow the operator to bring the platform of the machine safely to ground level under controlled conditions. It is extremely unusual not to be able to lower the platform using these controls or for all of these systems to fail. The following is an example of a rescue plan for people who work at height using a MEWP.

This publication gives guidance to the organisation that has control of the planning, management and use of the MEWP on-site.

Why do you need rescue procedures? A robust, documented rescue procedure is required to lower the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) platform occupants in case of a malfunction or emergency. Any delay in rescuing the MEWP platform occupants may be the difference between life and death.

Is the Nominated Ground Rescue Person familiarised? Not all MEWPs are the same. Make sure you understand, learn and practice the ground controls and emergency lowering procedure.

Do you have a rescue plan? Always plan for a safe rescue.

To comply with regional legislation, standards, and best practice, a Rescue Plan should be developed, documented, and communicated before anyone operates a MEWP.  

Do you have a rescue plan? Always have a rescue plan in place for mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and construction hoists.

Quickly rescuing someone who has become trapped at height can make a very significant difference to the injuries sustained – it may be the difference between life and death.

The purpose of this document is to provide information, and good-practice guidance on means of reducing exposure to trapping and crushing hazards while using a MEWP.

It is essential that MEWPs are secured and managed correctly to ensure that only competent and nominated personnel operate the equipment in accordance with the employer’s safe system of work. All MEWPs should be stored in a safe and secure manner when left unattended.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) Category 3a (e.g., scissor lifts) are sometimes fitted with extension decks, these can be single, or double deck extensions. The purpose of an extension deck is to provide additional horizontal outreach beyond the main deck of the platform.

This Toolbox Talk provides information on the types of hazards that can cause collisions/impacts and suggests ways to reduce the likelihood of these incidents occurring.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) provide a safe means for people to conduct temporary work at height. When buying a pre-owned MEWP, it must comply to the safety legislation and meet the relevant standards in the location where it will be operating before it can be used. Every MEWP must be supplied in a safe working condition, with all safety devices functional.

Guidance for where a Thorough Examination cannot be carried out on a MEWP, MCWP or Construction Hoist due to COVID-19

Effective assessment of ground conditions is essential to assist with safe installation, setting up and operation of construction plant.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are supplied with both ground and platform controls to comply with International MEWP design standards. Manufacturer’s operators’ manuals identify that the primary operator control station is in the platform and that the ground controls should only be used to carry out pre-use inspections without anyone in the platform, or for emergency descent purposes only.

In consultation with manufacturers, contractors, rental companies and other interested parties, IPAF has produced this good practice guide listing some of the key points that should be taken into consideration by rental companies and their customers when managing any type of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).

Identify key changes to terminology and definitions, requirements for owners and operators, guidance and requirements on risk assessments, equipment familiarization and requirements for operator and supervisor/manager training that will affect all manufacturers, dealers, owners and users of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly referred to as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), in North America.

Identify key changes to terminology and definitions, requirements for owners and operators, guidance and requirements on risk assessments, equipment familiarization and requirements for operator and supervisor/manager training that will affect all manufacturers, dealers, owners and users of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly referred to as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), in North America.

Identify key changes to terminology and definitions, requirements for owners and operators, guidance and requirements on risk assessments, equipment familiarization and requirements for operator and supervisor/manager training that will affect all manufacturers, dealers, owners and users of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly referred to as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), in North America.

Identify key changes to terminology and definitions, requirements for owners and operators, guidance and requirements on risk assessments, equipment familiarization and requirements for operator and supervisor/manager training that will affect all manufacturers, dealers, owners and users of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly referred to as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), in North America.

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.

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

Resources and recording of the webinar that took place on 21 May 2020, with presenter Chris Wraith, Health & Safety professional.

The purpose of this IPAF Rental Standard is to acknowledge and document what is recognised as industry good practice, which in many cases exceeds minimum legislative requirements, therefore promoting and enabling the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide.

This document is intended to provide practical guidance on safety measures to minimise exposure to COVID-19 for anyone using MEWPs, MCWPs or Construction hoists for work activities.

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.

Before using a MEWP you must be trained to the applicable MEWP classification and be familiarised on the specific machine. Familiarisation is required on any MEWP that is significantly different in weight, height, length or complexity to the MEWP on which training took place. The operator, supervisor, ground person/rescuer, service engineer and demonstrator all need adequate familiarisation to undertake their duties.