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  • Have you been familiarised? Familiarisation prevents incorrect use.

  • Check your MEWP! Conduct a pre-use check to make sure the MEWP is safe to use before starting work.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Award-winning instruction and assessment in the safe and effective use of powered access equipment will soon be available to the widest possible range of operators and managers, as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) makes courses available in multiple languages across its global training centre network.

  • Key spokespeople for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) are working closely with a new all-party working group of Westminster MPs led by Alison Thewliss, whose aim is to cut the alarming number of workplace fatalities in the UK that are caused by falls from height.

  • IPAF’s Technical & Safety department has issued global guidance on the remounting of second-hand MEWP equipment on a different chassis. The guidance emphasises the difficulty and high level of engineering expertise required to mount MEWPs on a chassis other than those for which they were originally designed, cautioning that “failure to mount or re-mount a MEWP correctly can and has led to serious accidents worldwide”.

  • The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories of the European Association Awards 2018, being nominated in the Best Provision of Industry Information and Intelligence, Best Association Conference (under 225 delegates) and Best Association Partnership or Collaboration categories.

  • Booking is open for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Summit and the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) celebration dinner, to be held at the Hilton Miami Downtown in Florida, USA, on 8 March 2018. The theme for the Summit will be “Quantifying Sustainability”, and the first speakers are now confirmed.

  • The shortlisted nominees for the 2018 International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs), jointly hosted by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Access International, has been unveiled following the judges meeting in London, UK.

  • The recent Middle East Convention hosted by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, saw a Memorandum of Understanding signed between IPAF and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

  • A major consultation is to be launched as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) sets out to establish the possibilities for powered access training and safety guidance afforded by new technology such as virtual reality and platform simulators, involving the more than 1,000 accredited IPAF instructors around the world.

  • Powered Access is now a dedicated digital platform, created through an exciting collaboration between IPAF and the Chartered Institute of Building’s award-winning Construction Management brand.

  • The 2025 Rental Market Reports are available to order from the end of June. The award-winning reports, produced by Ducker, are presented in an easy-to-read format and are the definitive guide to the powered access rental markets.

    IPAF Rental Market Report Promo - 2 x Awards WEB
  • 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.