This guideline has been prepared by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), as a result of requests from industry bodies, users and manufacturers. It has been based on proposals from IPAF using BS7981, and BS EN 1495, Lifting Platforms – Mast Climbing Work Platforms and has subsequently been reviewed and endorsed by the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA). It also includes influences from the Center for Protection of Workers Rights (CPWR) Mast Climbers Group, ANSI A92.9, OSHA 1926 Subpart L, ‘Scaffolds’, Cal OSHA’s specific MCWP guidance, and IPAF’s International MCWP Committee.

Mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) are increasingly being used as temporary work places, giving variable height access to specific areas above ground level. In many cases MCWPs are more convenient to use than other forms of access equipment such as ladders, fixed scaffolding, or staging, or swingstage. Examples of MCWPs are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

This guideline sets out recommendations to ensure that MCWPs are installed, maintained, examined and used in a safe manner.

Ref. USAO 07/10-002