• Have you been familiarized? Familiarization 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. Organize a drop zone clear of the MEWP base.

  • Technical Guidance

    Guidance on MEWP Security

    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.

  • Technical Guidance

    Rescue of Persons from MEWPs

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

  • Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to lift people to a position where they can work at height safely within the platform.

    Do not exit the platform at height
  • The IPAF Operators’ Safety Guide for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (also known as Aerial Work Platforms) is a pocket-size publication that sets out the recommended working practices for the safe operation of MEWPs/AWPs 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.