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.

When working from a boom- type Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), formally known as Aerial Work Platform (AWP), it is strongly recommended that a lanyard short enough for the wearer to be restrained within the platform be used. The lanyard may contain an energy-absorbing device, provided it is short enough to restrain the wearer within the platform. This includes Static Booms (1b) and Mobile Booms (3b).

The aim of IPAF’s Innovate event 2018 was to address key industry issues with the goal to develop potential solutions to improve the safe and effective use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formerly known as AWPs. To enable this, at the event, key industry players worked together in small groups to deliver achievable solutions which could positively impact the issue at hand. This paper provides a summary of each topic.

This strategy paper has been created following an industry-wide consultation into new eXtended Reality (XR) technologies including virtual reality (VR) and MEWP simulators. IPAF members worked with IPAF to produce a policy document on how virtual reality systems can be effectively and safely harnessed to train MEWP operators.

This symbol is designed to help operators locate the auxiliary lowering controls in the event of an emergency following a machine malfunction. 

Spreader pad leaflet, including spider-type (1b) machines, and spreader pad poster.

The British Standards Online (BSOL) is a comprehensive online standards library with over 90,000 internationally recognised standards. IPAF members have access to search and browse the library and full read access to a collection of specific MEWP and MCWP standards.

Information on, and links to, the United States regulations and standards for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formally known as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs).

Information on, and links to, the Canadian regulations and standards for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), formally known as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs).

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.

A selection of 3D virtual Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) is now available for use in Building Information Modelling (BIM).

MEWP 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, MCWP and PAV Category Stickers.

This machine is equipped with sensors for overloading and tilt - certain functions will stop when limits are exceeded. Read the operator’s manual.

Spread the load! Spreader plates should always be used with boom-type MEWPs when fully supported on their outriggers.

Click-it! Wear a full body harness with a short lanyard in boom type platforms.

Are you trained to use this equipment? If not, you should be! Ask your rental company about IPAF training.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has a collection of logos that can be used by members and non-members, these are detailed on this page. The official IPAF Logo and IPAF.org logo are registered trademarks and can only be used by IPAF or with prior permission from IPAF. As such they are not available for download.

Guidelines for Malaysia, for the safe use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

IPAF’s accident reporting project, launched in 2012, is compiling a comprehensive record of known accidents. The accident data gathered enables IPAF to improve the content of training programmes, develop technical guidance, target specific high-risk professions or activities, and provide research findings to bodies developing and drafting new industry standards.