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  • Why is a rescue plan important? Planning is critical to a prompt rescue of someone who has become trapped and timing can make a very significant difference to the injuries sustained – in some cases, the difference between life and death.

    Added 31 Mar 2020
    Last updated

    Resource also available in:

    MEWP Rescue Plan Toolbox Talk
  • IPAF’s new International Safety Committee (ISC) has been convened for the first time, to assist in globalising standards development and implementation, and promoting awareness about industry safe practice.

  • As part of its Women in Powered Access initiative, IPAF has created a mentoring scheme for women in the powered access Industry who are looking for extra support and guidance to sustain and promote their career within. 

  • 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.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

    IPAF MEWP Operators’ Safety Guide
  • Don’t forget to report all accidents and near misses involving powered access into the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal or report anonymously through IPAF’s ePAL app.

    Added 15 Sep 2023
    Last updated

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  • 5841: Is it appropriate to exit the MEWP platform when working at height?

    No, unless a rigorous risk assessment carried out as part of planning the job indicates that this is the safest and most effective means of accessing a particular location, taking into account the availability on site of other more suitable access equipment and the practicability of providing the same within the required timescales for the task to be carried out.

    See IPAF's technical guidance E2 on exiting the platform at height and this extract from BS 8460 (the British Standard on “Safe use of MEWPs – Code of practice”) on the subject.

  • IPAF has made a senior management appointment to head up its global Technical & Safety department. Andrew Delahunt will join from a major global Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) manufacturer, where he is currently the Worldwide Safety and Homologation Manager. Andrew will be based in IPAF’s office in Basel, Switzerland, and will take up the post from January 2018.

  • A safety walk demonstrating the key risks involved in conducting temporary work at height using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) alongside roads or in public places was among the main draws on the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) stand at Vertikal Days 2019 at Donington Park near Derby, UK, 15-16 May.

  • Riwal has become the latest Sustaining Member of IPAF, making it the first rental and training company on a list that includes Alimak, AON, APEX and Haulotte.

  • A Global Safety Report created using the latest analysis of data gathered in IPAF’s incident reporting project and an overview of MEWPs for Managers training will be among the key pieces of technical guidance and safety information available on the IPAF stand at the A+A Trade Fair & Congress 26-29 October in Düsseldorf, Germany.

  • IPAF has issued the following statement concerning the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following safety alert JCPT2223RTB issued by Multiplex on 21 November 2022, and the response from the manufacturer of the MEWP referenced.

  • Putting up and removing seasonal decorations can quickly turn into a festive hangover if those tasked with the work do not know how to select the correct type of MEWP, overlook the need to use professionally trained operators and supervisors, or if they try to save time or money by not following safe working practices, IPAF has warned.

  • 5823: Do I need training on a small static vertical machine without drive, also known as a Push Around Vertical (PAV)?

    Yes, training on a PAV is a direct legal requirement, and there is a half-day course for this. If you have a valid licence with Static Vertical (1a) or Mobile Vertical (3a), you will only require familiarisation on the machine, which should be recorded in your IPAF log book, or through the ePAL app.

    This is due to the PAV being a simpler version of a 1a which operates in the same way as a 3a but without the ability to drive.

    This principle cannot be applied to any other categories due to the operational methods and risks differing significantly between the categories. For example, if an operator is trained on a 1b only, this MEWP cannot be driven elevated where a 3b can, and the operator would not have been trained on that skill. Similarly, if they are trained on a 3b only, they have not been trained on setting up a 1b effectively on spreader pads.

    See IPAF technical guidance F1 on familiarisation

  • IPAF's mission is to promote and enable the safe use of powered access worldwide. This includes mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and construction hoists (CHs).

  • If you are new to powered access, this page offers some useful starting points and background information.

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

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

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  • IPAF Members are being offered financial assistance to help them during the ongoing pandemic. IPAF is providing a 25% discount on the 2020 membership fee against the cost of 2021 fees and is bringing forward its annual rebate for Training Centres.

  • A campaign emphasising the importance of planning ahead for safety when conducting temporary work at height using MEWPs has been launched by IPAF at Intermat 2018 in Paris, France. ‘Safety at height begins before you’ve even left the ground.’

  • IPAF Representatives showcased MEWP safety guidance, including the importance of quality operator training, correct use of PFPE and the Don’t Fall For It! safety campaign – designed to prevent falls from the platform – at OSH India 2022 in Mumbai.

  • IPAF has issued a further update in regard to industry concerns around the use of the platform emergency stop function in MEWPs following another meeting of its training, safety and technical experts, representatives of its Training Committee, International Safety Committee and Manufacturers’ Technical Committee on 13 December.

  • In response to new safety requirements due to COVID-19 and following IPAF’s guidance to training centres, Nationwide platforms has successfully completed an online instructor-led MEWPs for Managers course for construction contractor Skanska.

  • IPAF supports safety professionals by providing a hub for safety, good practice, efficiency and technical know-how. Here you will find links to relevant documents, guidance, toolbox talks, and information to support you and your colleagues to work safely when using powered access.

  • Don't overload the Platform. Always respect the load chart and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for its intended use.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 30 Sep 2022

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access AM1
  • The first in a series of potentially life-saving safety briefings has been launched by IPAF. IPAF’s ‘Toolbox Talks’ are a series of safety presentations ideal for use in breakrooms and worksites to get key messages across at the start of a shift.

  • 5838: Does the operator course include harness training?

    The IPAF MEWP Operator Training course is specifically designed to train people to operate MEWPs however, as a part of the content the course includes a short section of basic harness training on these areas:

    - Before use: Pre-use checks of a harness and lanyard, checking for proof of Statutory Inspection
    - Harness wearing: How to put a harness on
    - Harness adjustment: Ensuring candidates have no slack in a correctly fitted harness
    - Lanyard adjustment: Adjusting for machine and candidate
    - Attachment to MEWP: Designated anchor point and karabiner locked
    - IPAF technical guidance H1 on harnesses

    Harness inspection is not covered in the IPAF MEWP Operator Training course.

    For any person that needs comprehensive harness training, IPAF offers awareness level harness training suitable for everyone, user level training for those that will use a harness in a MEWP, and inspector level training for those that will be required to conduct Statutory Inspections of PFPE for use in a MEWP. Click here to learn more