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  • Technical Guidance

    MEWP-specific safe-use plan

    What is a MEWP-specific safe-use plan and why do I need to use one?

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

  • 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.

  • 5857: Is it necessary for a ground-based person (designated to help lower the MEWP in an emergency) to hold an IPAF PAL Card?

    It is preferable for any nominated MEWP ground rescue person to have undergone some form of formal training relevant to the task. However, all nominated MEWP ground rescue persons should, as a minimum, have been familiarised with the MEWP being used and the rescue procedures in place, in order that they are competent to lower the MEWP platform using the ground/emergency controls in the work situations to which they are exposed.

    Further information on rescue procedures can be found in the Best Practice Guidance for MEWPs on Avoiding Trapping/Crushing Injuries.

  • 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.

  • The first edition of Elevation Portugal, has successfully been hosted by the IPAF at the Centro de Formação Profissional da Indústria da Construção Civil e Obras Públicas do Sul (CENFIC), Lisbon , on 15 October 2019.

  • One of the key conditions for MEWP stability is the ability of the ground or structure to safely support the weight of the MEWP at its point of contact with the ground in all configurations. Failure to consider the load-bearing capacity of the ground could potentially cause the MEWP to go out of level, become unstable, and overturn.

  • 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. 

  • IPAF can support contractors 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 contractors to work safely when using powered access.

  • Featured Campaign

    Stop Overturns!

    MEWP overturn incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Instability leading to overturn is commonly among the top four causes of lost time incidents (LTIs) annually, according to global data.

    Stop Overturns - Website header
  • To comply with international and regional safety standards, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are fitted with platform and ground controls as well as emergency/auxiliary lowering systems.

    Employers and users must develop a documented recovery and rescue plan that is specific to the task, the MEWP being used and the site. The plan should outline the procedures for executing emergency operations required to recover and rescue personnel either from within the platform of the MEWP involved in the incident, or from a suspended position following a fall arrest.

    The Principles of recovery and rescue guidance document mockup
  • IPAF has confirmed that it has updated one of its most widely used global safety stickers for use on MEWPs – launching an important redesign of the decal that is applied to machines to indicate where the auxiliary lowering controls are located.

  • IPAF welcomes the introduction of a new International Standard regarding MEWP operator’s controls. ISO 21455:2020 has been published and culminates a decade of work from IPAF and its members, and the UK HSE, to standardize the actuation, displacement, location and method of operation of MEWP controls.

  • A new course aimed at demonstrating how to perform a site assessment and select the correct mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) to carry out the job has been launched by IPAF, which can be completed at a Training Centre or remotely via eLearning.

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

  • Partnership and collaboration are central to the work of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). We maintain strong relationships with industry associations and professional organisations around the world to promote safe and effective working at height.

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

  • 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 special Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) control test rig has been travelling the world since its debut at the APEX 2017 event in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in May, and most recently has been on three major UK construction sites to gather data to help the global standards body make recommendations as to the best way to standardise MEWP controls worldwide.

  • Presentations & Webinars

    IPAF HSE Open Meeting: MCWP Safety Alert

    IPAF and the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held an open meeting on 27 May 2022 to help members and the industry to understand the latest Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) product safety alert issued earlier this month by the UK HSE.

  • IPAF is excited to announce that once again it will be exhibiting at the APEX Show 2026, taking place from 2–4 June 2026 at the MECC in Maastricht, Netherlands.

  • Campaign

    Inspections

    Is your equipment legal and safe to use? Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are one of the safest ways to perform temporary work at height. Keep your equipment safe through good maintenance regimes ranging from pre-use checks, to regular thorough examinations as required by law, to major inspections.

  • IPAF held a safety and technology-focused event in Changsha, China, in May, drawing key players from China’s mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) industry. This regional event, sponsored by Hunan Sinoboom Intelligent Equipment and Haulotte China, emphasized the importance of safe operations and innovation in MEWP usage.

  • The IPAF Summit and the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) is a perennial highlight of the powered access calendar, and in 2018 the event returns to Miami, hosted at the Hilton Miami Downtown, Florida, US. Don’t miss out on the access industry’s most important annual celebration, combining great educational and networking opportunities, with the traditional IPAF networking event on the eve of the conference on 7 March, the Summit and IAPAs gala dinner on 8 March, and fascinating site visits on the morning of 9 March.