Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) rental companies should carry out a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) before the equipment is made available for hire. The purpose of this is to ensure the MEWP is operating within the specified design requirements of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Charging batteries on electrified Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) should be carried out in line with the manufacturer's instructions, which can be found in the operators’ manual. Incorrect battery charging can increase the risk of fire or explosion from transformers and/or charging equipment.

The most common type of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fitted to Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) is the Lithium Ferrophosphate (LFP) battery. The main risk from Li-ion batteries is fire or explosion, which can lead to thermal runaway.

This page provides information on the full set of Finnish Toolbox Talks.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used in confined areas, or near overhead structures. When travelling or when elevated there is a risk that the operator or the platform occupant may come in contact with an overhead obstruction.  This could result in crushing or entrapment of that person.

A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) must be inspected daily or at the start of each shift to make sure it is safe to use; and will not cause an injury to the platform occupants or other personnel.

To comply with regional legislation, standards, and best practice, a Rescue Plan should be developed, documented, and communicated before anyone operates a MEWP.  

This Toolbox Talk provides information on the associated hazards and risks involved with mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) working near railways and crossing active and non-active rail crossings.

This Toolbox Talk provides information on the types of hazards that can cause collisions/impacts and suggests ways to reduce the likelihood of these incidents occurring.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) Category 3a (e.g., scissor lifts) are sometimes fitted with extension decks, these can be single, or double deck extensions. The purpose of an extension deck is to provide additional horizontal outreach beyond the main deck of the platform.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are supplied with both ground and platform controls to comply with International MEWP design standards. Manufacturer’s operators’ manuals identify that the primary operator control station is in the platform and that the ground controls should only be used to carry out pre-use inspections without anyone in the platform, or for emergency descent purposes only.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are provided with ground and platform controls to comply with global MEWP design standards. Pedestrian control is the term used when the MEWP operator uses the platform controls from the ground by walking alongside, or in close proximity to the MEWP. This includes those that have an umbilical cord, or radio/remote, or a fixed point of control on the chassis.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) should not be used if there is a risk of lightning. If lightning strikes a MEWP it will look for the path of least resistance to earth. This means it can travel from the platform, through the superstructure and tyres to earth. Rubber tyres do not insulate MEWPs.

There is a requirement for all lifting equipment, including Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), to specify maximum capacity limits. For MEWPs, this is the safe working load (SWL) which is expressed in kilograms or pounds and includes the maximum number of people allowed in the platform. An overload is the intentional, or accidental, exceeding of these limits.

When working in a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) at height, you must be aware of the risk of tools, materials and equipment falling from the platform with the potential to injure people working at ground level. It is essential that any items likely to fall are properly secured within the envelope of the platform’s guardrails.

If a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) or platform occupant contacts energised power lines it can cause, electrocution, electric shock, fire, or an explosion. The same effects can occur without contacting a power line by arcing or flashover of electrical energy to a conductor.