• Never attach banners to MEWPs. Always remember a banner can act like a sail.

    Andy Access A8
  • Don't use a MEWP as a crane! Lifting objects can overload or damage the MEWP and cause it to overturn.

    Andy Access A9
  • Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Handover Certificate

  • Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Load Chart

  • Have you been familiarised?
    Familiarisation prevents incorrect use.

    Andy Access A2
  • Check your MEWP! Conduct a pre-use check to make sure the MEWP is safe to use before starting work.

    Andy Access A3
  • Beware of falling objects. Organise a drop zone clear of the MEWP base.

    Andy Access A5
  • In consultation with manufacturers, contractors, rental companies and other interested parties, IPAF has produced this good practice guide listing some of the key points that should be taken into consideration by rental companies and their customers when managing any type of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).

  • 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.

  • This document outlines a major inspection scheme to validate structural integrity and functionality of critical components of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Such a scheme may be undertaken to determine if a machine is within safe design and use criteria beyond the manufacturer’s design life. Design life is defined as the duration determined by the manufacturer for which a structure or a structural component may be used for its intended purpose with recommended maintenance.

  • Technical Guidance

    Fall Protection in MEWPs (H1)

    When working from a boom- type mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), 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).

    Fall Protection in MEWPs (H1)
  • Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to lift people to a position where they can work at height safely within the platform. MEWPs are not designed to transfer people from one level to another, or for people to exit the platform at height.

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

    Andy Access A1
  • 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.

    Andy Access A14
  • Danger keep well clear. When using pedestrian controls stand clear of the MEWP and return back to the platform when safe.

    Andy Access A15
  • Caution with guardrails. Be careful not to trap your fingers when lowering or raising guardrails.

    Andy Access A16
  • Setting up on a slope? Outriggers and spreader pads must be on level and stable ground.

    Andy Access A17