Mounting or remounting a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) onto a new or different vehicle chassis than the original chassis supplied by the manufacturer is a specialist task that requires both in-depth engineering knowledge and consideration of the MEWP and vehicle manufacturer’s technical specifications.
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.
This insightful webinar will introduce and highlight key trends from IPAF’s Global Safety Report 2025 – the second digital edition, in which we analyse the accident data from 2024. Presented in a digital-only format, the report is designed to enhance accessibility for a global audience and align with IPAF's sustainability objectives. It allows users to interact with data, filter and navigate to explore emerging trends and key challenges. The data can be segmented by industry sector, country, location, and the categories of machines involved.
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.
This guidance is intended to assist companies to demonstrate the independence, impartiality and integrity of the 2nd party inspection/examination bodies that they employ.
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.
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).
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.
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.
