Resource Library

Recently added resources

  • 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.

    Added 22 Nov 2024
    Last updated 22 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Toolbox Talk A34 EN
  • Safe Crossing. Self-propelled MEWPs must always be transported on a trailer or vehicle across rail tracks.

    Added 22 Nov 2024
    Last updated 22 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    A34
  • 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.

    Added 19 Nov 2024
    Last updated

    Resource also available in:

    Toolbox Talk A37 EN

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  • Caution when loading and unloading. Always load and unload MEWPs safely.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access A7
  • Never attach banners to MEWPs. Always remember a banner can act like a sail.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

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

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access A9
  • Prevent unauthorised use. After use, always leave the MEWP in a safe and secure place and remove the key.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access A10
  • Do not interfere with ties. A mast climbing work platform (MCWP) needs all of the ties for stability.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access AM2
  • The mounting or re-mounting of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) onto a new or different vehicle chassis to the original chassis as sold by the MEWP manufacturer is a specialist job requiring both in-depth engineering knowledge and the technical specifications for the MEWP to be mounted.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

    IPAF Re-Mounted Boom
  • 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.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated

    Resource also available in:

    Exiting the Platform at Height
  • Publication

    Access International

    Access International is the official magazine of IPAF.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 8 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

  • Publication

    Raising the Standard

    Raising the Standard is the IPAF bulletin. It is published twice a year and carries news of particular interest to IPAF members, such as developments in legislation and technical standards, and new member services.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

  • 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).

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 30 Sep 2022

    Resource also available in:

    Fall Protection in MEWPs (H1)
  • Guidance on how members of the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) should manage the use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) on their sites. First issued by the UKCG in January 2014, with input from IPAF and the Strategic Forum for Construction Plant Safety Group.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

  • 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.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

    IPAF MEWP Operators’ Safety Guide
  • Attach Your Lanyard. Always attach the lanyard to an anchorage point in boom type MEWPs.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access A1
  • All MEWPs rely on the condition of the ground on which they stand for their stability. This applies equally to those which require the use of jacks or outriggers and those which operate free on wheels. It is essential that an assessment of ground conditions is made before travelling, using or setting up a MEWP on any surface.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

  • Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Thorough/ Frequent Examination form.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

  • A Practical Approach to Inspection, Maintenance and Thorough Examination of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Jointly published for the Strategic Forum for Construction - Plant Safety Group by the CPA and IPAF.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated

    Resource also available in:

  • 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.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

  • 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.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

    Scissor lift MEWP with banner overturning
  • The following guidance is intended to help employers differentiate between the possible options available when considering the selection of appropriate equipment where the increased risk of entrapment has been identified.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 1 Jan 2018

    Resource also available in:

  • Technical Guidance

    Guidance on Emergency Rescue

    Normal and auxiliary control systems built into a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) will allow the operator to bring the platform of the machine safely to ground level under controlled conditions. It is extremely unusual not to be able to lower the platform using these controls or for all of these systems to fail. The following is an example of a rescue plan for people who work at height using a MEWP.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2021

    Resource also available in:

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

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access A3
  • Do you have a rescue plan? Always plan for a safe rescue.

    Added 1 Jan 2018
    Last updated 5 Nov 2024

    Resource also available in:

    Andy Access A4