Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Regulation 6: duty to avoid, prevent, and mitigate consequences of falls
PUWER 1998 – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations: equipment suitability, maintenance, training
LOLER 1998 – Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations: examination, safe working load, thorough examination
BS 8460:2017 – Code of practice for the safe use of MEWPs
IPAF Operator Training – International Powered Access Federation guidance and best practice
HSE Guidance – GEIS6 (selection and use of MEWPs), CIS58 (stability of MEWPs)
When Is a MEWP Refresher Required?
Routine refresher every 3–5 years (IPAF PAL Card valid for 5 years)
Following an accident, near miss, or entrapment incident
Unsafe practices observed by management, site supervisors, or colleagues
Change of MEWP type (e.g. moving from scissor lift to boom lift operation)
Workplace change (new site conditions, overhead obstructions, ground conditions)
Returning after a prolonged absence from MEWP operations
Regulatory update or change to site-specific working rules
2
Target Learners & Entry Requirements
Who Is This Course For?
Existing MEWP operators with evidence of previous MEWP training (IPAF PAL Card, CPCS card, in-house certificate, or employer records)
Operators due for refresher within the 3–5 year cycle
Operators needing to add a platform category (e.g. scissor lift operator adding boom lift)
Operators referred following an incident, near miss, or observed unsafe behaviour
Operators returning after site changes affecting access equipment operations
Entry Requirements
Previous MEWP training evidence – IPAF PAL Card, CPCS card, employer certificate, or competence records confirming prior operation
Medical fitness – Operator must be medically fit for working at height. This includes:
No uncontrolled vertigo, epilepsy, or balance disorders
No uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions that may cause sudden incapacity
Adequate vision (with corrective lenses if required)
No medication that causes drowsiness or impaired judgement
Self-declaration or occupational health clearance as per employer policy
Minimum age 18 (legal requirement for MEWP operation)
Adequate English to understand theory content, safety instructions, and manufacturer documentation
Appropriate PPE – Safety boots, hard hat, hi-vis vest, full-body harness and lanyard (for boom lift operation)
Important
If a candidate cannot demonstrate evidence of previous MEWP training or competence, they must complete a full novice MEWP operator course (typically 1–2 days per platform type) rather than this refresher. Candidates with only scissor lift experience wishing to add boom lift will require additional familiarisation time as a minimum.
3
Duration & Ratios
Single Platform Type Scissor or Boom
Half Day (approx. 4 hours)
Both Platform Types Scissor + Boom
Full Day (approx. 7 hours)
Maximum Ratio
3 Candidates : 1 Trainer
Assessment Method
Theory Quiz + Practical Observation
Ratio Justification
The 3:1 ratio is based on IPAF guidance and the practical requirement that each candidate must have adequate supervised time on each MEWP type. The trainer must be able to observe each candidate individually during practical exercises, particularly during emergency lowering procedures and harness checks on boom lifts. Larger groups compromise the quality of individual assessment and the safety of practical sessions.
Venue & Equipment Requirements
Theory room with projector/screen, whiteboard, and seating
Practical area – Level, firm ground suitable for MEWP operation. Minimum 20m x 15m clear area
Scissor lift – Electric or diesel scissor lift in serviceable condition with current LOLER examination
Boom lift – Articulated or telescopic boom lift in serviceable condition with current LOLER examination
PPE – Hard hats, hi-vis vests, safety boots, full-body harnesses with lanyards (boom lift)
Wind speed indicator (anemometer) and gradient measurement device
Pre-use check documentation and manufacturer operator manuals
4
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this refresher, candidates will be able to:
Both Platforms — General MEWP Competencies
Identify relevant legislation including Work at Height Regulations 2005, PUWER, and LOLER
Explain the hierarchy of control for work at height (avoid > prevent > mitigate)
Conduct a thorough pre-use inspection of the assigned MEWP, identifying defects and reporting procedures
Assess ground conditions including gradients, soft ground, underground services, and slope limitations
Identify overhead hazards including power lines, structures, and other obstructions
Explain wind speed limitations and when to cease operations (typically 12.5 m/s / 28 mph for most MEWPs)
Set up and maintain exclusion zones beneath and around the MEWP
Operate the MEWP safely and smoothly using platform controls
Demonstrate correct emergency lowering procedures (platform and ground-level controls)
Explain battery/fuel management, charging procedures, and safe refuelling
Park, shut down, and secure the MEWP correctly at end of shift
Describe rescue plan requirements and operator responsibilities if a colleague becomes incapacitated at height
Scissor Lift — Platform-Specific Outcomes
Safely mount and dismount the scissor lift platform using designated access points
Operate the scissor lift through elevating, lowering, and driving functions
Understand and comply with driving restrictions at height (indoor scissor lifts typically limited to lowered/stowed position for driving; some models permit low-speed driving at height)
Extend and secure platform extensions / roll-out decks where fitted
Identify tip-over risks specific to scissor lifts (side loading, wind, pot holes, kerbs)
Demonstrate awareness of crushing/trapping hazards between the platform and overhead structures
Boom Lift — Platform-Specific Outcomes
Correctly inspect, don, and attach a full-body harness and restraint/work-positioning lanyard to a designated anchor point
Deploy and retract outriggers/stabilisers correctly (where fitted), ensuring correct placement on firm ground with spreader plates
Operate the boom lift through slew, boom up/down, telescope in/out, and basket level functions
Understand the tail-swing and slew radius hazards of boom lifts
Position the platform accurately at the work location avoiding contact with structures
Explain catapult/ejection risks unique to boom lifts (sudden release of snagged boom, pot holes during boom operation)
Demonstrate ground-level emergency lowering/recovery of the boom using auxiliary controls
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Course Timetable
Full Day – Scissor + Boom Combined
08:30
Registration & Induction
Welcome, introductions, course objectives. Confirm previous training evidence and medical fitness declarations. Health & safety briefing for the training venue. Issue PPE.
09:00
Theory Session – Legislation & Responsibilities
Work at Height Regulations 2005, PUWER, LOLER, BS 8460. Hierarchy of control. Employer and operator duties. IPAF guidance overview. Accident case studies (entrapment, tip-over, ejection, electrocution).
09:45
Theory Session – MEWP-Specific Hazards & Controls
Ground conditions and gradient assessment. Wind speed limitations. Overhead hazards and power line proximity. Exclusion zones. Harness use and anchor points (boom). Emergency lowering procedures. Rescue planning. Battery/fuel management.
Harness inspection, donning, and attachment. Outrigger/stabiliser deployment (where fitted). Pre-use inspection walkthrough. Safe mounting/dismounting. Platform controls: slew, boom up/down, telescope, basket level. Tail-swing awareness. Positioning at work location. Emergency lowering (platform and ground-level auxiliary). Parking, stowing boom, and shut-down. Individual practical assessment.
15:00
Break
15-minute comfort break.
15:15
Assessment Review & Debrief
Review of theory and practical results. Individual feedback. Areas for development. Certificate issue (if competent). Guidance on next refresher date. Course evaluation forms.
16:00
Close
Course complete.
Half-Day Option
For single platform type refresher (scissor OR boom only), the course runs from 08:30 to approximately 12:30. Theory content is condensed to focus on the relevant platform type, and only one practical session is delivered.
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Theory Quiz – 25 Questions
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. Minimum pass mark: 80% (20/25). All questions relate to the safe operation of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (scissor lifts and boom lifts) in the UK.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Question 1
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, what is the correct hierarchy of control for managing work at height risks?
Prevent, avoid, mitigate
Avoid, prevent, mitigate
Mitigate, prevent, avoid
Prevent, mitigate, avoid
Answer: b) Avoid, prevent, mitigate. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that work at height is avoided where possible. Where it cannot be avoided, measures must be taken to prevent falls. Where falls cannot be prevented, measures must be in place to mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall.
Question 2
Who has the primary duty under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely?
The MEWP operator only
The Health and Safety Executive
The employer (or person controlling the work)
The MEWP manufacturer
Answer: c) The employer (or person controlling the work). Regulation 4 places the duty on every employer to ensure that work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a manner that is, so far as reasonably practicable, safe. Operators also have duties to cooperate and report hazards.
Question 3
Under the Work at Height Regulations, at what height does the duty to manage risks from falls apply?
Above 2 metres only
Above 3 metres only
Any height where a person could fall and be injured
Above 1.5 metres only
Answer: c) Any height where a person could fall and be injured. There is no minimum height threshold in the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The regulations apply wherever there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury, regardless of the height involved.
PUWER & LOLER Requirements
Question 4
Under LOLER 1998, how often must a MEWP undergo a thorough examination?
Every 12 months
Every 6 months
Every 2 years
Only when a defect is reported
Answer: b) Every 6 months. Under LOLER 1998, equipment used for lifting persons must receive a thorough examination at least every 6 months (Regulation 9). This is more frequent than the 12-month requirement for general lifting equipment. The examination must be carried out by a competent person.
Question 5
What does PUWER 1998 require regarding the training of MEWP operators?
Training is only required for boom lift operators, not scissor lifts
Any person who uses work equipment must have received adequate training for the purpose of that use
Operators need only be shown the controls once before use
Training requirements only apply to operators under 21 years old
Answer: b) Any person who uses work equipment must have received adequate training. PUWER Regulation 9 requires that every employer ensures any person who uses work equipment has received adequate training for the purposes of health and safety, including the methods of use, risks, and precautions to be taken. This applies to all MEWP types.
Question 6
What document confirms that a MEWP has passed its LOLER thorough examination?
A risk assessment
A report of thorough examination (often on Form F91 or equivalent)
The manufacturer’s user manual
The operator’s daily pre-use check sheet
Answer: b) A report of thorough examination. The competent person carrying out the thorough examination must provide a written report (often using Form F91 or equivalent) which details the findings. This must be kept available and defects reported to the HSE where the equipment poses an immediate risk.
Pre-Use Checks
Question 7
How often should a pre-use check be carried out on a MEWP?
Once a week
Before each shift or use
Only after a thorough examination
Once a month
Answer: b) Before each shift or use. Pre-use checks (also called daily checks or operator checks) must be carried out before each shift or period of use. They are the operator’s responsibility and form the first line of defence against using defective equipment.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT typically part of a MEWP pre-use check?
Checking tyre condition and pressures
Testing the emergency lowering system
Carrying out a full hydraulic pressure test
Checking for visible hydraulic leaks
Answer: c) Carrying out a full hydraulic pressure test. A full hydraulic pressure test is part of a thorough examination by a competent person, not a daily pre-use check. Pre-use checks are visual and functional checks including tyres, hydraulic leaks, controls, emergency systems, structural damage, guardrails, and warning devices.
Question 9
During a pre-use check on a boom lift, you notice a frayed stitching on one of the harness lanyards provided with the machine. What should you do?
Use it anyway — it will be fine for one shift
Remove the lanyard from service, tag it as defective, and report it immediately
Tie a knot in the frayed section to strengthen it
Only use it if working below 5 metres
Answer: b) Remove from service, tag as defective, and report immediately. Any defect found in fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard, anchor points) means the item must be immediately withdrawn from use. It should be tagged/labelled as defective and reported to the supervisor. A replacement must be sourced before work at height commences.
Ground Conditions & Gradients
Question 10
Before positioning a MEWP, what ground condition factors must be assessed?
Only whether the ground is wet
Ground firmness, gradient, underground voids/services, surface obstructions, and proximity to excavations
Only whether there are painted lines on the ground
The colour and texture of the surface only
Answer: b) Ground firmness, gradient, underground voids/services, surface obstructions, and proximity to excavations. A thorough ground assessment is essential before MEWP use. Soft, uneven, or sloping ground can cause tip-over. Underground voids, cellars, or services may collapse under the weight of the MEWP. Proximity to excavations or embankments must also be considered.
Question 11
What is the typical maximum permitted gradient for operating a scissor lift?
Any gradient is acceptable
Up to 15 degrees
As specified by the manufacturer, typically 1–5 degrees depending on model and whether elevated
Up to 30 degrees
Answer: c) As specified by the manufacturer, typically 1–5 degrees. Maximum permissible gradients vary by MEWP type and manufacturer but are typically very low — often 1–3 degrees when elevated and up to 5 degrees when driving in stowed position. Always consult the manufacturer’s handbook for the specific machine in use.
Question 12
When deploying outriggers on a boom lift, what must always be placed between the outrigger foot and the ground?
Nothing — outriggers go directly on the ground
Spreader plates (outrigger mats) to distribute the load
Cardboard to keep the ground clean
Wooden pallets stacked on top of each other
Answer: b) Spreader plates (outrigger mats). Spreader plates distribute the concentrated load from the outrigger foot over a larger area, reducing the risk of the outrigger sinking into soft ground or punching through surface coverings. They should be of adequate size and strength for the loads involved.
Wind Speed Limitations
Question 13
At what wind speed should MEWP operations generally cease?
Any wind above 5 mph
Wind speeds exceeding 12.5 m/s (28 mph) — or lower if specified by the manufacturer
Only during gale-force winds above 60 mph
Wind speed is not relevant to MEWP operations
Answer: b) Wind speeds exceeding 12.5 m/s (28 mph). Most MEWP manufacturers specify a maximum operating wind speed of 12.5 m/s (28 mph / Beaufort Force 6). Some machines may have lower limits, particularly boom lifts at full extension. Always check the specific manufacturer’s limits and reduce operations in gusty or variable wind conditions.
Question 14
How should wind speed be monitored during MEWP operations?
By guessing based on the movement of nearby trees
Using an anemometer, with regular checks throughout the work period, and awareness of forecast conditions
Wind speed only needs checking at the start of the day
By checking a weather app once in the morning
Answer: b) Using an anemometer with regular checks. Wind speed must be monitored objectively using an anemometer (wind speed meter). Conditions can change rapidly, so regular checks are essential. Weather forecasts should be consulted during planning, and operations should be suspended if conditions deteriorate. Wind speed at height is often significantly greater than at ground level.
Harness Requirements (Boom Lifts)
Question 15
When operating a boom lift (cherry picker), what type of personal fall protection must be worn?
No fall protection is needed — the basket has guardrails
A full-body harness with a short restraint lanyard attached to a designated anchor point inside the basket
A simple waist belt clipped to the guardrail
A safety net below the boom
Answer: b) A full-body harness with a short restraint lanyard. Boom lift operators must wear a full-body harness (EN 361) with a short restraint lanyard that prevents the operator from being thrown out of the basket. The lanyard must be attached to a manufacturer-designated anchor point inside the basket — never to the structure being worked on or external points. This is because boom lifts create catapult/ejection risks that guardrails alone cannot mitigate.
Question 16
Why is a restraint lanyard preferred over a fall-arrest lanyard when working in a boom lift basket?
Restraint lanyards are cheaper
A restraint lanyard prevents the operator from reaching the edge and being ejected; a fall-arrest lanyard allows a fall before arresting, risking collision with the boom or ground
There is no difference between the two types
Fall-arrest lanyards are only for scaffolding work
Answer: b) A restraint lanyard prevents ejection; a fall-arrest lanyard allows a fall first. The purpose of the restraint lanyard is to keep the operator within the confines of the basket at all times. If a catapult/whiplash event occurs, the restraint lanyard prevents ejection. A fall-arrest lanyard would allow the operator to be ejected and then arrested mid-fall, which could result in collision with the boom arm, structures, or the ground before arrest.
Question 17
Is a harness required when operating a scissor lift?
Always, on every scissor lift
Generally not required for standard scissor lifts, as the platform has full guardrails and no catapult risk — but may be required by site rules or manufacturer instructions
Only when the platform is above 10 metres
Never under any circumstances
Answer: b) Generally not required, but may be site-specific. Scissor lifts have full perimeter guardrails and a vertical-only lift path, so the catapult/ejection risk present with boom lifts does not apply. However, some site rules, client requirements, or manufacturer instructions may still require harness use. Always check the site-specific risk assessment and follow the most stringent requirement.
Emergency Lowering Procedures
Question 18
A MEWP has suffered a control system failure with the operator elevated at 12 metres. What is the first action the ground crew should take?
Attempt to rock the MEWP to dislodge the fault
Locate and operate the ground-level emergency lowering controls following the manufacturer’s documented procedure
Wait until the end of the shift and try again
Call the fire brigade immediately without attempting any recovery
Answer: b) Locate and operate the ground-level emergency lowering controls. All MEWPs are fitted with ground-level emergency lowering controls (usually a valve, pump, or powered system at the base). Ground crew should be trained in their location and operation. The emergency lowering procedure should be practised regularly and included in the rescue plan. The fire brigade should be called if the ground-level controls also fail or the operator is injured/incapacitated.
Question 19
What is a rescue plan in the context of MEWP operations?
A plan for rescuing the MEWP if it breaks down on the road
A documented procedure for recovering an operator from the platform in the event of illness, injury, equipment failure, or entrapment
A plan written after an accident has occurred
A manufacturer’s warranty document
Answer: b) A documented procedure for recovering an operator from the platform. The Work at Height Regulations require that a rescue plan is in place before work at height commences. For MEWP operations, this should cover: who will carry out the rescue, what equipment is available (e.g. second MEWP, ground-level controls), communication methods, and emergency services contact details. The plan must be site-specific and rehearsed.
Exclusion Zones
Question 20
Why must an exclusion zone be established around a MEWP during use?
To keep the area tidy
To prevent pedestrians and vehicles from entering the area beneath and around the elevated platform, reducing the risk from falling objects, platform movement, and tip-over
Exclusion zones are only required on construction sites
To prevent the operator from seeing distractions
Answer: b) To prevent pedestrians and vehicles entering the danger area. An exclusion zone must be established around the MEWP to protect ground-level personnel from falling objects, platform/boom movement (particularly tail-swing on boom lifts), and the consequences of a MEWP failure. The zone should be clearly demarcated using barriers, cones, or tape, and a banksman may be required in busy areas.
Question 21
What is the minimum safe distance that should be maintained between a MEWP and overhead power lines (up to 33kV)?
1 metre
3 metres (or as specified by the power distribution network operator)
15 metres
No minimum distance — power lines are insulated
Answer: b) 3 metres (or as specified by the PDNO). HSE guidance (GS6) recommends maintaining safe distances from overhead power lines. For lines up to 33kV, the recommended minimum distance is 3 metres from the nearest conductor. For higher voltages, greater distances apply. The specific requirements should be confirmed with the power distribution network operator. Exclusion zones, goal posts, and barriers may be required.
Battery & Fuel Management
Question 22
What hazard is associated with charging batteries on electric MEWPs?
No hazards — battery charging is completely safe
Generation of hydrogen gas (explosion risk), acid spills, and electrical hazards
The only risk is a flat battery
Battery charging makes the MEWP unstable
Answer: b) Hydrogen gas, acid spills, and electrical hazards. Lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen gas during charging, which is explosive in confined spaces. Battery acid (sulphuric acid) can cause burns if spilled. Charging should take place in well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources, with appropriate PPE (goggles, gloves). Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions at all times.
Question 23
Before starting a shift, the battery charge indicator on an electric scissor lift shows 25% charge remaining. What should you do?
Start work immediately — 25% is plenty
Assess whether the remaining charge is sufficient for the planned tasks, including the need to lower the platform and drive to the charging point; if insufficient, charge before use
Operate the lift elevated only — driving uses more battery
Ignore the indicator as they are always inaccurate
Answer: b) Assess sufficiency and charge if needed. Running a MEWP to flat can strand the operator at height, requiring emergency lowering. The operator must ensure sufficient charge is available for all planned tasks including lowering the platform and driving back to the storage/charging point. If in doubt, charge the machine before starting work.
General Safe Operation
Question 24
What is the main cause of MEWP-related fatalities in the UK?
Electrical faults
Falls from height (including being ejected from the platform or climbing out)
Noise-induced hearing loss
Fuel spills
Answer: b) Falls from height. Falls from the platform are the leading cause of MEWP-related fatalities. This includes operators being ejected/catapulted from boom lifts (due to the whiplash effect when the boom strikes an object), climbing onto structures from the platform, and leaning over guardrails. Entrapment (crushing between the platform and a fixed structure) and tip-overs are the other main causes of serious injury and death.
Question 25
You are operating a boom lift and the platform makes contact with a steel beam, causing a sudden jolt. Nobody is injured. What should you do?
Continue working — nothing happened
Stop work immediately, lower the platform safely, report the incident, and have the MEWP inspected before further use
Only report it if there is visible damage to the MEWP
Take a photograph and continue working
Answer: b) Stop, lower, report, and inspect. Any collision or significant contact must be treated seriously. The impact may have caused structural damage, hydraulic damage, or compromised safety systems that are not immediately visible. The MEWP must be taken out of service, the incident reported (as a near miss at minimum), and the machine inspected by a competent person before returning to service.
7
Practical Assessment Sheet
Assessment Criteria: Each item is assessed by direct observation during the practical session. The trainer marks each criterion as Competent (C), Developing (D), or Not Yet Competent (NYC).
To achieve an overall “Competent” result, the candidate must achieve Competent in all safety-critical items (marked with *) and no more than 2 “Developing” ratings in non-critical items.
Candidate Details
Candidate Name:
Date:
Employer:
Trainer/Assessor:
Scissor Lift Practical Assessment
Assessment Criterion
C
D
NYC
* Conducts thorough pre-use inspection; identifies and reports defects correctly
This certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. A refresher course should be completed before the expiry date. This certificate does not replace the need for site-specific familiarisation or induction.
Trainer / Assessor
Date
Refresher Due:
9
Trainer Notes
Delivery Tips
Know your audience – Refresher candidates have experience. Acknowledge their knowledge but challenge complacency. The most dangerous operator is the one who has “done it for years” and stopped respecting the risks.
Lead with real incidents – Use HSE and IPAF case studies to illustrate consequences. Statistics alone do not change behaviour; stories do.
Practical first, theory to explain – Where possible, let candidates operate the MEWP early and then use theory to explain the “why” behind procedures.
Harness demonstration – For boom lift sessions, have candidates inspect and don their own harness. Common errors include twisted leg straps, loose chest strap, and attaching the lanyard to the wrong point.
Emergency lowering – Every candidate must physically carry out the emergency lowering procedure from both platform and ground level. This is the single most important skill to refresh.
Wind and weather – If conditions on the day are marginal, use it as a teaching opportunity rather than cancelling. Discuss the decision-making process for go/no-go.
Ground conditions – Walk the practical area with candidates before operating. Get them to identify potential issues (soft areas, slopes, drains, kerbs).
Common MEWP Incidents & Case Studies
Entrapment / Crushing
Scenario: Operator elevates the platform and is trapped between the guardrail and an overhead beam, steelwork, or building fascia. The operator cannot reach the controls to lower the platform.
Root causes: Failure to plan the task (overhead clearance not assessed), operating alone without ground crew, no rescue plan in place, pressure sensing devices not fitted or overridden.
Training emphasis: Always assess overhead clearance before elevating. Maintain a ground-level observer. Know the location of ground-level emergency lowering controls. Consider secondary guarding devices (e.g. pressure-sensitive bars) on scissor lifts.
Tip-Over
Scenario: A scissor lift tips over while elevated on soft or uneven ground, or after striking a kerb/pothole while driving at height. Alternatively, a boom lift tips due to overloading the basket, operating on a slope, or outrigger failure.
Root causes: Inadequate ground assessment, exceeding gradient limits, driving at height over obstructions, outriggers not fully deployed or placed on soft ground without spreader plates, overloading the platform.
Training emphasis: Ground assessment is non-negotiable. Check gradients with a measuring device, not by eye. Outriggers must be on firm ground with spreader plates. Never exceed the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the platform.
Ejection / Catapult Effect (Boom Lifts)
Scenario: The boom of a cherry picker strikes a fixed object (beam, tree, building) while slewing. The sudden stop creates a whiplash/catapult effect that can eject the operator from the basket at speed.
Root causes: Operator not wearing harness, harness not attached, using a fall-arrest lanyard instead of a restraint lanyard (allowing the body to leave the basket before arrest), inattention to boom path, operating too close to structures.
Training emphasis: Harness and SHORT restraint lanyard are mandatory on boom lifts. The lanyard must be short enough to prevent the operator from being thrown over the guardrail. Operators must maintain constant awareness of the boom’s path and proximity to structures.
Falls from Height
Scenario: Operator climbs onto structures (steelwork, roofing, racking) from the MEWP platform. The MEWP moves or the operator misjudges the gap and falls.
Root causes: Using the MEWP as access rather than a work platform (transferring between the platform and a structure), standing on guardrails to gain extra height, removing guardrail sections to get closer to the work.
Training emphasis: The MEWP platform is a workplace, not a ladder. Never climb from the platform onto structures. Never stand on guardrails, mid-rails, or improvised platforms. If the work cannot be reached from the platform, re-position the MEWP.
Electrocution
Scenario: Boom lift contacts overhead power lines. Electrical current travels through the boom and chassis to ground, with potentially fatal consequences for the operator and anyone touching the machine.
Root causes: Failure to identify overhead power lines during planning, operating too close to conductors, wind causing boom drift, lack of exclusion zones or goal posts.
Training emphasis: Overhead power line surveys must be part of the risk assessment. Minimum distances must be maintained (3m for up to 33kV, greater for higher voltages). If contact is made: stay on the platform, warn others to stay clear, and wait for the power to be isolated. Jump clear (both feet together, not stepping) only as a last resort if the machine is on fire.
Key Safety Points to Reinforce
Pre-use checks save lives – Never skip them. A 5-minute check can prevent a catastrophic failure.
Ground conditions – The most overlooked hazard. Operators become complacent about surfaces they use daily.
Harness on boom lifts is non-negotiable – There is no circumstance where a boom lift should be operated without a harness and restraint lanyard.
Emergency lowering is a team skill – Ground crew must know how to lower the MEWP. Practise it every refresher.
Wind awareness – Wind speed at 20 metres is significantly higher than at ground level. Monitor continuously.
Rescue plan – Must exist before work starts. It is not acceptable to assume “we’ll call 999 if something goes wrong” as the only plan.
Never overload the platform – SWL includes the weight of personnel, tools, and materials. Plan what goes up.
Report everything – Near misses, defects, and unsafe conditions. The incident that is not reported is the one that kills someone next time.
Useful References
HSE GEIS6 – Guidance on the selection and use of MEWPs
HSE CIS58 – Stability of MEWPs
HSE INDG401 – A brief guide to working at height
BS 8460:2017 – Code of practice for the safe use of MEWPs
IPAF Technical Guidance Notes – Available at ipaf.org