Guide
Use MEWPs (cherry pickers and scissor lifts) safely
How to select, operate, and maintain mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) safely and legally. Covers choosing the right MEWP type, IPAF operator certification, LOLER thorough examination, daily pre-use checks, ground conditions, rescue planning, and exclusion zones.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) -- commonly known as cherry pickers, scissor lifts, or boom lifts -- provide a safe way to carry out temporary work at height. However, MEWP incidents, including overturns, falls from platforms, and entrapment, cause serious injuries and deaths each year. As an employer, you must ensure MEWPs are selected correctly, operated by trained people, maintained properly, and used in safe conditions.
Three sets of regulations govern MEWP use:
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 -- require you to plan work at height, use suitable equipment, and follow the hierarchy of controls
- LOLER 1998 -- require thorough examination of lifting equipment at specified intervals
- PUWER 1998 -- require that work equipment is suitable, maintained, and used by trained operators
Choosing the right MEWP
Selecting the correct type of MEWP for the task is the first step in safe use. Using the wrong type can create risks that are worse than working without one.
When selecting a MEWP, consider:
- Working height and outreach -- ensure the MEWP can reach the work position without overextending
- Indoor or outdoor use -- electric MEWPs for indoor work (no emissions), diesel or hybrid for outdoor
- Ground conditions -- tracked or 4x4 MEWPs for rough terrain; wheeled for solid, level surfaces
- Space constraints -- narrow-aisle scissor lifts for confined areas; boom lifts where obstacles must be reached over
- Number of occupants -- check the platform capacity matches the number of workers and their tools
- Weight of materials -- platform Safe Working Load (SWL) must not be exceeded
If in doubt, consult the hire company or an IPAF-certified instructor for advice on MEWP selection.
Operator competence and IPAF certification
MEWP operators must be trained and competent for the specific category of MEWP they will use. The industry standard is the IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) Powered Access Licence (PAL) card. IPAF training covers:
- Pre-use checks and controls familiarisation
- Safe operation including driving, positioning, and manoeuvring
- Emergency descent procedures
- Category-specific skills (scissor lift, boom, vehicle-mounted)
IPAF cards are valid for 5 years and are category-specific. An operator trained on scissor lifts is not automatically competent to operate a boom lift. You should check each operator's card covers the specific MEWP category they will use.
Even with IPAF certification, operators must be familiarised with the specific make and model of MEWP before first use, as controls and safety features vary between manufacturers.
Apply the hierarchy of controls
MEWPs sit at the "prevent" level of the hierarchy. They provide a guarded platform that prevents falls. However, you must still consider whether the work can be done from ground level first (the "avoid" level). Use a MEWP only when avoidance is not reasonably practicable and it is the most suitable form of collective protection for the task.
LOLER thorough examination
Because MEWPs lift persons, they are subject to the most stringent thorough examination requirements under LOLER 1998:
The 6-monthly thorough examination must be carried out by a competent person independent of the day-to-day user. This is typically an insurance company engineer or an inspection body accredited by SAFed or UKAS. Keep the examination report with the machine and make it available on request.
If a MEWP is hired, check that the thorough examination is current before accepting delivery. The hire company should provide a copy of the latest report.
How to manage MEWP use safely
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1. Assess the task and select the right MEWP
Before hiring or deploying a MEWP, assess the working height, outreach, ground conditions, indoor or outdoor use, and the number of platform occupants. Match these to the correct MEWP type. Record this assessment as part of your work at height risk assessment.
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2. Verify operator competence
Check each operator holds a current IPAF PAL card for the correct MEWP category. Ensure they have been familiarised with the specific make and model. Do not allow untrained persons to operate the MEWP, including using ground-level controls.
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3. Check the LOLER thorough examination is current
Confirm the 6-monthly thorough examination is in date. Check the report for any conditions or recommendations. If hiring, request a copy of the report from the hire company before accepting the machine.
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4. Carry out daily pre-use checks
Before each shift, the operator must complete a pre-use check covering controls, emergency descent, safety devices, tyres or tracks, hydraulic hoses, structural condition, and platform guardrails. Record the check. Do not use the MEWP if any defect is found until it is repaired.
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5. Assess and prepare the ground
Check the ground for load-bearing capacity, slopes, soft spots, drains, buried services, and obstructions. Use outriggers and spreader plates where required. On slopes, check the manufacturer's maximum gradient. Never position a MEWP on ground that cannot support its total weight including platform load.
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6. Establish exclusion zones
Set up barriers and signage to prevent people from entering the area beneath and around the MEWP. This protects ground-level workers from falling objects and from being struck by the moving platform or boom.
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7. Prepare a rescue plan
Before work begins, prepare a written rescue plan for recovering a worker from the platform in an emergency. Consider platform failure, operator illness, entrapment against structures, and power failure. Ensure someone on site is trained to operate the ground-level controls for emergency descent. Do not rely solely on the emergency services.
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8. Monitor weather conditions
Check the forecast before starting and monitor conditions throughout the day. Do not use MEWPs in high winds -- typically above 28 mph (12.5 m/s), though the specific limit depends on the MEWP type and manufacturer guidance. Stop work if conditions deteriorate, including heavy rain reducing visibility or lightning.
Common hazards and how to avoid them
Overturning. The most serious MEWP incident. Caused by operating on unsuitable ground, exceeding platform capacity, or driving with the platform raised. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on ground conditions and travel restrictions.
Entrapment. Workers can be trapped between the platform guardrail and fixed structures such as steelwork, building facades, or overhead beams. Maintain safe clearance distances and plan the work to avoid pinch points. Consider anti-entrapment devices on boom-type MEWPs.
Falling objects. Tools and materials dropped from the platform can injure people below. Use tool lanyards, toe boards, and mesh guards on the platform. Enforce the exclusion zone.
Electrocution. Maintain safe distances from overhead power lines. For voltages up to 33kV, maintain a minimum exclusion zone of 9 metres from the line. Contact the electricity distributor if work must be carried out closer.
What happens next
Once you have MEWP procedures in place, integrate them with your broader work at height management system. For the overarching legal requirements, see Comply with work at height regulations. If your site also uses scaffolding, see Ensure scaffolding safety on your site.