MEWPS are very popular pieces of machinery used in many different industries, such as construction and power. But exactly what is a MEWP? In order to answer that, we must first understand what it stands for!
What does MEWP stand for?
It stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. It is an acronym often used in the construction industry and such alike. It’s also used as a general term referring to aerial work platforms, which are simply platforms that help people work at heights!
What is a MEWP?
A Mobile Elevating Work Platform is a piece of machinery used to lift people up to allow them to work at heights. They are extremely useful pieces of equipment that allow workers to operate at different heights.
They are platforms that can be used by those in construction for example, that need to work high up, such as on the side of tall buildings. These platforms make it safe for workers to carry out this work, even at dangerous heights.
Examples of such platforms are boom lifts and scissor lifts. A cherry picker is also a mobile elevating work platform. The term applies to all types of these platforms. If you’d like to learn more about
Different types of MEWPs: Access Platforms, Scissor Lifts, Boom Lifts, Cherry Pickers., stick booms, spider lifts and more.
What are MEWPs Used For?
They are used to elevate workers up to a height they need to access for something such as working on overhead cables, working on tall buildings and things like that.
They are used in many industries to ensure workers can safely access areas that they need to. For example, if a worker needed to access and work on some overhead cables, but it was unsafe to use a ladder or other equipment in that situation, it would be used to provide safe access to the high up area.
What is MEWP equipment?
MEWP equipment refers to all the different types of mobile elevating work platforms available. There are many different types, such as boom lifts and scissor lifts, and MEWP equipment is a term used for all. Mobile elevating work platform equipment also refers to all additional equipment that might be used and associated with these type of platforms. Take a look at our article on scissor lifts if you’d like to learn more about another type of MEWP!
Do I Need to Wear a Harness in a MEWP?
Generally, it is highly recommended to wear a harness in a MEWP. But it is dependent on the environment you’re working in, the specific platform you’re working on, and many other aspects.
In order to determine whether a safety harness needs to be used in a mobile elevating work platform, a risk assessment should be carried out prior to using the equipment. This will allow you to foresee any possible risks in the situation and tell you whether a safety harness should be working in the platform.
If a safety harness is worn in a situation, it must be worn correctly to avoid unsafe use. Head over to our training page to find out more about our harness use and inspection course that trains users to select, inspect and use a harness safely when using a mobile elevating work platform!
Who can drive a MEWP and do I need a license to drive one?
Anyone with a valid license can drive a MEWP. You will need to acquire an IPAF (international Powered Access Federation) MEWP operator license in order to use a mobile elevating work platform.
These can be obtained through successfully completing the MEWP operator course. To find out more about that course, head over to our MEWP training page! There are several different types of course, so take a look at the ones we offer.
What is MEWP Training?
MEWP training is the process of being trained to use the platform equipment safely. As there are several different types of MEWPs in different categories, it’s important to be able to operate them safely, so make sure that whichever category of MEWP you work with is covered in the training course! You can find out more about our MEWP courses here!
How Long Does A MEWP License last?
A mobile elevating work platform operator license lasts for 5 years. After this period, you’ll need to be re-assessed. But it’s important to always check your license duration before taking the course, as well as regularly keep up to date and on top of your training to ensure you are always prepared to use a MEWP safely.
How Long Does MEWP Training Last?
After being trained your license will last for 5 years. The process of the training will vary depending on which course you do, in most cases they last 1 day.
How Often Should MEWPs be inspected & How Often Should Checks on them be Made?
They should be inspected before every use. This can normally be done in the morning before the the platform is used that day.
When the MEWP is inspected, the inspection should be documented and recorded. The MEWP should be thoroughly examined when being inspected and checks for any deterioration in the equipment should be carried out.
What is a mEWP ticket?
A license is often referred to as a MEWP ticket. It’s just another term used to talk about having a license to operate a mobile elevating work platform, in you have a ticket.
Other Things to Consider when Choosing a MEWP
You should always take your working environment into consideration when hiring or buying a Mobile elevating work platform. This is because not every platform can fit into every area, in some cases, you might need to get a small platform. Ensuring this is followed will prevent any incidents from happening in the workplace. We hope that this article has helped you find all the information you need on MEWPs.