MEWP Training for Scissor Lifts and Boom Platforms
GH Training provides practical operator training for mobile elevating work platforms, including scissor lifts and boom-type cherry pickers.
Courses combine theoretical instruction, practical operation and assessment. Training takes place at customer premises using suitable equipment and a controlled working area.
Call 01925 500796
What Is a MEWP?
MEWP stands for mobile elevating work platform. These machines provide temporary access to elevated work positions and are used in workplaces including warehouses, factories, engineering facilities, construction environments and distribution centres.
Different MEWP types have distinct operating characteristics and hazards. Training must relate to the equipment category an employee will use.
Scissor Lift Training
Scissor lifts raise the platform vertically within the general footprint of the machine. They are often used for:
- Warehouse maintenance
- Lighting and electrical work
- Building services
- Stock or signage installation
- Cleaning at height
- Indoor fitting work
- Construction and refurbishment
Training can cover:
- Pre-use inspections
- Ground and platform controls
- Emergency lowering systems
- Steering and travel
- Positioning the machine
- Raising and lowering the platform
- Platform capacity
- Working around overhead hazards
- Indoor and outdoor operating restrictions
- Safe parking and isolation
The commonly used category description for a mobile vertical platform is 3A.
Boom Lift and Cherry Picker Training
Boom-type MEWPs can extend the platform beyond the machine’s base, providing vertical and horizontal outreach.
They may be used for:
- Building maintenance
- High-level inspection
- Engineering work
- Roof and façade access
- Installation and repair
- Outdoor maintenance
- Work around structures or machinery
Training can include:
- Machine and control functions
- Pre-use checks
- Ground and platform controls
- Boom movement
- Slewing and positioning
- Travelling with the platform lowered or elevated
- Outreach and operating envelope
- Ground conditions and gradients
- Overhead and proximity hazards
- Emergency descent and recovery
The commonly used category description for a mobile boom platform is 3B.
Who Should Attend?
MEWP courses can be arranged for:
- Employees with no previous operating experience
- Existing operators without recognised formal training
- Trained operators changing equipment category
- Previously trained operators requiring reassessment
- Operators moving to an unfamiliar model or workplace
The correct course depends on the candidate’s genuine training history, experience and the equipment they will operate.
Course Options
Novice Training
For employees without previous formal instruction or practical experience on the relevant MEWP category.
Experienced-Operator Training
For suitable candidates with genuine practical experience but no recognised formal training.
Conversion Training
For trained operators moving between categories, such as a scissor lift and a boom-type platform.
Refresher Training
For previously trained operators requiring updated instruction and reassessment.
Familiarisation
For trained operators who need to understand the features, controls, limitations and emergency systems of a particular machine.
Course duration is confirmed after considering equipment type, candidate numbers, experience and workplace conditions.
What Does MEWP Training Cover?
Operator Responsibilities
Candidates learn about:
- Safe use of work equipment
- Following manufacturer instructions
- Site rules and risk controls
- Operator authorisation
- Reporting defects
- Preventing unauthorised use
- Responsibilities when working at height
Pre-Use Inspection
Practical checks may include:
- Tyres, wheels and chassis
- Guardrails and access gates
- Platform condition
- Controls and emergency stops
- Hydraulic systems
- Warning devices
- Safety and limiting systems
- Power source
- Emergency lowering controls
- Rated capacity and information plates
Planning and Positioning
Operators learn to consider:
- Equipment suitability
- Required working height and outreach
- Ground strength and condition
- Slopes and gradients
- Overhead structures
- Vehicle and pedestrian movement
- Restricted spaces
- Wind and weather
- Falling-object risks
- Access and emergency recovery
Practical Operation
Exercises depend on the MEWP category but may include:
- Starting and stopping
- Ground controls
- Platform controls
- Steering and manoeuvring
- Positioning for work
- Raising and lowering
- Boom movement
- Emergency descent
- Safe parking and isolation
Entrapment and Crushing Hazards
A MEWP operator may be trapped between the platform or controls and an overhead structure.
Before work begins, employers and operators should consider:
- Beams, ceilings and pipework
- Doorways and restricted openings
- Racking and machinery
- The operator’s direction of travel
- Control layout
- Distractions and poor visibility
- Suitable secondary protection, where required
- Ground personnel and emergency arrangements
The HSE identifies trapping and overturning as significant MEWP hazards and advises that equipment selection and use must be properly planned and managed. HSE guidance on mobile elevating work platforms
Ground Conditions and Stability
A MEWP should only be used on surfaces suitable for the machine and intended operation.
Assessment should consider:
- Surface strength
- Uneven or soft ground
- Slopes
- Voids and service covers
- Kerbs, edges and excavations
- Outrigger requirements
- Manufacturer limits
- Indoor-only restrictions
- Wind rating
- Nearby vehicle movement
Training supports correct operation, but the employer remains responsible for selecting suitable equipment and planning the work.
Harness and Fall-Protection Arrangements
Personal fall protection requirements differ between scissor lifts and boom-type equipment.
The employer should determine the correct arrangement through:
- Risk assessment
- Manufacturer instructions
- Equipment configuration
- Task and working conditions
- Applicable industry guidance
Where a harness or restraint system is required, users need suitable instruction in its selection, inspection, adjustment, attachment and use.
View Working at Height Awareness Training
Emergency and Rescue Planning
A MEWP should not be used without arrangements for foreseeable emergencies.
The plan should address:
- Failure of normal platform controls
- Emergency lowering
- Operator incapacity
- Entrapment
- Loss of power
- Mechanical failure
- Communication with ground personnel
- Access to the equipment
- Recovery without creating additional risk
A nominated person on the ground should understand the relevant emergency controls. Simply relying on the emergency services is not a complete workplace rescue plan.
Familiarisation With the Actual Machine
A trained operator may still require familiarisation when presented with an unfamiliar model.
Before use, they should understand:
- Control layout
- Emergency systems
- Safety devices
- Operating limits
- Platform capacity
- Travel restrictions
- Indoor or outdoor rating
- Manufacturer warnings
- Charging or refuelling procedure
Training on one MEWP category does not automatically cover every other category.
On-Site Training Requirements
The customer will normally need to provide:
- A safe and serviceable MEWP
- Manufacturer operating instructions
- Current inspection and examination information
- A controlled practical area
- Suitable ground conditions
- Appropriate personal protective equipment
- Any required harness and restraint equipment
- Space to practise emergency procedures
- Sufficient time for instruction and assessment
GH Training will confirm the specific requirements before the course.
Assessment and Employer Authorisation
Candidates complete the relevant theory and practical assessments.
Successful operators receive suitable evidence of training for the category assessed. Employers remain responsible for:
- Machine-specific familiarisation
- Task and site instruction
- Risk assessment
- Equipment selection
- Rescue arrangements
- Formal workplace authorisation
- Monitoring operator performance
Related Workplace Training
Businesses using MEWPs may also require:
- Working at Height Awareness
- Risk Assessment and Method Statement Awareness
- Managing and Supervising MHE
- Forklift and MHE Training
Areas Covered
GH Training delivers on-site courses across:
Arrange MEWP Training
When requesting a quotation, tell us:
- Whether the equipment is a scissor lift or boom
- Manufacturer and model
- Number of candidates
- Previous training and experience
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Work the platform will support
- Workplace location
- Preferred dates
GH Training will review the information and recommend the appropriate training.
Call 01925 500796