Are there any MEWP Training Requirements in the UK?

Anyone operating a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) needs to have completed relevant training and have the practical skills to use the equipment safely, but there isn’t a single qualification that every MEWP operator must hold. 

Instead, employers are expected to consider the type of MEWP being used, the work being carried out, the risks involved, and the operator's experience before pinpointing the most appropriate training. IPAF operator training is one of the courses often used to demonstrate that MEWP operators are competent.

We’ll explain the main MEWP training requirements UK employers and operators should know before work begins.

MEWP Training Requirements: Key Takeaways

• There isn't a single legally required MEWP qualification for every operator, but employers need to ensure anyone using this equipment is appropriately trained.
• IPAF MEWP operator training courses cover several different equipment categories, such as mobile booms and scissor lifts. 
• Operators also need to be sufficiently familiar with the specific MEWP they will be using, even if they have completed different operator training before, or hold a PAL Card. 
• MEWP training should be reviewed whenever equipment, working conditions, responsibilities or an operator's competence changes, rather than being treated as a one-off requirement.

Is MEWP Training a Legal Requirement in the UK?

Not exactly, because there isn’t a legal requirement for every MEWP operator to hold a specific qualification, such as a IPAF Powered Access License Card. However, employers are obligated to ensure employees have received sufficient training because:

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to ensure that anyone using work equipment has adequate training.
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005 also apply where MEWPs are used for work at height.

Employers should assess the work being undertaken, the equipment being used and the individual's experience before deciding which training courses each staff member might need. They might also want to review our guide to What Height Is Considered Working at Height.

What Training Does a MEWP Operator Need?

The appropriate training depends on the type of MEWP an employee will operate and their responsibilities. IPAF's MEWP operator training is designed for people who need to safely operate a MEWP. This entry-level programme doesn’t require previous experience and covers areas such as:

• Pre-use checks
• Machine familiarisation
• Safe MEWP operation
• Worksite inspections
• Key hazards and control measures
• Category-specific machine features and controls
• Practical operation and testing

Successful delegates receive an electronic Powered Access License (PAL) qualification for the categories they have completed, accessible via the IPAF ePAL smartphone app.

Kentec Training offers a range of IPAF MEWP operator courses covering different machine categories.

What Are the IPAF MEWP Categories?

IPAF training is divided into categories based on the equipment being operated. Some of the more common MEWP categories include:

The category an operator trains for should reflect the equipment they are expected to use.

For example, someone who operates a mobile scissor lift may need 3A training, while an employee operating a mobile boom may require 3B training. Someone who needs to operate both types may have to complete training covering both categories.

What Training Do MEWP Managers and Supervisors Need?

Not everyone involved with MEWPs operates the equipment, and managers and supervisors responsible for planning, organising or overseeing work that involves MEWPs often require different training from their teams. 

One option may be IPAF MEWPs for Managers training, which is designed for people responsible for controlling work involving MEWPs, and focuses on topics such as:

• Planning MEWP operations
• Selecting suitable equipment
• Identifying hazards
• Assessing risks
• Managing MEWP operations
• Understanding relevant responsibilities
• Emergency and rescue planning

Organisations are advised to think both about operator training and management-level courses, ensuring that anyone with responsibility for MEWP operations receives sufficient training. 

Do MEWP Operators Need Harness Training?

It depends on the type of MEWP and the work being carried out. Harnesses and lanyards may be required when operating certain boom-type MEWPs, and employers need to determine the fall protection arrangements through their risk assessment and the manufacturer's instructions.

Kentec provides IPAF Harness Training for people who need the relevant knowledge and skills.

For more guidance about safe operation and working at height, see Guidance for Safe Work at Height in MEWPs.

Steve Booker, Managing Director at Kentec Training, explains, ‘MEWP training will always depend on the actual work employees are doing, and the equipment they’re using. 

Employers often recognise that staff need operator qualifications, but also shouldn’t overlook the impact of site conditions, how work is being supervised, how familiar employees are with the machinery, and what happens if something goes wrong.’

Choosing the Right MEWP Training for Your Workforce

MEWP training requirements will vary depending on the equipment being used and the responsibilities of the people involved.

The important thing is to make sure employees have the training, knowledge and practical competence required for the work they are expected to perform.

Kentec Training offers a range of IPAF MEWP training courses for operators, managers and other powered access professionals.

If you're unsure which MEWP training your workforce needs, contact Kentec Training to discuss your requirements.

Related Guides and Resources

• Health and Safety Executive: Working at Height
• Health and Safety Executive: Using Work Equipment Safely
• IPAF: MEWP Operator Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MEWP Training a Legal Requirement in the UK?

There isn’t a law that sets out universal requirements for all MEWP operators. However, the onus is on the employer to ensure all employees who use these types of equipment have the necessary training and skills to do so safely.

Do I Need IPAF Training to Operate a MEWP?

Many MEWP operators complete IPAF training because this is a recognised type of MEWP operator programme, but the regulations don’t specify which course or training schedule operators have to attend.

Instead, employers are obligated to ensure their staff are appropriately trained and competent, although some businesses, contractors and work sites may dictate that all operators must hold IPAF certification or a PAL Card within their internal policies.