Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are aerial lifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other man lifts. Before March 1, 2020, these lifts are defined as aerial work platforms (AWPs.). However, the (American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards A92.22-2018 and A92.24-2018 were recently updated to include new safety, training, and maintenance guidelines for aerial work platforms. Part of this update includes the new MEWP definition. All of these updates impact the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines for aerial lift operation.
However, whatever a scissor lift or aerial lift is called – AWP, MEWP, manlift, etc. – one thing is certain: all employers MUST provide 100% OSHA compliant training (including the new ANSI updates) by March 1, 2020. After that date, all current training is obsolete and outdated.
What is MEWP certification?
MEWP certification is the training, instruction, and evaluation process to ensure anyone that operates a mobile elevating work platform (aerial lift, scissor lift, man lift, boom lift, cherry picker, etc.) is fully trained on the most up-to-date safety standards. Without MEWP certification, a worker can’t legally operate an aerial lift.
What does MEWP mean?
“MEWP” means mobile elevating work platform. This definition surfaced with the ANSI A92.22-2018 and A92.24-2018 updates, which are included with OSHA safety standards effective March 1, 2020. MEWPs are machines for moving people tools or materials to working positions that has a platform with controls and extending structure and chassis. Essentially, think of MEWPs as aerial lifts, man lifts, cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and other AWPs.
How long is MEWP training?
MEWP certification and training takes only a few hours with our course – in many cases, even less time! Once your employees have reviewed training content and take the written test, you’ll evaluate what they learned in the MEWPs at your facility. MEWP training takes much less time than many employers think, especially if their workers pick up quickly on safety concepts and other OSHA / ANSI standards.
How long does a MEWP certificate last?
MEWP certification lasts three years. After three years, your employees need re-certified. With our program, this is included at no extra charge!
How long should I retain MEWP certification and training records?
This documentation should be kept on file for four years.
Is a scissor lift a MEWP?
Yes, a scissor lift is considered an MEWP. Some employees are confused about this designation, but scissor lifts are defined as a “mobile” work platform by the updated ANSI standards. While most scissor lifts aren’t as mobile as many other types of MEWPs and aerial lifts, they still fall under the broad definition as an MEWP and, as such, are subject to the same training and safety standards.
What are the classifications of MEWPs?
Scissor lift:
Type 3 ** MEWP for which traveling with the work platform in the elevated travel position is controlled from the platform
Group A** MEWP when elevated stays within tipping lines at all allowable inclinations.
Boom lift:
Type 3 ** MEWP for which traveling with the work platform in the elevated travel position is controlled from the platform
Group B ** MEWPs boom types that reach beyond center mass.
Training must be performed on the same type and group of MEWP to be operated, and only authorized trained personnel can operate MEWPs.
If you have any other MEWP certification questions, or would like to know more about mobile elevating work platforms, contact us today, or register your company for FREE and improve your company’s safety program immediately! Thanks for considering CMO for your complete OSHA compliance and MEWP certification needs!
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