Understanding MEWP Occupant Training Requirements
Personnel who have not completed comprehensive aerial lift operator training are allowed in the work platform, but only to assist a qualified operator.
Before entering, these occupants must be given a basic level of instruction to ensure they can work safely on the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).
It is the responsibility of the trained operator to verify that all occupants in the platform have received adequate guidance to avoid hazards associated with aerial lift operation.
Basic Instructions That Must Be Given to Untrained Occupants
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operators should ensure all occupants wear appropriate PPE, such as:
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Class 2 hi-visibility clothing
Additionally, fall protection – including a full-body harness with proper lanyards (fall arrest and fall restraint) – must be worn on all boom lifts.
Operators should point out the factory-installed anchor points on the machine. On scissor lifts, personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) is required if the job site mandates it.
2. Stability Awareness
Occupants must understand how their actions can affect the machine’s stability.
The trained operator should clearly explain that:
- No horseplay is allowed in the platform
- Sudden or improper movements can cause the MEWP to tip over
3. Safe Use of Accessories and Tools
Occupants should be instructed on the safe use of tools and accessories they are required to use including:
- Proper plug-in locations for extension cords at the machine base and platform receptacle.
- Never drape extension cords over guardrails.
- The danger of dropping tools or accessories from height.
4. Site-Specific Safety Rules
The qualified operator must review all site-specific rules and procedures the occupant must follow, which may include:
- The need for a spotter during setup or machine movement
- Additional PPE requirements for hazardous work areas
5. Hazard Identification and Avoidance
Occupants must be instructed how to identify the hazards related to the task at hand and how to avoid:
- Tip-over hazards
- Fall hazards
- Collision hazards
- Electrocution hazards
The qualified operator must emphasize control measures to mitigate these hazards.
6. Manufacturer Warnings and Decals
Operators must ensure that occupants understand all manufacturer warnings, including:
Danger, Warning, Caution, and Notice decals on the machine.
7. Emergency Operation Knowledge
At least one occupant must be instructed on how to operate the platform controls in an emergency if the operator becomes incapacitated.
The Bottom Line
So, are untrained occupants allowed in a MEWP platform?
✅ Yes – but only under specific conditions.
They must:
- Be accompanied by a trained and qualified operator, and
- Receive basic safety instructions before entering the platform.
By following these rules, operators can help ensure safe aerial lift operation and compliance with OSHA and ANSI MEWP standards.
