MEWP Operator Safe Use Planning Guide

OSHA requires all employers that direct personnel to operate a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) such as boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts, must have a written Safe Use Plan in place.

Operating any MEWP has inherent hazards associated with it that require control measures implemented in conjunction with proper training, common sense and planning.

It cannot be overemphasized that each individual must receive proper classroom training that includes:

• The 5 Principals of Safe Machine Operation,

• The responsibilities of the entities involved in manufacturing, delivering and providing a machine which meets industry, dimensional, operational, structural and quality standards,

• How to determine if the machine has been properly maintained and safety inspected,

• The importance of the model specific operator's manual and ANSI responsibilities manual,

• The hazards associated with operating MEWP's.

It is critical that employees required to operate these machines be physically fit, trained, and familiarized in the intended use and safe operation of the specific aerial lift they are required to use in the performance of the task at hand.

A Safe Use Plan Must be Developed by the User

The User is defined as the person or persons who are in the position of directing operators to perform work. Most commonly this is the employer.

A Safe Use Plan must include but not be limited to the following:

1. Performing a Site Risk Assessment* to identify hazards, evaluate risk, develop control measures and communicate with everyone involved.
2. Planning of the operation including rescue plans for the safe recovery of the persons and or MEWP in the event of an emergency.
3. The selection, provision and use of the right MEWP for the job and associated equipment.
4. Access, preparation and maintenance of the site including an assessment the support surface is adequate to support the weight of the MEWP.
5. MEWP maintenance including repairs and inspections required by the applicable standards and by the manufacturer.
6. Allowing only trained and authorized personnel to operate and or occupy the MEWP.
7. Ensure that all authorized MEWP operators have been familiarized with the specific make and model of MEWP they are required to operate.
8. Inform operators of local site requirements and warn and provide means to protect against identified hazards in the areas where the MEWP will be operated.
9. Have a trained and qualified supervisor to monitor the performance or the work of the operator to ensure compliance of the applicable standards.
10. Prevention of unauthorized use of the MEWP.
11. Safety of persons not involved in the operation of the MEWP.
12. Proper documentation and record retention.

*Before a job starts and periodically throughout a long-term job, the risk assessment must be reviewed to determine if any part of the job or work environment has changed and how it could affect the safety of the operation. If any modifications to the risk assessment are required, these must be communicated to everyone involved prior to resuming the job.

Please note that the above guide is meant to be a reference and starting point for the actual required written SAFE Use Plan all employes must have in place. It is not by itself constitute a Safe Use Plan.

For more information on how to develop you federally mandated safe use plan click here.