MEWP Maintenance and Repair

The Importance of Inspections and Regular Maintenance

Every MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) operator is required to perform a pre-operation inspection, and function tests every time he or she is required to perform work on an aerial lift, but when you discover an issue during these critical inspections, what should you do and more importantly, what are you allowed to do?

We are often asked on our Youtube channel, how to repair the machine when an operator discovers a problem.

The answer to this question is simple. 

If you are not a qualified service technician, you are not allowed to perform repairs.

In addition to daily inspections performed by the operator, frequent and annual inspections performed by a qualified service technician are extremely important for operational safety.

Operators are Only Allowed to Perform Basic Maintenance Such as:

Fluid level checks

An operator is allowed to check the following fluid levels and if trained and authorized by the employer, add fluid as needed making sure to use recommended PPE (personal protective equipment) such as safety glasses and appropriate gloves

• Battery electrolyte level

• Engine oil (engine powered lifts)

• Coolant (engine powered lifts)

• Fuel level (LP gas, gasoline or diesel on engine powered lifts)

Check Air in Pneumatic Tires

• If trained and authorized, add air to manufacturer recommended psi.

Operators are Not Allowed to Perform Repairs or Maintenance Beyond Basic Maintenance

OSHA mandates repairs to the MEWP may only be made by a qualified aerial lift service technician according to the manufacturer's specifications.

A good general rule is, if the repair requires a tool, it should not be performed by the operator unless the individual is a qualified MEWP service technician.

MEWP operators are not allowed to perform complex repairs.

Some things an operator is NOT allowed to perform on an aerial lift include but are not limited to:

• Leak repairs
• Structural repairs
• Parts replacement of any kind including limit switches
• Tire and or wheel replacement
• Trouble shooting error codes
• Engine repair
• Ground controls
• Platform controls
• Electrical wiring

If a problem is discovered during routine daily pre operation inspection or function tests, the operator must tag out the machine and report the issue to a supervisor.

The supervisor must then contact the nearest manufacturer authorized repair facility to perform needed repairs.

OSHA rules require only trained and authorized personnel are allowed to operate an MEWP.

Always perform a pre-operation inspection, function test and a workplace inspection prior to performing work on an aerial lift.

Make sure you have the required written safe use plan in place prior to operation of any boom lift, scissor lift or vertical mast lift that includes a comprehensive rescue plan in the event of an operator fall or platform entanglement.

Every operator is ultimately responsible for his or her own safety, so make sure you have been through a comprehensive training program before you operate an MEWP.

Contact Alexander Equipment Rental today to schedule your operator training classes.