Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) Course

Lesson 1 • Industry Roles and Stakeholders

Maps the key personnel involved in safe MEWP operations. Students can identify who authorises, supervises, and operates equipment on a worksite.

Lesson 2 • What Is a MEWP

Defines MEWPs and distinguishes them from other access equipment. Provides the conceptual baseline for all subsequent technical and safety content.

Lesson 3 • MEWP Classification Systems

Explains the international classification of MEWPs by group and type. Enables students to correctly identify equipment before selecting or operating it.

Lesson 1 • Control Systems and Interfaces

Describes ground-level and platform control panels and their functions. Students can operate controls confidently and identify malfunctioning inputs before use.

Lesson 2 • Hydraulic and Power Systems

Explains how hydraulic circuits power lift and drive functions. Students understand system behaviour under load and recognise signs of hydraulic failure.

Lesson 3 • Safety Devices and Interlocks

Identifies built-in safety mechanisms that prevent overload and tip-over. Students understand how interlocks function and why bypassing them is prohibited.

Lesson 4 • Structural Components of a MEWP

Covers the chassis, boom, platform, and outrigger systems. Students gain the vocabulary needed to communicate defects and conduct inspections accurately.

Lesson 1 • Functional Checks and Control Testing

Covers operational tests performed before entering the work platform. Students verify that all controls, alarms, and safety devices respond correctly.

Lesson 2 • Identifying and Reporting Defects

Trains students to classify defects by severity and take appropriate action. Students can distinguish between minor observations and immediate out-of-service conditions.

Lesson 3 • Walk-Around Inspection Sequence

Teaches a structured external inspection routine covering all major components. Students apply a consistent sequence to avoid missing critical defects.

Lesson 1 • Overhead and Proximity Hazards

Addresses electrical lines, structures, and other MEWPs operating nearby. Students apply safe approach distances and exclusion zone principles.

Lesson 2 • Site Survey and Ground Conditions

Covers assessment of ground bearing capacity, slopes, and surface obstructions. Students evaluate whether a site can safely support MEWP deployment.

Lesson 3 • Dynamic Risk Assessment During Operations

Teaches continuous hazard monitoring once work has begun. Students recognise when changing conditions require stopping work and reassessing.

Lesson 4 • Hazard Recognition Fundamentals

Introduces the concept of hazard vs. risk and common MEWP-related hazards. Students build a mental model for proactive hazard spotting on any worksite.

Lesson 1 • Suspension Trauma and Rescue Planning

Addresses the physiological danger of prolonged harness suspension and rescue response. Students describe suspension trauma symptoms and the steps of a prompt rescue.

Lesson 2 • Fall Protection Requirements for MEWPs

Clarifies when fall protection is compulsory and what systems are acceptable. Students understand the regulatory basis and practical rationale for each requirement.

Lesson 3 • Donning and Fitting a Harness

Teaches the correct sequence for putting on and adjusting a full-body harness. Students achieve a properly fitted harness that will perform correctly in a fall.

Lesson 4 • Harness Selection and Inspection

Covers full-body harness types, ratings, and pre-use inspection criteria. Students identify serviceable harnesses and remove defective equipment from service.

Lesson 1 • Setup and Positioning Procedures

Covers site preparation, outrigger deployment, and correct positioning before elevation. Students set up a scissor lift safely on level and slightly uneven ground.

Lesson 2 • Elevating and Working at Height

Teaches controlled elevation, platform positioning, and safe work practices at height. Students apply load management and body positioning rules while elevated.

Lesson 3 • Driving a Scissor Lift Safely

Addresses travel procedures in both stowed and elevated positions. Students apply speed limits, turning techniques, and obstacle avoidance strategies.

Lesson 4 • Scissor Lift Characteristics and Limits

Reviews the specific design features and rated capacities of scissor lifts. Students understand why scissor lifts are suited to certain tasks and not others.

Lesson 1 • Boom Lift Types and Capabilities

Distinguishes articulating from telescopic boom lifts and their respective reach envelopes. Students match boom type to task requirements and site constraints.

Lesson 2 • Working Near Electrical Hazards

Focuses on the elevated risk of electrocution when operating boom lifts near power lines. Students apply approach distance rules and insulation awareness.

Lesson 3 • Emergency Procedures for Boom Lifts

Prepares students for boom entrapment, hydraulic failure, and ground-level emergencies. Students execute rescue and emergency lowering procedures correctly.

Lesson 4 • Boom Sequencing and Movement

Teaches the correct order of boom movements to avoid structural stress and collisions. Students operate boom functions smoothly and within rated envelopes.

Lesson 1 • Emergency Response Framework

Establishes the principles of an effective emergency response plan for MEWP incidents. Students understand their role within the site emergency structure.

Lesson 2 • Post-Operation Shutdown and Handover

Covers the correct sequence for shutting down, securing, and handing over a MEWP. Students leave equipment in a safe state and communicate its condition accurately.

Lesson 3 • Incident Reporting and Investigation

Teaches the process of reporting, preserving evidence, and participating in investigations. Students complete an incident report and understand root cause analysis basics.

Lesson 4 • First Aid Priorities at MEWP Incidents

Identifies the first aid priorities specific to MEWP-related injuries. Students recognise life-threatening conditions and apply immediate care until help arrives.