MEWP is the most commonly used term to describe powered access equipment and stands for “mobile elevating work platform”. It can be defined as an aerial work platform, such as a scissor lift or cherry picker, allowing access to hard to reach places, usually at a height. Great care must be taken to select the most appropriate MEWP and ensure that use of the machine is properly planned and managed. MEWP operators should have attended a recognised operator training course and received a certificate listing the categories of MEWP the bearer is trained to operate. In addition to formal training for the type of MEWP, operators should have familiarisation training on the controls and operation of the specific make and model of MEWP they are using.
MEWP Category Course Durations
For more information on minimum AITT course durations then please visit:
https://aitt.co.uk/assets/Uploads/AF020-AITT-Course-Durations-Summary-2020-V8.2.pdf
Novice Course
Before an operator can operate a MEWP they will need to have completed comprehensive training. This course is typically completed over one day and includes both theory and practical training. No previous experience operating MEWP equipment is required. Davies MHE Training LTD follows the guidelines suggested by AITT. During the training course, delegates will be required to complete three basic elements of testing; a theory, pre-use inspection and practical skills test. If delegates are successful in completing all three tests, they will be issued an accredited certificate of basic training from Davies MHE Training LTD.
Novice Course Timings
4 x delegates = 1 day
3 x delegates = 1 day
2 x delegates = 1 day
1 x delegate = 0.5 day
Experienced Course
This course is for existing operators with some previous experience of using a MEWP and is aimed at people who have had previous operating experience, but either do not have a certificate or are unable to provide proof that they held one. The course complies with the standards set in accordance with AITT guidelines.
Experienced Course Timings
4 x delegates = 1 day
3 x delegates = 1 day
2 x delegates = 1 day
1 x delegate = 0.5 day
Refresher Course
This MEWP course is available for those operators with documentary evidence of formal training and who wish to renew their certification to use a MEWP and will include theory instruction and assessment followed by practical operator training and assessment which will comply with the standard laid down by the AITT.
Regular refresher training will ensure operators:
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- maintain good operating habits
- learn new skills where appropriate
- reassess their abilities
Refresher training or retesting might also be appropriate where operators:
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- have not used trucks for some time
- are occasional users
- appear to have developed unsafe working practices
- have had an accident or near miss
- have changed their working practices or environment
Refresher Course Timings
4 x delegates = 1 day
3 x delegates = 1 day
2 x delegates = 1 day
1 x delegate = 0.5 day
How often do I need to provide refresher training?
There is no specific time period after which you need to provide refresher training or formal assessment. However, you may decide that automatic refresher training or a retest after a set period (for example 3-5 years) is the best way to make sure employees remain competent. Where you adopt this approach, you will still need to monitor performance, in case operators need extra training before the set period ends.
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