New ANSI Standards for MEWP's

There have recently been changes that have been made to the ANSI Standards for MEWP’s (Mobile Elevating Working Platforms) that will affect all owners, operators and supervisors of aerial working platforms. The training has been increased in length in time to complete in all the areas of training; classroom time, written test, and the hands-on test. If an operator is going to operate any of the new Type/Group of MEWP, they must have proof of hands on testing on that Type/Group of MEWP. Machines are now divided up by “Groups” and sub-divided into “Types” rather than being classified by equipment type.  There is a two page form that will now need to be completed and retained for each Type/Group that the person would like to be certified on.

MEWP Groups

Group A = Machine moves vertically but within the tipping lines. Example is a scissor lift.

Group B = Machine can move past the tipping lines (outriggers or wheels). Example is a boom lift.

MEWP Types

Type 1 = Machine may only been drive with the platform in its stowed position

Type 2 = Machine may be driven while elevated but it is controlled from the chassis

Type 3 = Machine may be driven while elevated, even if it is controlled from the working platform

Who is effected?

Dealers & Rental Companies

• Update training procedures to support new requirements
• Offer familiarization to customers when they buy or rent equipment
• Technicians must be trained on new machine features
• Update on-board manuals of responsibilities

Owners & Operators

• The new training requirements must be met
• More consideration must be given when deciding on machine
• Train and perform risk assessments for all MEWP operations on a job site 

What does this all mean?

All training must be given by someone who is qualified and experienced with the particular classification of MEWP on which training is given. They must be knowledgeable about the manufacturer’s requirements, laws & regulations, safe use practices, recognition and avoidance of hazards as they relate to MEWPs. The training for MEWP operators is still mandatory but now this requirement extends beyond operators to include other. This would include supervisors, occupants, and maintenance and repair personnel, who would come into contact with a MEWP on the job site.

In addition to the training, new features about the updated standards that operators should be aware about is occupant knowledge. The Standards say that the operator is now responsible for any occupants he takes up into a lift. The operator is responsible for providing knowledge to the occupants should something happen to him while up in in the air and they need to get down. In the past, there were no specific responsibilities to provide knowledge to others.

At Best Line Equipment, safety comes first before anything else. We offer training certifications for Mobile Elevating Working Platforms to both our employees and customers so that they can be up to date with their compliance.  We want all of our employees and customers to go home to their families in the same or better condition than they started the day in. Take the time to educate yourself of these new standards. If you would like to learn more about the new ANSI Training Standards, please visit https://www.jlg.com/en/destination/ansi/training.