MEWP Inspections: Safety & Compliance

Ensuring the Safety and Compliance of Your Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), also known as cherry pickers or aerial work platforms, are invaluable tools for a multitude of tasks at height. However, their very nature, involving lifting people and working in potentially hazardous environments, necessitates a stringent approach to inspection and maintenance. The safe and efficient operation of any MEWP is directly contingent upon its excellent working condition. Neglecting this crucial aspect not only poses significant risks to operators and those below but also exposes businesses to legal repercussions. This article delves into the essential aspects of MEWP inspections, the regulatory framework governing them, and the best practices for ensuring your equipment remains safe, compliant, and operational.

The Critical Importance of MEWP Inspections and Maintenance

Working at height carries inherent risks, and MEWPs are designed to mitigate many of these. However, this safety advantage is only realised when the equipment itself is in optimal condition. A well-maintained MEWP ensures stability, prevents unexpected failures, and allows work to be completed productively and, most importantly, safely. Whether you operate a brand-new machine or a well-used one, a robust programme of inspection and maintenance is vital. It not only safeguards lives but also extends the lifespan and performance of your valuable asset, leading to a better return on investment.

Establishing a comprehensive maintenance strategy is paramount. This should encompass:

• Daily Visual Checks: A quick, thorough inspection conducted by the operator before each use.
• Regular Inspections: More in-depth examinations carried out at predetermined intervals.
• Servicing Schedules: Planned maintenance activities designed to prevent component failure and maintain peak performance.

These programmes must be aligned with the manufacturer's specific instructions and tailored to the particular risks associated with each type of MEWP and its intended use. Crucially, fostering a culture where operators feel empowered and encouraged to report any observed defects or problems is essential. Any reported issues, especially those deemed safety-critical, must be addressed promptly, with the MEWP immediately taken out of service until the defect is rectified.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape: LOLER and PUWER

In the United Kingdom, the use of MEWPs for working at height falls under the purview of two key pieces of legislation: the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Understanding and adhering to these regulations is not optional; it is a legal requirement.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

LOLER specifically addresses equipment used for lifting, which directly applies to MEWPs designed to lift people. The core requirements under LOLER include:

• Safety to Use: All equipment used for lifting people must be safe to use, with all necessary precautions taken to eliminate or significantly reduce risks.
• First-Time Examination: Access equipment must undergo a thorough examination before it is put into service for the very first time.
• Periodic Examinations: For access platforms lifting people, a thorough examination must be carried out every six months. For all other lifting equipment, this interval is 12 months.
• Qualified Person: These examinations and any subsequent servicing must be conducted by a 'competent person' or a 'qualified person' who is independent of the user. A detailed report of the examination must be submitted to the owner or employer.

Adhering to LOLER ensures that the lifting mechanisms and structural integrity of the MEWP are consistently assessed for safety. For further guidance, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publication "Safe use of lifting equipment: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998" is an invaluable resource.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

PUWER, on the other hand, sets out the requirements for ensuring all work equipment is safe to use. Its key servicing requirements for MEWPs include:

• Suitability for Use: The equipment must be suitable for the intended task.
• Safe Condition: It must be used and maintained in a safe condition to prevent risks to health and safety.
• Regular Inspection: MEWPs must be inspected regularly to confirm they remain safe for operation.
• Record Keeping: Inspections should be carried out by a competent person, and a record of these inspections must be kept until the next one is completed.
• Risk Reduction: Mobile access platforms used for carrying people must be fit for purpose, with appropriate measures in place to reduce risks to anyone using the equipment or in the vicinity.

The HSE publication "Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance" provides comprehensive details on PUWER compliance.

What to Inspect: A Comprehensive Checklist Approach

While specific inspection points will vary depending on the MEWP type (e.g., scissor lift, boom lift, vertical mast lift), a thorough inspection generally covers the following critical areas:

Daily Checks: The Operator's First Line of Defence

Before any MEWP is operated, the designated operator must conduct a thorough walk-around inspection. This daily check is a fundamental part of safe operation and should include:

• Visual inspection of the MEWP for obvious damage, leaks, or missing parts.
• Checking fluid levels (hydraulic oil, fuel, coolant).
• Testing brakes and steering.
• Verifying the condition of tyres or tracks.
• Ensuring all safety devices, including emergency stops, are functional.
• Checking the platform and guardrails for integrity.
• Testing all operational controls through their full range of motion (without lifting).
• Confirming the presence and condition of the operator's manual and inspection logbook.

Any defects identified during the daily check must be reported immediately, and the MEWP should not be used until the issue is resolved.

Planned Servicing and Maintenance Agreements

Proactive, planned service and maintenance agreements are the most effective way to ensure ongoing compliance and operational reliability. Many reputable providers offer service contracts that streamline the process of meeting mandatory examination requirements. These agreements typically include:

• Scheduled Inspections: Planning and executing the required LOLER thorough examinations and PUWER inspections at the correct intervals.
• Routine Servicing: Performing preventative maintenance tasks such as lubrication, filter changes, and fluid top-ups.
• Record Management: Providing comprehensive inspection reports and certificates of thorough examination, and managing the schedule for mandatory visits.
• Reminders: Proactively contacting the owner/employer when inspections are due, ensuring no deadlines are missed.

Investing in a planned maintenance agreement not only ensures compliance but also minimises downtime and unexpected repair costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How often does a MEWP need a thorough examination under LOLER?
Under LOLER, MEWPs used for lifting people require a thorough examination every six months. Other lifting equipment has a 12-month interval.

Q2: Who is considered a 'competent person' for MEWP inspections?
A competent person is someone with sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge of the specific type of equipment and relevant legislation to enable them to detect defects or potential failures and assess their significance. This typically means someone with specific training and experience in MEWP maintenance and inspection.

Q3: What are the consequences of not complying with MEWP regulations?
Failure to comply with LOLER and PUWER can lead to significant penalties, including substantial fines, legal action, and prohibition notices that prevent the use of unsafe equipment. More importantly, it drastically increases the risk of serious accidents and injuries.

Q4: Can I perform my own MEWP inspections?
While operators are responsible for daily checks, the formal 'thorough examinations' required by LOLER and the periodic inspections under PUWER must be carried out by a competent person, who is generally independent of the day-to-day user.

Q5: What should I do if I find a defect during a daily inspection?
Immediately report the defect to your supervisor or the designated person responsible for equipment maintenance. Do not operate the MEWP. Tag the equipment as 'out of service' and ensure it is secured to prevent accidental use until it has been inspected and repaired by a competent person.

Conclusion: Prioritising Safety Through Diligent Inspections

Regular and thorough inspections, coupled with diligent maintenance, are fundamental to the safe and legal operation of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms. By understanding and adhering to the requirements of LOLER and PUWER, and by implementing a robust inspection and maintenance regime, businesses can ensure their MEWPs are always fit for purpose. This commitment not only protects the lives and well-being of operators and those in the vicinity but also maximises equipment efficiency, longevity, and overall productivity. Safety should always be the primary consideration when working at height, and a well-maintained MEWP is a cornerstone of that safety strategy.

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