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GUIDE TO NEW DESIGN,

SAFE-USE AND TRAINING
STANDARDS FOR MEWPS
Canada and the USA, March 2017.
Document version 1.0 www.ipaf.org

CURRENT STANDARDS
In the US and Canada, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), also known as Aerial Work Platforms
(AWPs), are placed into the market under adherence to standards laid out by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) and Canadian Standards Association Group (CSA).
Standards requirements are specified by MEWP type: A92.3 or B354.1 for manually propelled platforms;
A92.5 or CSA B354,4 for boom supported platforms, A92.6 or B354.2 for scissor type platforms and
A92.8 for under bridge inspections devices. Each of these standards dictate requirements for design,
safe-use and training to ensure the safe and effective use of these machines.
These standards allow for uniform guidance in the design and manufacturing of equipment, the planning
and operation for the safe-use of the equipment and training requirements to achieve compliance for
safe and effective use of the equipment throughout North America. Country standards additionally
assign responsibilities of various task to entities based on their roles, of which they may hold several –
manufacturer, dealer, owner, user, operator, lessor, lessee, broker etc.

NEW STANDARDS OVERVIEW

The new ANSI A92 Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Design, Safe-use and Training suite of
standards is set for publication in spring 2017. The CSA standards have now been approved and will be
issued imminently. In both cases the industry will have a 12-month grace period to become compliant.
The new standards are ANSI A92.20 & CSA B354.6: Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements and
Test Methods for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs); ANSI A92.22 & CSA B354.7: Safe Use of
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs); and ANSI A92.24 & CSA B354.8: Training Requirements
for Operators of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
The suite of three new standards begins with the requirements for the design of MEWPs that specifies
design calculations and stability criteria, construction, safety examinations and tests, followed by the
safe-use standard that specifies requirements for application, inspection, training, maintenance, repair
and safe operation, and then the training standard, which provides methods and guidelines to prepare
MEWP training materials, defines administrative criteria, and delivers elements required for proper
training. Compliance with all three standards should ensure the safe and effective use of this equipment.
These standards apply to all MEWPs as specified in the design standard and will ultimately replace the
current standards referenced in the opening section on the effective date (i.e. 12 months after publication).
 GENERAL CHANGES
nn Terminology: Mobile Elevated Work Platform or MEWP [pronounced mee-oop] will be the new universal
term for this equipment, replacing Aerial Work Platform (AWP).
nn The new standards are structured by task (maintenance, inspection, risk assessments, etc.) rather than
by entities (i.e. dealer, user, operator, etc.) – comparing old and new will require thorough review.
nn There are many new and changed terms and definitions throughout the new standards.
nn The new classifications are a combination of group and type – i.e. 1a static vertical (see the diagram
below for a visual guide to the new categorizations).

DESIGN (MANUFACTURER) CHANGES

nn Load sensing: Most machines will actively monitor load and will not operate with normal functionality
if overloaded beyond rated capacity.
nn New wind force requirements: Increased weight and reduced capacities in outdoor conditions.
nn Expect to see foam-filled only (no air-filled) tires on the majority of rough terrain scissors or booms.
nn Entrance gates with toe boards replace chain entrance systems on electric scissors and vertical masts.
Toe boards will be required at entrances on booms.
nn In addition to an audible alarm for tilt sensor, MEWPs will be prevented from certain movement when
reaching allowed limits of chassis inclination.
nn MEWPs that are designed only for indoor use shall be clearly marked.
nn A means shall be provided on the MEWP to mark the date the last annual inspection was performed
and the interval at which future inspections are required.
nn The operator’s manual shall include a listing of MEWP functions, features, operating characteristics,
limitations and devices to be included in familiarization.
nn The new minimum rated load of a MEWP shall be 120kg (264.5lbs).

DEALER/RENTAL COMPANY CHANGES

nn Dealers/rental companies must update training to support new requirements and must ensure training
is provided to their workers to be compliant with the requirements of the new standards.
nn Dealers/rental companies must offer familiarization to those who request it, as opposed to the
previous strict requirement to provide familiarization at each delivery.
nn Dealers/rental companies must train technicians to address load-sensing and other systems and
devices for inspection, maintenance and service as required by the manufacturer under the standard.
nn A new “operation manuals” term and definition is introduced that includes all manuals provided by
the manufacturer that must be maintained on the MEWP. This includes as a minimum the operator’s
manual and manual of responsibilities.
nn The new manual of responsibilities must be placed on all existing MEWPs in use by dealers and
owners, as the safe-use standard applies to both new units and units that are already in use.

2
TRAINING CHANGES
nn Safe use when training shall be in compliance with A92.22/B354.7 Safe-use Standard.
nn Operator training is required by MEWP classification.
nn Training must be offered in a manner and in a language that the trainee can understand.
nn Content of theory and practical training is now clearly defined.
nn Occupant knowledge is also required by the new standard.
nn Supervisor training has now been defined.
nn Administration of training is also defined in the standard.
nn Sample training evaluation sheets and certificate of completion must be offered.

IMPACT FOR END USERS

nn Detailed requirements for operator training must include providing occupants instructions on safe use.
nn There is now a requirement for all personnel who supervise MEWP operators to also undergo training.
nn Users shall ensure training is offered in a manner trainees can understand.
nn Users must evaluate operators on a regular basis and document those evaluations.
nn The standard requires site risk assessments for all MEWP operations, including training.
nn Users must be aware of the impact of design changes (load-sensing, indoor-use-only MEWPs etc.)
on the equipment and on planning, operation and safe use.
nn Users must allow operators time after familiarization to achieve operational proficiency.

BECOMING COMPLIANT THROUGH IPAF TRAINING

The best way to ensure compliance is for operators to hold a PAL Card and supervisors to obtain IPAF’s
MEWPs for Managers (AWPs for Managers) qualification. IPAF PAL Cards use Smart technology,
which can help keep a digital log of what equipment the user has used and where, and can alert the
holder when refresher training is due. PAL Cards can be checked and verified online. Utilizing the
latest generation of online learning tools, IPAF offers operator trainees the option of completing the
theory requirement of their training via interactive eLearning. The benefits of eLearning include:

nn Candidates complete the module online – anytime, anywhere, on any device and at their own pace;
nn Candidates can then complete the supervised hands-on practical test and evaluation at an approved
training center to complete operator training;
nn Operators don’t have to take so much time away from the job to complete training;
nn In most cases, necessary training can be concluded comfortably inside a few hours;
nn Trainees opting for an instructor-led theory course also benefit from sessions enhanced by the
interactive material in the online module.
nn Available in English or Spanish.

In addition, IPAF’s MEWPs for Managers course fulfils the requirement for MEWP supervisor training.
This course is a minimum of four hours and fulfils the requirement for managers/supervisors of
MEWP operators to be trained under the new standards.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Please note this document is intended as an overview of the key changes only in the new standards;
IPAF strongly recommends you read the full version of the new standards on publication. All guidance
and information given in this document was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.
For further information about the new North American MEWP standards, advice about how to become
compliant and membership or training support enquiries, email [email protected] or visit www.ipaf.com