Working at Height · WAH Regulations

MEWP Training

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms — scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers. Safe working at height for construction, maintenance, and industrial access.

Three Platform Categories

Different machines for different access requirements. We train on all three major MEWP categories.

Vertical Lift Only

Scissor Lifts

Vertical-only lift platforms for level access at height. Available in electric (indoor) and diesel (outdoor) variants. The most common MEWP in warehousing and maintenance.

Common Uses

  • Warehousing and stock management
  • Building maintenance and facilities
  • Installation and fit-out work
  • Painting and decorating at height

Key Hazards

  • Overhead obstructions and crush risk
  • Platform overloading
  • Uneven ground and tip-over
  • Wind exposure on outdoor models
Multi-Directional Reach

Articulating Boom Lifts

Multi-directional reach and height capability. Articulating arms allow operators to reach over and around obstacles — essential for complex access requirements.

Common Uses

  • Construction and structural work
  • Tree surgery and arboriculture
  • Building facade maintenance
  • Signage installation and repair

Key Hazards

  • Ground conditions and stability
  • Overhead power lines (safe distances)
  • Platform stability at full extension
  • Wind speed limits at height
Vehicle-Mounted

Cherry Pickers

Vehicle-mounted platforms — truck-mounted and trailer-mounted variants. Driven to site under their own power, then deployed for access work. Common in utility and highways sectors.

Common Uses

  • Street lighting maintenance
  • Utility and power line work
  • Building access and surveys
  • CCTV and camera installation

Key Hazards

  • Outrigger setup and ground loading
  • Traffic management requirements
  • Overhead clearances on public roads
  • Vehicle stability on gradients

Legislation & Compliance

MEWP operation is governed by multiple regulations. Our training covers all applicable requirements.

Applicable Regulations

All PHW MEWP training is aligned to the following UK legislation and approved codes of practice:

  • WAH 2005 Work at Height Regulations 2005 — primary legislation for any work at height
  • PUWER 1998 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations — operator training and equipment suitability
  • LOLER 1998 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations — thorough examination and safe use
  • HSE L117 Approved Code of Practice — rider-operated lift trucks (where applicable)
  • HASAWA 1974 Health and Safety at Work etc Act — general duties of employers and employees

Choose Your Course

New operator training or refresher — we match the course to your experience level and machine type.

Refresher Training

Half day

For existing MEWP operators due their periodic refresher. Updates knowledge on current regulations, reinforces safe practices, and reassesses competence on the specific platform types used.

  • Legislation and regulation updates
  • Pre-use check refresher
  • Safe operation reassessment
  • Emergency procedures review
  • Updated certificate of competence
£200–300
per operator
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Key Training Content

Comprehensive MEWP training covering legislation, safe operation, emergency procedures, and hazard management.

Work at Height Regulations

WAH 2005 overview, hierarchy of controls, duty to plan and organise, competence requirements.

PUWER & LOLER Requirements

Equipment suitability, thorough examination schedules, operator training obligations, and record-keeping.

Pre-Use Inspection

Structural, hydraulic, electrical, tyres, outriggers, controls, safety devices, and documentation checks.

Ground Conditions

Assessment and setup: load-bearing capacity, gradient limits, outrigger placement, and ground protection.

Safe Operating Procedures

Platform loading limits, correct positioning, travel procedures, and safe working practices at height.

Emergency Lowering & Rescue

Emergency descent procedures, rescue planning, casualty recovery, and reporting requirements.

Weather Restrictions

Wind speed limits by platform type, rain and ice conditions, lightning procedures, and abort criteria.

Exclusion Zones & Pedestrians

Barrier placement, signage, pedestrian management, and safe working distances from the public.

Overhead Hazards

Power line safe distances, structural obstructions, crane interactions, and look-up surveys.

Fall Protection

Harness requirements for boom lifts, guardrail-only platforms, restraint vs fall arrest, and anchor points.

How You Are Assessed

Thorough assessment of theory knowledge, practical operation, and emergency competence.

Theory assessment covering WAH regulations and MEWP-specific hazards
Practical operation on your specific platform types
Emergency lowering and rescue procedure demonstration
Pre-use check demonstration and observation
Certificate of competence issued on successful completion
Full auditable records for HSE and client inspection

Ready to Get Started?

Call or email for a no-obligation quote. We will get back to you within 24 hours.