What is a MEWP? Your Complete Guide to Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

What is a MEWP?

A Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is a versatile machine designed to provide safe access to elevated areas. These powered access platforms are essential for tasks that require working at height, offering a much safer and more efficient alternative to static equipment like ladders or scaffolding.

MEWPs come in a variety of designs to suit different applications, including models with various platform sizes, outreach capabilities and heights. Commonly used in construction, facilities management and mechanical engineering, MEWPs are indispensable for tasks such as maintenance, inspection and installation.

In addition to their flexibility, MEWPs are built with safety in mind. Features like guardrails and secure platforms reduce risks for operators, while their mobility allows for easy movement across job sites. However, it’s critical that only trained professionals operate MEWPs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and preventing accidents.

Why Are MEWPs So Essential?

MEWPs are crucial for industries like CleanTech, where they support tasks such as installing renewable energy systems, maintaining carbon capture infrastructure and facilitating net-zero projects. In other sectors, such as facilities management, they are ideal for building maintenance, HVAC repairs and lighting installations. Their ability to operate in tight spaces and on uneven terrains makes them invaluable for many jobs.

What Are the Different Types of MEWPs?

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) come in a variety of types, each suited to specific applications. Understanding the differences between these machines is crucial for selecting the right equipment for the job.
Here are the most common types of MEWPs:

Scissor Lifts

What Is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are among the most recognisable MEWPs due to their distinctive mechanism, which raises the platform vertically like the blades of a pair of scissors. These machines are ideal for tasks that require stability and vertical reach, such as:

• Building maintenance
• Electrical installations
• Fit-outs and inspections
• Installing racking systems in warehouses
• HVAC system repairs
• Working on signage or lighting systems
• Painting and decorating
• Window cleaning for low to mid-rise buildings
• Piping and ductwork installation
• Facade repairs and maintenance

Advantages: Scissor lifts are sturdy, can handle heavy loads, and reach heights of over 70 feet. They are powered by diesel, electric batteries or bi-fuel systems, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Want to know more? Read our comprehensive guide to scissor lifts.

Boom Lifts (Cherry Pickers)

What Is a Cherry Picker?

Cherry pickers, also known as boom lifts, feature an extendable arm that provides enhanced reach and flexibility. Their ability to swivel 360 degrees makes them perfect for accessing hard-to-reach areas in construction or events.

Applications:

• Building repairs and cleaning
• Filming and events
• Installation work
• Tree pruning and landscaping
• Roof inspections and gutter cleaning
• Supporting CleanTech installations, such as solar panels or wind turbines
• Steel frame erection
• Safety netting installation
• Bridge inspections and maintenance
• Signage installation and maintenance

Personnel Lifts

What Are Personnel Lifts?

Personnel lifts are compact and agile MEWPs designed for indoor use in confined spaces. These lifts consist of a platform attached to a raising and lowering mechanism, which allows the operator to perform tasks directly above their position. Their lightweight and manoeuvrable design makes them an excellent choice for environments where larger equipment cannot be used.

Applications:

• Lighting maintenance
• Stocktaking
• Simple installations
• Cleaning high surfaces, such as ceilings and upper walls
• CCTV maintenance
• Accessing confined spaces in narrow aisles or crowded areas
• Maintenance tasks in schools and colleges, such as repairing ceiling tiles or servicing HVAC systems
• Event setup in school or college auditoriums, such as installing lighting and sound equipment
• Replacing or maintaining smoke detectors and fire alarms
• Installing festive decorations in shopping centres, hotels, and public spaces

Push Around Platforms

What Are Push Around Platforms?

Push around platforms are lightweight, manually operated MEWPs that rely on the operator to move them into position. These platforms are an excellent choice for environments where powered equipment is impractical or unnecessary. They are powered only when raising or lowering the platform, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for small-scale tasks.

Applications:

• Painting and decorating
• Cleaning services
• Electrical repairs
• Accessing restricted areas in cleanrooms
• Changing ceiling tiles in office spaces
• Inspection of small-scale indoor equipment
• Retail store shelf stocking and arrangement
• Maintenance in healthcare facilities where noise must be minimised
• Installing or adjusting interior signage
• Installing seasonal decorations in office buildings and retail stores

Choosing the Right MEWP

How to Select the Perfect MEWP for Your Needs

Selecting the right Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is crucial for ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. With so many types available, understanding your project requirements will help you make the best choice.

Factors to consider when choosing a MEWP:

• Application type: Determine the specific task. For example, scissor lifts are ideal for vertical work on stable surfaces, while boom lifts are better suited for extended reach or tight areas. For extraordinary height requirements, boom lifts like the Snorkel 2100SJ can reach a working height of 216 feet.
• Working height and outreach: Assess how high and far you need to reach. Scissor lifts, such as the Dingli 3730HRT, offer a working height of 37 metres, making them the tallest in their category. For tasks exceeding this, telescopic boom lifts like the JLG 1850SJ are perfect for reaching extreme elevations.
• Terrain type: Consider whether the work will be indoors, outdoors or on uneven ground. Electric scissor lifts are perfect for indoor use, while rough terrain boom lifts excel outdoors.
• Power source: Choose between diesel, electric and bi-fuel options. Indoor projects benefit from electric or battery-powered MEWPs, while outdoor worksites may require diesel-powered options.
• Safety features: Prioritise MEWPs with guardrails, non-marking tyres and stabilisers to ensure safety during operation.
• Frequency of use: For one-off projects, hiring a MEWP is practical. For ongoing needs, buying a MEWP may provide better long-term value.
• Industry-specific needs: Facilities management tasks often require compact lifts for indoor maintenance, while CleanTech projects benefit from boom lifts for renewable energy installations.

Safety and Training for MEWP Operation

Why Is Safety Training Essential?

Operating a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) requires proper training to ensure safety and compliance with legal regulations. MEWPs can be complex machines, and without sufficient training, operators risk accidents that could harm personnel and damage equipment.

Key considerations for MEWP safety and training:

• Operator Training: Certification programs such as IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) provide the skills necessary to operate MEWPs safely and efficiently.
• Pre-Operational Checks: Conducting regular inspections before use helps identify any faults or potential risks.
• Rescue Plans: Operators should have a clear plan in place to respond to emergencies, such as platform malfunctions or entrapment.
• Site Assessments: Evaluating the worksite conditions ensures that the correct MEWP is chosen for the terrain and tasks involved.
• Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring operators wear appropriate PPE, such as harnesses and helmets, to enhance safety during operation.
• Understanding Load Limits: Operators must be aware of the MEWP’s load capacity to prevent overloading, which can lead to equipment failure or accidents.
• Environmental Considerations: Assessing weather conditions and other environmental factors that could impact the safe operation of MEWPs.
• Maintenance and Inspections: Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are vital to ensure the MEWP remains in safe working condition.
• Security Measures: Implementing security protocols to prevent unauthorised use of MEWPs, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of training, inspections, and maintenance activities to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Applications of MEWPs in Different Industries

Versatile Solutions for Every Sector

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are indispensable tools across a wide range of industries. Their versatility, safety features and efficiency make them a preferred choice for completing tasks at height.

Key industries that rely on MEWPs include:

• Facilities Management (FM):
  MEWPs are widely used for routine building maintenance, HVAC system repairs, and lighting installations in offices, retail spaces and educational institutions.
• Construction:
  From steel frame erection to roofing and cladding, MEWPs play a critical role in safe and efficient construction workflows.
• CleanTech:
  MEWPs are essential for installing and maintaining renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as supporting carbon capture projects.
• Warehousing and Logistics:
  MEWPs assist in racking installations, stocktaking, and maintaining high-level infrastructure, improving operational efficiency in warehouses.
• Manufacturing:
  In manufacturing plants, MEWPs are used for machine repairs, ductwork installation and maintenance of high-level equipment.
• Events and Entertainment:
  Setting up lighting rigs, stages, and sound systems for events often requires the reach and flexibility of boom lifts or personnel lifts.
• Retail:
  MEWPs are invaluable for fitting out new stores, maintaining display lighting and installing signage in shopping centres and retail spaces.
• Healthcare:
  In hospitals and healthcare facilities, MEWPs facilitate HVAC maintenance, ceiling repairs and other essential tasks where noise and disruption must be minimised.
• Public Infrastructure:
  MEWPs are used for bridge inspections, streetlight repairs and maintenance of public buildings.
• Aviation:
  Aircraft maintenance, hangar work and terminal upkeep often require MEWPs to safely access elevated areas.

Hiring vs Buying MEWPs

Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

When deciding whether to hire or buy a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project, budget, and frequency of use. Both options have distinct advantages depending on your situation.

Why Choose to Hire a MEWP?
Hiring a MEWP is ideal for short-term or one-off projects. It allows access to a wide range of equipment without the need for long-term storage or maintenance responsibilities. Common benefits include:

• Cost-effectiveness: Avoids the significant upfront investment required for purchasing equipment.
• Access to the latest technology: Rental companies often provide the newest models with advanced features.
• Flexibility: Ability to select different types of MEWPs tailored to specific project needs.
• Maintenance-free: Rental agreements typically include maintenance, reducing downtime and repair costs.
• No depreciation concerns: Eliminates worries about equipment losing value over time.
• Storage solutions: No need to allocate space for storing equipment when not in use.
• Compliance assurance: Rental companies ensure equipment meets current safety standards and regulations.
• Training opportunities: Some rental services offer operator training, enhancing safety and efficiency.
• Scalability: Easily adjust equipment inventory based on project demands.
• Tax benefits: Rental expenses can often be deducted as operational costs.

When deciding whether to hire or buy a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project, budget, and frequency of use. Both options have distinct advantages depending on your situation.

Why Choose to Buy a MEWP?
Purchasing a MEWP is a cost-effective solution for businesses with frequent or ongoing requirements for working at height. Advantages include:

• Long-term savings: More economical over time for regular use.
• Immediate availability: Equipment is always on hand, eliminating potential rental delays.
• Customisation: Ability to modify equipment to meet specific operational needs.
• Asset value: Equipment can be listed as a company asset, potentially improving balance sheets.
• Tax incentives: Capital allowances may be available for purchased equipment.
• Operational control: Full authority over maintenance schedules and usage.
• Branding opportunities: Customise equipment with company branding for enhanced visibility.
• Predictable costs: Avoids variable rental fees, aiding in budget planning.
• Residual value: Potential to recoup some investment through resale.
• Enhanced training: Ownership allows for in-depth operator training specific to the equipment.