MEWPs - The New Standard

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) is the new term for all aerial work platforms and lifts as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) updated its A92 standard in 2021. Now all MEWPs are classified in groups with updated design, use, and training standards. Let’s refresh ourselves on what these groups include, along with the changes in each standard.
 
MEWP Groups
Under the new standard, MEWPs are broken down into two groups:

• Group A – the work platform only moves vertically (ex. scissor and vertical lifts)
• Group B – the work platform can move in all directions (ex. aerial and boom lifts)

Alongside these group classifications, each group is broken down further into type categories:

• Type 1 – controlled manually and can only move while in the stowed position
• Type 2 – controlled from the chassis and can move in a vertical position
• Type 3 – controlled from the work platform and can move in a vertical position

These new classifications were created to assist in the updated operation and training standards.
 
Design Standard (A92.20)
With an updated standard comes new safety features for manufacturers. Some of these new features include:

• Alarm sensors that don’t allow the machine to operate if the safe load limit is exceeded
• A tilt sensor that alarms if the safe level of slope is exceeded
• An updated work platform that includes a gate, center rail, and toe guards to enclose the platform (chains no longer acceptable). Railings must now be 43.5” in height compared to the previous 39”
• Solid or foam tires for rough-terrain MEWPs to improve stability

 
Safe Operation Standard (A92.22)
As new designs are implemented, proper operating techniques must be updated to include these changes. The updated operation procedures now include training regarding the alarm sensors, Safe Use Plans for proper MEWP selection, and written Rescue Plans that include rescues from falls and breakdowns at heights.
 
Training Standard (A92.24)
ANSI has said that all MEWP training needs to be updated to reflect the group classifications and the operating standards. Alongside the updated training, all operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel are required to participate in a two-part training that provides theory (written course) and a hands-on evaluation. While ANSI did not specify an expiration of this training, many will continue to utilize a three-year period before a refresher course is required.
 
As this standard pushes forward new safety and training features, the goal of no accidents in the workplace can hopefully be closer to achieved. To keep the conversation going, download the Aerial Lifts Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

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