Safety Guidelines for MEWPS: A Guide for Equipment Rental Operations

Story and photos by JLG Industries

In the equipment rental industry, the safe use and operation of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is paramount. These versatile machines, which enable renters to perform tasks at height safely and efficiently, require careful attention to safety protocols and operational best practices. Rental operations play a crucial role in promoting these safety practices on job sites by ensuring customers understand and implement these guidelines.

Here's a guide to key safety considerations for rental operations to follow and communicate with customers.

Annual Machine Inspections

Maintaining a rigorous inspection schedule is one of the most critical aspects of MEWP safety. Industry standards require annual machine inspections to be performed no later than 13 months from the date of the prior annual inspection. These inspections must be conducted by qualified personnel with the expertise to inspect the specific make and model of MEWP.

A qualified inspector should verify that:

• All components included in frequent inspections are examined
• Manufacturer-specified items for annual inspection are checked
• The MEWP is properly registered with its manufacturer
• All open safety-related bulletins have been addressed
• Any identified malfunctions or problems are corrected before returning the equipment to service.

Environmental Considerations

Since MEWPs are frequently required to operate in challenging weather conditions and varying climates, understanding and adhering to temperature limitations is crucial for maintaining both equipment performance and workplace safety.

For example, MEWPs are typically designed to operate within specific temperature ranges, generally between 0°F (-20°C) and 104°F (40°C). When operating in extreme conditions:

For cold weather operations:

• Consider cold weather packages for temperatures below 0°F (-20°C)
• Never operate equipment below -40°F (-40°C)
• Use appropriate engine and hydraulic oils based on ambient temperatures.

For hot weather operations:

• Utilize hydraulic oil cooler packages when working above 100°F (38°C)
• Avoid operation in temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C)
• Monitor hydraulic oil temperatures, especially during extended operation.

Tire and Rim Safety

As the critical point of contact between the MEWP and the ground, proper tire and rim maintenance is fundamental to both machine stability and safe operation, particularly when working at height.

The condition and maintenance of tires significantly impact both MEWP performance and stability. 

Key considerations include:

• Conduct daily tire inspections as part of pre-operation checks
• Maintain proper tire pressures according to manufacturer specifications
• Monitor foam-filled tires for damage, cuts, or tears
• Replace tires when they show signs of significant wear or damage
• Ensure replacement tires match original specifications for size, ply rating and load capacity
• Use manufacturer-approved tire fill materials when replacing pneumatic tires with foam-filled options.

Safe Parking Procedures

Proper positioning and shutdown procedures at the end of operations or during work breaks are essential steps in preventing accidents and protecting both equipment and personnel from potential hazards.

When parking MEWPs, operators should follow these essential steps:

1. Select a well-protected area for parking
2. Fully retract and lower the boom over the rear axle
3. Shut down all controls systematically
4. Engage all emergency stops
5. Position platform/ground select switches to OFF
6. Protect control panels from environmental exposure
7. If space constraints require parking with an elevated boom, ensure it remains retracted.

Transportation Safety

Proper preparation and securing of MEWPs for transport between job sites is equally critical as operational safety, requiring careful attention to manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices. When preparing MEWPs for transport, consider following these recommended guidelines.

Tie-Down Procedures:

• Position the unit in its stowed configuration
• Engage turntable locks when equipped
• Secure the machine at designated tie-down points
• Use adequately rated tie-down equipment
• Remove all loose items before transport.

Lifting Requirements:

• Attach lifting devices only to designated lifting points
• Ensure lifting equipment is properly rated for the machine's weight
• Maintain level positioning during lifting operations
• Remove all loose items before lifting
• Follow manufacturer weight specifications.

Fall Protection Requirements

Since MEWPs are specifically designed to elevate workers above ground level, implementing proper fall protection systems is crucial to ensuring operator safety and regulatory compliance.

For Boom Lifts:

·       All personnel must wear fall protection devices at all times

·       Use full-body harnesses with appropriate lanyards

·       Attach to manufacturer-approved anchorage points

·       One anchorage point per person.

For Scissor Lifts and Vertical Mast Lifts:

• While not always required by standards, fall protection is recommended
• Users are required to follow manufacturer guidelines
• Use appropriate fall restraint systems when specified
• Verify maximum lanyard length requirements.

Special Applications

While standard safety protocols form the foundation of MEWP operation, certain specialized applications require additional precautions and specific procedures to ensure worker safety and equipment integrity.

For example, when operating MEWPs on barges, specific safety protocols must be followed, including:

• Ensure barge size exceeds MEWP footprint
• Maintain current inspection status
• Use properly trained operators
• Follow all applicable safety procedures
• Wear appropriate personal flotation devices when over water
• Verify barge surface can support machine weight
• Limit list and trim to 1 degree maximum
• Secure MEWP to barge appropriately
• Disable drive functions except during loading/unloading.

Platform Transfer Safety

One of the most critical moments in elevated work occurs when operators need to transition between the MEWP platform and an adjacent structure, requiring precise positioning and careful attention to fall protection protocols.

When operators must transfer from an MEWP platform to an adjacent structure:

• Position the platform within 1 foot of the secure structure
• Implement 100 percent tie-off using two lanyards
• Maintain platform attachment until structure attachment is secure
• Follow all applicable regulations and safety procedures.

Cribbing Guidelines

While MEWPs are designed to operate on firm, level surfaces, job site conditions often present challenging terrain that requires careful consideration and proper use of cribbing techniques to establish a stable working platform.

When operating on uneven surfaces, proper cribbing procedures may be necessary:

• Use only manufacturer-approved cribbing methods
• Verify that ground conditions can support maximum loads
• Avoid slopes exceeding 5 degrees
• Crib only two wheels on the same side or end
• Use appropriate materials and construction methods
• Implement drive/steer lockout procedures
• Maintain proper wheel positioning on cribbing
• Follow manufacturer specifications for maximum heights
• “Cribbing should only be used if explicitly permitted by the MEWP manufacturer.”

MEWP Safety: The Rental Operation's Role
Regular training, clear communication of safety requirements and proper documentation of procedures are essential elements of a successful MEWP rental operation. Equipment rental professionals should stay current with industry standards and manufacturer recommendations to provide the best possible guidance to their customers.

Rental companies protect their customers and contribute to the industry's overall safety culture by maintaining high safety standards.