What is the new name for aerial lifts?

This is your complete guide to the different types of MEWPs (formerly known as aerial lifts).

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Felici.

In it, you&#;ll learn:

• What exactly a MEWP is
• What the new ANSI standards for MEWPs are
• The different types of MEWP along with examples of each
• How to choose the right MEWP for your needs
• And much more!

Let&#;s dive in!

Quick Summary

Don&#;t have time to read the whole article? Here&#;s a quick summary of the main points:

• ANSI changed the rules on aerial lifts in
• Aerial lifts are now called MEWPs, which stands for &#;mobile elevating work platforms&#;
• MEWPs are now classified according to Group and Type
• There are Group A and Group B MEWPs, as well as Types 1, 2, and 3
• The new ANSI standards have also changed rules on MEWP safety planning, training, and design
• All operators must now be trained according to the new ANSI standards in order to be certified to operate a MEWP

The New ANSI Standards for Aerial Lifts: What You Need to Know

What Is ANSI?

&#;ANSI&#; stands for the American National Standards Institute.

And what do they do?

They&#;re a private, non-profit organization that develops design and usage standards for many kinds of industries.

And among those industries is aerial lifts.

Now, the purpose of this article is to make you familiar with the new ANSI standards for aerial lifts.

So let&#;s go through some frequently asked questions about ANSI to start.

When Was the Last Update to the ANSI Aerial Lift Standards?

The last major changes happened in .

When Did ANSI Develop the New Standards for Aerial Lifts?

ANSI developed the &#;new ANSI A92 standard&#; in and published them in .

And they became effective in .

Why Did ANSI Update the Aerial Lift Standards?

They were updated to:

• Improve the safe use of aerial lifts

• Improve aerial lift training

• Improve the efficiency of aerial lift designs

• Simplify aerial lift classification

• Specify requirements for aerial lift inspections, training, and repair and maintenance

• Increase competitiveness on the global market

What Do the New ANSI Rules Cover?

The new ANSI rules replaced A92.3, A92.5, A92.6, A92.8.

These standards focus on operators, owners, manufacturers, dealers, and other users of aerial lifts.

The new rules are described in the following ANSI standards:

• A92.20, covering equipment design

• A92.22, covering equipment safe use

• A92.24, covering operator training

What Is a MEWP?

One of the key changes to the ANSI aerial lift standards is the terminology used to refer to aerial lifts.

Previously, aerial work platform (AWP) was the name for scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other elevated work platforms.

Now, the new term is MEWP.

So, what does it mean?

MEWP stands for &#;mobile elevated work platforms.&#;

We&#;ll cover exactly what equipment qualifies under this term in the next section.

Is a Cherry Picker a MEWP?

Yes, it is.

Often, people refer to boom lifts as cherry pickers.

But other times people refer to order pickers as cherry pickers as well.

In either case, a cherry picker is technically a MEWP &#; though they belong to different classes of MEWPs.

Keep reading to find out which classes those are.

MEWP Classifications: What Are the Different Types?

Before the update that introduced the term MEWP, aerial lifts were categorized by lift types.

For example, types of lifts included scissor and boom lifts.

But under the new ANSI standards, MEWPs are categorized differently.

There are now two main ways to classify MEWPs:

• By group
• By type

Let&#;s go through each classification.

MEWP Classification By Group

A MEWP&#;s group is determined by its platform location with regard to the tipping line.

Not sure what the tipping line is?

It&#;s the area bounded by the machine&#;s wheels or outriggers.

Following this definition, there are two MEWP groups:

Group A

Group A MEWPs have a platform that moves vertically while staying inside the tipping lines of the machine at all times.

In other words, the platform stays directly above the chassis and never extends beyond it.

Group B

This group includes all other MEWPs that are not in Group A.

That is, the work platform of Group B mobile elevating work platforms do extend beyond the tipping lines of the machine.

MEWPs Classification By Type

Now that we&#;re clear on group ANSI classifications, let&#;s turn to type.

The MEWP type is based on how the machine travels horizontally.

In other words, type has to do with how a MEWP can drive or travel along the ground.

Now, how many types of MEWPs are there?

Answer: There are 3.

Let&#;s go through each type.

Type 1 MEWPs

A Type 1 mobile elevating work platform can only move in the stowed position.

That means the platform has to be lowered completely before you can move the machine.

Type 2 MEWPs

Type 2 MEWPs have two features:

1. They can move while the platform is elevated
2. Their movement is controlled from the chassis (as opposed to within the work platform)

Type 3 MEWPs

These are much like Type 2 MEWPs.

But whereas a Type 2 MEWP&#;s movement is controlled from the chassis, a Type 3 MEWP&#;s movement is controlled from the work platform.

Examples of MEWPs

It&#;s important to note that each MEWP group can contain each of the different MEWP types as well.

In other words, a Group A MEWP can be Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3.

And the same for Group B MEWPs, for a total of 6 MEWP types.

Now, let&#;s cover some examples of all the group/type combinations to make this new classification system clearer.

Group A, Type 1

A Genie 30-foot vertical man lift is an example of a Type 1, Group A MEWP.

Why exactly?

Because it has the following characteristics:

• The platform moves vertically while staying inside the tipping lines at all times (Group A)

• You can only move the lift itself when the platform is completely lowered into the stowed position (Type 1)

Group A, Type 2

A walkie stacker equipped with a personnel lifting platform is an example of a Group A, Type 2 MEWP.

The reason is again two-fold:

• The platform lifts vertically within the tipping lines (Group A)

• The machine can be moved while the platform is elevated and movement is controlled from the chassis (Type 2)

Group A, Type 3

The common electric scissor lift is an example of a 3A MEWP.

This is because Type 3 Group A MEWPs feature:

• A vertically-lifting platform contained with the tipping lines (Group A)

• A platform that can be moved while elevated and is controlled from within the platform (Type 3)

Group B, Type 1

A boom lift with outriggers is a Group B, Type 1 MEWP.

Why?

Because:

• The platform extends beyond the tipping point (Group B)

• The machine can only be moved in the stowed position (Type 1)

Group B, Type 2

An underbridge platform machine is a Group B, Type 2 MEWP.

This is because:

• The platform extends beyond the tipping point (Group B)

• The platform movement is controlled from the chassis of the lift, which is located on the bridge&#;s road surface (Type 2)

Group B, Type 3

Finally, what is a 3B MEWP?

An example of the 3B MEWP classification is the common articulating boom lift.

This is because:

• The platform extends beyond the tipping point (Group B)

• The platform can move while in the air and it&#;s controlled from the platform itself (Type 3)

Other Things You Should Know About the New ANSI MEWP Rules

Besides the new name, the new ANSI standards also include the following changes to:

• Safety planning

• Training

• Design

Let&#;s go through the highlights for each of these aspects of MEWPs.

Safety Planning: Risk Assessment and Rescue Plans

Surveying the area where a MEWP is to operate has always been part of the procedure for operating these types of equipment.

That said, ANSI has created new guidelines for this process.

A Summary of Safety Planning Assessment Requirements

A summary of the basic requirements for developing a safe use plan for MEWPs is as follows:

Note: The following sections do not include an exhaustive list of actions needed for safety and rescue planning and do not constitute a safe-use plan.

• Site risk and surface assessment to help identify hazards, evaluate risk level, and develop control and communication measures

• Developing rescue plans for man and machine&#;s safe rescue in case of an emergency

• How to choose the right MEWP for the task at hand

• Having trained and certified supervisors to monitor operation and performance and to ensure compliance with applicable standards

• Prevention of inappropriate and unauthorized use of MEWPs

• Safety plan for persons not involved in MEWP operation

• Proper task and work documentation resources and record retention

How to Develop a Workplace Risk Assessment for MEWPs

Wondering how to go about developing a risk assessment before operating a MEWP?

Here&#;s a basic run-down of just that:

• Visit the work location, preferably with site personnel or their representatives

• Identify the potential hazards within the area and site

• Identify risk elimination or mitigation measures and procedures and implement them

• Plan safe work procedures, including contingencies, for the specific task

• Review the risk assessment and rescue plan to identify any changes in worksite or environment components and modify them

As you do the above, you&#;ll want to look for specific hazards that could affect the safe operation of the MEWP.

This can include:

• Slopes

• Holes or drop-offs, including those concealed by mud, water, mud, etc.

• Ground or floor obstructions like bumps, electric cables, and debris

• Confined spaces that MEWPs cannot fit into

• Overhead obstructions such as wires and electrical conductors

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• Hazardous locations or conditions, including wind and bad weather

• Weak surfaces that are unable to sustain the weight of the MEWP

• Traffic hazards, moving objects, and persons (authorized and unauthorized)

How to Create a Safety/Rescue Plan

Another part of safety planning for MEWPs includes developing a rescue plan.

This is key particularly because MEWPs are designed to operate at height.

And mishaps are amplified when people are up in the air.

So, to ensure you have a solid rescue plan in place, you should do the following:

• Identify the MEWP&#;s operation-specific fall hazards or risks

• Identify risk elimination or mitigation measures and procedures

• Provide training on self-rescue (by the involved person); assisted rescue (by other persons in the work area); and technical rescue (by emergency services)

Training: Operators, Occupants, Supervisors, and Maintenance Personnel

Another important change to ANSI&#;s MEWP standards is in regards to training.

Specifically, ANSI&#;s new rules require training to include not just operators, but also other key personnel working near MEWPs.

This includes:

• Operators
• Occupants
• Supervisors
• Maintenance personnel

Let&#;s go through what those new requirements entail for each person.

Training for Operators

The first thing to know is that MEWP operators must undergo training according to the updated standards.

That means that even if operators were fully trained under the old standards, they&#;ll still need new training to qualify as a MEWP operator.

This also brings up the question: What type of MEWP does your operator training qualify you to operate?

The answer is only the type of MEWP you&#;ve received training on.

In other words, if you&#;re qualified to operate a Group A, Type 1 MEWP, you are not necessarily qualified to operate a Group B, Type 1 MEWP.

Instead, training must be specific to the type of MEWP you&#;re operating.

So, what should that training consist of?

Answer:

• The terminology and applications of MEWPs

• The responsibilities of parties involved with MEWPs

• How to identify and avoid safety hazards

• How to safely operate MEWPs

• Hands-on training and evaluation

Now, there are many MEWP training programs to choose from.

But we&#;d recommend our MEWP Operator Training program.

Check out Conger&#;s OSHA-compliant MEWP operator safety training course

Learn More

We cover all the topics above and more.

And best yet, it&#;s fully compliant with the new MEWP standards from ANSI.

Training for Occupants

An occupant is simply anyone who&#;s in a MEWP platform but isn&#;t an operator.

So, what do the new ANSI standards require for MEWP occupants?

They require that occupants know:

• The basics of MEWP safe use

• How to operate the MEWP controls if the operator cannot

• How to use fall protection along with the location of all fall protection anchors on the MEWP

• How their actions can affect the MEWP&#;s stability

• The safe use of assigned MEWP accessories

• How to follow site-specific work procedures related to the MEWP&#;s operation

• Any hazards related to the task at hand and how to avoid them

• What the various MEWP manufacturer instructions and warnings mean

Training for Supervisors

ANSI has also included new rules for supervisors of MEWP operators.

Some highlights of those new rules are as follows:

• How to select the correct MEWP for the work to be performed

• Understanding MEWP rules, regulations, and standards, including safe use as defined in ANSI A92.22

• How to identify potential risks and hazards related to MEWP usage

• How to protect man and machine against identified hazards

Training for Maintenance Technicians

Finally, maintenance technicians that work on MEWPs are required to abide by some new rules.

These new rules primarily concern the requirement that only qualified persons can train maintenance and repair personnel.

That includes aspects such as how to inspect and maintain MEWPs according to the manufacturer&#;s recommendations and ANSI&#;s standards.

New MEWP Design Requirements

ANSI&#;s new MEWP rules also concern the folks who manufacture this equipment.

Consequently, they&#;re not as important to be aware of for operators, supervisors, and users.

But, it can&#;t hurt to know about them.

So, let&#;s go through what some of the new design requirements are.

Note: These changes do not affect current equipment. Instead, they only apply to newly-manufactured MEWPs.

Platform Load Sensing

Platform load sensors (also called &#;overload systems&#; or &#;load sense systems&#;) gauge the weight of operators and equipment in the work platform.

And they only allow the equipment to operate if the total load is within its rated capacity.

This equipment is now required to be installed on all newly-manufactured MEWPs.

As a consequence, they&#;ll help prevent overloading and all the ills that can come with that.

Chassis Angle Sensors

Also called &#;Dynamic Terrain Sensing,&#; these components measure the tilt angle of the equipment&#;s chassis during operation.

When the chassis angle reaches the operational limit, such as on a slope, the equipment alerts the operator.

In addition, the sensor automatically restricts some boom and drive functions.

This leaves the operator no choice but to safely return the equipment to a terrain within its operating range.

And since tip-overs can easily happen when exceeding the slope limit, this newly-required feature can help prevent serious accidents.

Indoor MEWPs

The new ANSI standards also have provisions for developing smaller, lightweight MEWPs with an indoor-only rating.

Because these MEWPs are to be used indoors only, they won&#;t be subjected to risky outdoor conditions such as wind speed.

Other Design Changes

A few other new design requirements include:

• Toe guards must be installed on work platform entrances

• Chain gates are no longer allowed

• Improved machine labeling and marking

Conclusion

That&#;s it: The complete guide to MEWP types.

Aerial work platforms (AWPs) and mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) are used by thousands of workers across the country every day for a near-endless list of jobs. Everything from construction to maintenance to cleaning and a million other tasks would be impossible with aerial lifts, AWPs and MEWPs.

But which aerial platforms are the most popular? The aerial lift experts here at CertifyMeOnline.net did some research and came up with the following list&#;you&#;ll probably recognize a few types on our list, and your company may even use these on a daily basis.

Regardless of which type of elevated work platform or aerial lift you use, you always need OSHA-compliant training and instruction. If you need to address some training & compliance gaps with your company, register with CMO today!

What Is an Aerial Work Platform?

Aerial work platforms &#; also known as AWPs &#; offer alternatives to ladders and scaffolding when workers need to complete tasks at great heights. A wide range of industries relies on these platforms. From landscaping companies to maintenance facilities, construction companies to industrial cleaning companies, there&#;s no limit to the kinds of things you can accomplish with an aerial platform.

The main components of an aerial work platform include a base structure (typically a wheeled vehicle to move the MEWP or AWP into place), an extending structure with chassis, and a flat workspace with controls for the operator to control the lift. Keep in mind, this is a list of the major parts of an aerial lift. For a detailed glimpse into the different components and accessories that comprise an AWP, check out The Anatomy of an Aerial Lift.

Always take proper safety precautions when using an AWP. A body harness and fall protection gear can go a long way to prevent injuries at work. AWPs should also be kept far away from any overhead wires and other kinds of worksite hazards.

Workers should also undergo OSHA-compliant training before they begin using aerial platforms. Training courses help ensure that employees have the knowledge and experience necessary to safely operate an AWP.

Aerial Work Platform Options

Aerial work platforms come in a wide range of sizes. From a soaring aerial platform used for maintenance and construction to a lower elevated work platform, many aerial platforms are available.

Ultimately, you need to select an aerial work platform that allows you to perform a specific task, as quickly and efficiently as possible. To help you find the right aerial platform for the task at hand, let&#;s examine five of the most popular options:

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1. Boom Lift

Sometimes called &#;the spider,&#; boom lifts are characterized by their four legs and bucket on the end. They&#;re mounted to a vehicle with durable tires, making it an excellent option for uneven or rough terrain. Boom lifts are among the most popular aerial work platforms, as they&#;re incredibly durable and versatile.

The spider consists of a boom lift that has a bucket at the end of the boom where workers stand to access a work area. It was originally designed for orchards and allowed workers to easily pick fruit that was high up in trees. Nowadays, the lift is frequently used for overhead line maintenance, sprucing up tall trees, and even assisting firefighters in areas that are difficult to access.

Maintenance and inspections are important to ensure boom lifts and similar types of construction lifts run properly. CMO&#;s aerial lift certification includes some helpful tips for adhering to a sensible maintenance schedule. 

2. Articulated Boom Lift

Also known as a knuckle lift, articulated boom lifts feature extended arms that allow workers to reach up and over obstacles. The boom lift uses a turntable base to swivel around 360 degrees. This makes it the best option for maintenance work and other jobs with limited access.

Unlike a scissor lift, an articulated boom lift can be used for building repair jobs, including piping. An articulated boom lift can also be used on uneven terrain.

Workers can undergo articulated boom lift training as part of an aerial platform safety program. That way, workers can learn how to safely use an articulated boom lift during maintenance and building repair jobs.

3. Telescopic Boom Lift

For workers who require maximum reach at heights, a telescopic boom lift is ideal. This type of AWP is a terrific option for window washers, electricians, and other workers who need to access areas that are directly above or parallel to them.

Telescopic MEWs are versatile enough to handle work areas directly above or at an angle from the base of the lift. The operator stands in a mobile cockpit to control and customize the lift&#;s movements.

Before workers begin using a telescopic boom lift, they must complete a safety training program. Telescopic boom lift safety is a key tenet of worker training for aerial lifts, and a safety training program teaches workers how to minimize risk when they use this type of aerial platform.

4. Scissor Lift

A scissor lift is frequently used for indoor work. The lift has a set of supports in a crisscross pattern and offers limited reach in comparison to telescopic and articulated boom lifts.

Typically, scissor lifts only move vertically. A scissor lift&#;s upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of its lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically.

Scissor lifts are commonly used for basic maintenance work and painting. Rough terrain scissor lifts are also available for outdoor work on uneven terrain.

While most people think of scissor lifts as a type of construction lift or another kind of elevated work platform, they&#;re actually defined by OSHA as a type of scaffolding, since the operator/work platform doesn&#;t extend horizontally away from the base. Even though scissor lifts aren&#;t technically aerial lifts, they&#;re still more versatile and useful than traditional scaffolding.

Meanwhile, scissor lift safety training is available. With this training, workers can learn how to safely move a scissor lift up and down, operate the lift on rough terrain, and more.

5. Aerial Platform

An aerial platform resembles a cherry picker and serves as a vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platform. Workers can use an aerial platform at outdoor job sites to reach utility lines, trees, and more.

If you are considering an AWP, you should evaluate the aforementioned options closely. This will help you identify the right AWP for your worksite, and ultimately, enable you to maximize the return on your platform investment.

Regardless of which AWP you use, you need to safely operate the platform. Thanks to AWP safety training, workers of all skill and experience levels can become certified lift operators.

Types of Aerial Lifts

Aerial lift can be a blanket term used to describe boom lifts and scissor lifts. However, it is important to note that aerial lifts were originally designed to drive to outdoor job sites to access electrical lines, trees, and other outdoor objects. As the demand for construction projects across the world continues to grow, so too does the demand for aerial work platforms. In fact, the market is projected to grow by nearly seven percent by the end of .

Common types of aerial lifts include:

&#;

Personnel Lifts

Also referred to as &#;people lifts,&#; personnel lifts function as mechanical ladders. They offer greater stability over traditional ladders and reach heights approaching 50 ft.

&#;

 

Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts are lightweight and portable. They are frequently used at yards, gyms, and other light industrial worksites.

&#;

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are capable of reaching heights of 60 ft. They are ideal for workers who must paint buildings, wash windows, install HVAC systems, and perform other overhead tasks.

By completing an aerial platform training program, workers can gain the insights they need to use an aerial lift without disruption. They can also become more productive and efficient when they use an aerial lift, as well as take elevated work platform precautions to help make a jobsite safe.

Types of Construction Lifts

Along with aerial lifts, construction lifts are available. Common construction lifts include:

&#;

Bucket Trucks

A bucket truck features a boom that is mounted to the vehicle and a bucket at the end of the boom. It is often used by utility workers who need to reach transmission lines. Along with utility workers, bucket trucks may be utilized by landscapers and pruners who need to trim tall trees.

&#;

Articulated Boom Lifts

Knuckle lifts are useful for construction workers who need a work platform that allows them to reach obstacles. For example, if a construction worker needs to repair exterior piping, an articulated boom lift will make it easy to access tough-to-reach spots around the piping. This type of lift is also ideal for construction workers who need to perform work on uneven terrain.

&#;

Telescoping Boom Lifts

For construction workers who need to complete work at a maximum height, they should consider a telescoping boom lift. This type of lift has an extendable arm and a rotating turntable that allows a single construction worker to complete tasks at high elevations. A telescoping boom lift is often a great choice for electrical repairs, maintenance tasks, and other work performed at extreme heights.

Elevated Work Platforms: Which One Is Right for You?

The right aerial work platform varies based on your application. So, you need to consider the task at hand, what you hope to accomplish, and which elevated work platform can help you complete your job safely and efficiently.

You need to look beyond the financial cost of elevated work platforms, too. An aerial platform may require a significant upfront investment, but you also need to consider workplace safety. If you invest in safety training for aerial work platforms, workers can learn how to properly use an aerial platform. Plus, workers can learn how to comply with aerial lift safety requirements.

The Importance of Compliance for Elevated Work Platforms

Safety is a priority with aerial lifts. OSHA states that the major causes of aerial lift fatalities are falls, electrocutions, collapses, and tip-overs, and employers must take measures to ensure the safe use of aerial lifts by workers who are required to use this equipment. Indeed, an increased focus on worker safety is one of the most prominent driving factors in the industry. Better functioning and more task-specific aerial work platforms help ensure the safest possible work experience. 

CMO&#;s comprehensive aerial lift training and elevated work platform certification give you everything required for full compliance, regardless of the type of construction lifts or aerial lifts your company uses. 

Time and resources go a long way to helping employees learn about aerial platform safety. Reduce the odds of a workplace accident that put you and your colleagues in danger. With your knowledge of aerial platform safety, you can help empower others to prioritize safety, too. When safety comes first, the rest falls into place.

Enroll Your Workers in Elevated Work Platform Training Today

Employees who use AWPs are legally required to get certified before starting work. Failure to complete a thorough elevated work platform safety training program and your business may be the target of OSHA compliance fines and violations. Even if your organization manages to skirt such penalties, an untrained workforce is a dangerous one. People are far more likely to be involved in lift accidents and suffer injuries when they&#;re unfamiliar with industry best practices.

CertifyMeOnline.net offers an extensive AWP safety training program that takes the guesswork out of becoming an OSHA-compliant lift operator. Our program is easily accessible and can be completed in a matter of hours. It allows workers to immediately earn their OSHA certification and ensure they can safely use a lift at any worksite.

We are happy to provide you with additional information about our OSHA-compliant AWP safety training program. To learn more or to sign up your workers for our training program, please contact us online or call us today at (602) 277-.

Test Your Knowledge of Elevated Work Platforms 

Ready to test your knowledge on aerial work platforms? CMO created a fun & informative quiz for just this purpose! 

We put together a short quiz of 10 true or false questions that will determine which type of elevated work platform you are. Just click through the questions, and we&#;ll show you the results!

This is a great way to have some fun while learning more about boom lifts, cherry pickers, scissor lifts, telescopic lifts and other types of elevated work platforms.

Want more information on foldable Self Propelled Aerial Lift? Feel free to contact us.