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IPAF MEWP Operator study materials
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IPAF MEWP Operator: 1B static boom: set-up, outriggers and fixed-base operation

IPAF MEWP Operator · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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1B static boom: set-up, outriggers and fixed-base operation

Category 1b covers boom platforms whose base is not designed to be moved while the platform is elevated, such as trailer-mounted, vehicle-mounted or fixed-base booms. The exam tests set-up, outrigger loading, level, load-chart selection and the rule against travelling with personnel elevated.

Set-up

  • Position on firm, level ground. Check for voids, drains, buried services, trenches and soft patches.
  • Deploy all outriggers or stabilizers to the specified width. Use spreader pads to distribute load over a larger area.
  • Confirm the outrigger interlock is satisfied; never operate with a leg partly deployed or missing a pad.
  • Check level with the machine indicator. If it is outside the manual's limit, reposition rather than compensate with packing.
  • Apply the parking brake, chock wheels if required, and barricade the set-up area.

Stability and load chart

  • The load chart depends on outrigger configuration. Use the chart for fully extended outriggers when that is how the machine is set up; do not use a retracted-leg chart to gain capacity.
  • Platform capacity includes persons, tools and materials. Do not hang loads from the boom or tie off to the platform.
  • Check rated wind speed. A large panel on the platform increases the sail area and the overturning moment.

Operation

  • Do not move the base with anyone in the platform. For trailer or vehicle mounts, lower and stow the boom before moving.
  • Keep the platform within the envelope and avoid pushing or pulling with the boom.
  • Know emergency lowering at both base and platform controls.
  • Treat overhead lines as live and maintain the required distance.

Worked example

A trailer-mounted 1b boom is set up on asphalt with a 2.5° slope, but the manual's maximum set-up slope is 1°. The outriggers are fully extended on pads, but one pad sits over a drain cover. Despite the pads, the surface is not competent and the machine is out of level. The correct action is to reposition onto firm level ground, avoid the drain, re-level and re-check the outriggers and load chart. Reasoning: outriggers concentrate load on a small area; a drain cover is not a load-bearing foundation, and slope affects stability.

Traps that cost marks

  • Relying on the vehicle brakes without deploying outriggers.
  • Using only some outriggers or a partial extension.
  • Moving a trailer-mounted boom with the platform elevated.
  • Using the wrong load chart for the outrigger configuration.

3A mobile vertical: travel, positioning and vertical-lift limits

Category 3a covers self-propelled vertical lifts and scissor lifts that can move under their own power. The exam tests travel rules, positioning close to the work, gradeability and the difference between “can drive” and “can drive elevated”.

Travel

  • Travel with the platform lowered unless the manufacturer permits elevated travel and the ground is firm, level and clear.
  • Watch for potholes, kerbs, steps, trenches and ramps. Use ramps only within the rated slope.
  • Keep a safe distance from edges and openings. A wheel dropping into a hole can tip a vertical lift.
  • Reduce speed, sound the horn where fitted and use a spotter where visibility is restricted.
  • Do not drive over cables, hoses or soft patches that can cause a wheel to sink or lose traction.

Positioning

  • Position the platform close to the work. A 3a machine lifts vertically and cannot reach over a fixed obstacle like a boom.
  • Check for overhead obstructions before elevating.
  • Keep gates closed, use the access gate and do not climb the guardrail.
  • Distribute load evenly and check capacity, including any extension deck.

Ground and floor loading

  • Check slab or floor capacity, especially on upper floors and suspended slabs.
  • Use spreader plates where point loading is high.
  • Avoid excavations and unshored trenches; the machine can impose significant load near an edge.

Worked example

A 3a scissor must cross a 4° ramp to reach a work area. The manual permits elevated travel only on slopes up to 2° and requires the platform lowered on ramps. The operator lowers the platform, crosses the ramp, then elevates on the level floor beyond. Reasoning: the restriction is about stability. Raising the platform raises the centre of gravity, so travel on a slope must be done lowered even if the machine can climb the grade empty.

Traps that cost marks

  • Driving elevated because the machine “drives fine”.
  • Using a 3a to reach over a fixed obstacle; it has no boom outreach.
  • Ignoring floor loading on an upper slab.
  • Crossing a kerb and treating the tilt alarm as a warning only.

3B mobile boom: drive-from-platform and envelope management

Category 3b is a self-propelled boom with platform controls that can travel. The exam tests travel with the boom elevated, gradeability, load-chart use, slew control and spotter discipline. The key distinction is that 3b can drive from the platform, but only within the manufacturer's travel envelope.

Travel rules

  • Drive from the platform only when trained and authorised. Keep the boom within the manufacturer's travel envelope.
  • Travel elevated only where the manual permits it, on firm level ground. Reduce speed and avoid slopes, side slopes, trenches, kerbs and soft ground.
  • On slopes, lower the boom as specified. Gradeability figures usually apply to stowed travel, not elevated travel.
  • Use a spotter when visibility is limited or in congested areas. The spotter must stay clear of the machine's path and must not stand under the boom or platform.
  • Keep a safe distance from edges and openings. Wheel load and stability change as the boom moves.

Envelope and load

  • Capacity depends on radius, boom angle and jib position. Check the load chart for the actual working position.
  • Do not use the boom to push or pull, and do not attach loads to the platform.
  • Slew slowly. Sudden starts and stops swing the platform and its load.
  • Stop at the rated wind speed; panels and large materials increase sail area.
  • Understand any secondary guarding fitted. It supplements safe operation; it does not replace it.

Worked example

A 3b articulating boom is rated 230 kg. The task needs 12 m outreach with two workers weighing 180 kg and 20 kg of tools, giving 200 kg. At 12 m the load chart allows 110 kg. The operator repositions the machine 4 m closer, where the chart at 8 m allows 250 kg. Reasoning: outreach drives the overturning moment. Repositioning the machine is often the correct control, rather than reducing the crew to a level that still may not satisfy the chart.

Traps that cost marks

  • Driving elevated on a slope because the boom “feels stable”.
  • Using the platform capacity placard only.
  • Slewng into overhead lines or structures.
  • Letting a spotter stand under the platform or boom.

MCWP: erection, ties and platform loading

Mast climbing work platforms (MCWP) carry a platform on one or more masts tied to a structure. The exam tests erection by competent persons, tie spacing, platform loading, wind and emergency lowering. Unlike a MEWP, the MCWP's stability depends heavily on the mast ties and the structure to which it is connected.

Erection and ties

  • Erect, alter and dismantle only by competent persons following the manufacturer's instructions. Never modify ties or mast sections.
  • Mast ties must be fitted to the structure at the specified intervals. Tie spacing and strength are design-critical.
  • The base foundation must carry the mast loads; check level and bearing.
  • Do not remove ties or climb on them. Guardrails, toe boards and gates must be complete before use.

Loading and operation

  • The rated load is usually uniformly distributed. A concentrated load in one bay can exceed the local capacity even when the total is under the platform rating.
  • Distribute materials evenly. Do not exceed platform or individual deck capacity.
  • Stop at the manual's wind speed and secure loose materials. A long platform is a large sail.
  • Keep access gates closed and use the designed access, not the mast or ties.
  • Limit switches and overrun devices must be functional; never bypass them.

Emergency and inspection

  • Know the emergency lowering procedure and confirm it during the pre-use check.
  • Pre-use checks include ties, mast, platform, guardrails, gates, controls, cables and interlocks.
  • Have a rescue plan for entrapment or suspension.

Worked example

A two-mast MCWP platform is rated 2,000 kg uniformly distributed over 12 m. A subcontractor places 900 kg of tiles in a 2 m bay at one end, plus 400 kg of workers and tools. The total is 1,300 kg, under 2,000 kg, but the local bay load is high. The correct action is to check the manufacturer's local load limit and spread the tiles along the platform, or use smaller stacks. Reasoning: a uniform rating assumes a spread load; concentration can overstress the deck and imbalance the mast loads.

Traps that cost marks

  • Treating a uniform rating as a point-load rating.
  • Using an MCWP before ties are complete.
  • Climbing the mast or ties for access.
  • Ignoring wind when the platform is parked or loaded with sheets.

Construction hoists: interlocks, landings and load control

Construction hoists (CH) are rack-and-pinion passenger or goods hoists. The exam tests landing gates and interlocks, overrun and overspeed devices, loading, communication and rescue. The common theme is that the hoist is safe only while every landing and car door remains inside the interlock system.

Safety devices

  • Landing gates and car doors must be closed and interlocked before movement. Never bypass an interlock with a tool, wedge or tape.
  • Overrun limiters, overspeed governors, final limit switches and buffers must be inspected and tested as required.
  • The emergency stop and alarm must work, and there must be a means of communication from the car to the landings.
  • Do not use a goods-only hoist to carry passengers.

Installation and inspection

  • Hoists must be installed, tied and inspected by competent persons. Ties are required at specified intervals, and the base or foundation must be adequate.
  • Daily pre-use checks include gates, interlocks, alarms, lights, rack and pinion, guide rails and landing areas.
  • Keep landings clear, lit and fenced. Landing gates must not open into the hoistway.
  • Follow the manual for wind and lightning; earthing and lightning protection matter.

Loading

  • Never exceed the rated load. Distribute load evenly and check pallet and truck weights.
  • Secure loads and prevent overhanging material. No one should stand under the car.
  • Use a signaller or agreed communication protocol.

Worked example

A hoist is rated 1,000 kg. The load is a pallet stated as 950 kg, plus a 60 kg pallet truck and two workers weighing 150 kg. The total is 1,160 kg, so the hoist is overloaded. Even the pallet plus truck exceeds the rating. The correct action is to split the load, not to allow for the rating. Reasoning: rated load includes all payload-materials, truck, persons and tools.

Traps that cost marks

  • Holding a landing gate open with a tool.
  • Using a goods hoist for people because it is quicker.
  • Checking only the car capacity and ignoring landing or floor capacity.
  • Overloading and relying on the overload alarm to stop the hoist.