Onsite MEWP Training

On June 1, 2020 the training requirements and designation of Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) changed to Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP). The change was the result of classifying the different types of aerial work platforms similar to the different classifications of forklifts. The changes were made by ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and the complete standards can be found under ANSI 92.20 (design), ANSI 92.22 (safe use) and ANSI 92.22 (training). These new standards are more comprehensive than the existing OSHA Standards and are considered industry standards.

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (Formally Aerial Work Platforms)

All mobile elevated aerial platform operators (AWP) are required to undergo training specific to the type of MEWP they operate. There are two groups of MEWP’s:

Group A consists of a platform that moves vertically while always staying inside the tipping line of the machine. The platform stays directly above the chassis and never extend beyond it (i.e., scissor lift).

Group B include all other MEWPs not included in Group A. The work platform in Group B mobile elevating platforms do extend beyond the tipping lines of the machine (boom lift).

For the safety and welfare of your employees and bystanders at any given job site, all aerial lift operators are required to receive proper training before working a job site.

OSHA-certified MEWP Training (Formerly AWP Training)

OSHA requires that all operators receive the training necessary to safely operate their aerial work platforms and identify all potential hazards in the process. Beyond the regulations for operating the platform, many lifts are covered under OSHA’s fall protection regulation 1926.503.

Total Equipment Training offers a comprehensive mobile elevated work platform (AWP) operator training program that will thoroughly explain and demonstrate both OSHA and ANSI guidelines and the safest ways to operate elevated work platforms.

What Is a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)?

Mobile aerial work platforms are devices which enable people and equipment to access areas that are hard to reach. There are a variety of types, including Cherry Pickers, Scissor Lifts, Telescopic Booms, Articulating Boom Lifts, Stock Pickers, and many more. These devices can be powered by electricity, gas or a hydraulic system that powers a series of supports used to lift the work platform.

ANSI Mobile Elevated Work Platform Safety Guidelines

The American National Standards Institute has a series of guidelines that aim to protect yourself and your laborer’s while using elevated work platforms on any job site. In addition to their safety guidelines, the ANSI regulations require all platforms to be inspected before use to ensure that the equipment is operating properly. ANSI elevated lift safety guidelines also address the following components:

  • Operators must be trained on each type of MEWP
  • Workers must wear proper fall protection equipment while on or operating the lift
  • Brakes must always be active while workers are lifted
  • The aerial lift can only be moved or adjusted when the lift is in the retracted position
  • Workers must remain within the confines of the lift during operation

OSHA Aerial Operator Training Requirements

While the safety regulations by ANSI are only recommendations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set requirements that all employers and employees that utilize aerial lifts must abide by. These aerial lift and aerial work platform operator training requirements and regulations are OSHA 1926.21, 1926.453, and 1926.454. Qualifications include securing the lift or boom in a retracted position while the vehicle is in motion. Employees must wear the proper fall protection including a body harness and lanyard attached to the bucket, lift or boom, and obeying the weight limit set by the equipment’s manufacturer. In addition, OSHA requires all aerial lift operator training to be conducted by a qualified trainer. The training requirements include:

  • Procedures for dealing with hazards including electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards
  • Properly operating the lift
  • Fall protection procedures
  • Equipment positioning requirements
  • Personal protection equipment
  • Equipment manufacturer requirements

OSHA MEWP Certification Training Program Outline

Total Equipment Training offers comprehensive, on-site Mobile Aerial Work Platform (Lift) operator training that covers all pertinent OSHA certification standards. We tailor our program to meet your specific aerial lift needs and provide your employees with the knowledge to safely operate the equipment and the ability to recognize and minimize possible hazards.

All operators will receive classroom training and hands-on training by our qualified trainers, and will take both a written test and a practical evaluation to evidence their competency and provide you with the necessary documentation of training required by OSHA.

Total Equipment Training’s Mobile Aerial Work Platform Operator Training Program is approved by the US Department of Labor and OSHA recognized. It will include, but is not limited to:

Classroom MEWP (AWP) Training Outline

  • Applications and types of equipment
  • Inspection of the MEWP
  • Personnel safety – fall protection and PPE
  • Federal and manufacturers rules
  • Electrical hazards
  • Principles of Operation
  • Equipment considerations
  • Load safety
  • Federal and manufacturer’s rules
  • Preventive Maintenance

Hands-On MEWP (AWP) Training Outline

  • Personal protective equipment
  • Load Handling
  • Fueling and preventive maintenance
  • Traveling when personnel are in basket
  • Operational checks
  • Pre-operation inspection
  • Position of equipment (ground conditions)
  • Control familiarization
  • Driving equipment (both in basket and ground controls)
  • Securing the machine

Train Your MEWP Operators with Total Equipment Training

At Total Equipment Training, our AWP and MEWP certification trainers are experienced, thorough and the best in the industry. Our effective and efficient approach to operator training sets us apart from other training programs. We bring our training program to your site, saving you time and money.

In addition, our on-site aerial lift training can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs and OSHA requirements. Teach your MEWP operators to safely and efficiently operate work platforms with Total Equipment Training. If you’re interested in one of our training programs, contact us today!

Online Training Courses
Course DescriptionMediaBook Now
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Gives you step by step information about industrial aerial and scissor lifts, inspections and how to operate safely.


(30 mins) $59.99
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
Aerial Lift Safety MEWPs (OSHA)

Teaches fundamentals of the safe start up, operation, shutdown, and proper fueling procedures.


(90 mins) $59.99
Aerial Lift Safety MEWPs (OSHA)
Aerial Platform (Boom and Scissor)

Helps prevent unsafe operation, injury or the chance of any aerial platform accidents


(105 mins) $99.95
Aerial Platform (Boom and Scissor)
Aerial Lifts for Construction

Gives construction workers access to training and information on what an aerial lift is, how to safely operate and how to perform required maintenance.


(30 mins) $24.99
Aerial Lifts for Construction
Vehicle Mounted Aerial Lifts (Bucket Truck) Operator Safety

Covers the different types of aerial lifts, inspections, load charts, common hazards, rigging considerations, critical lifts, hand signals, safe operation, and set up for vehicle mounted aerial lifts.


(90 mins) $79.99
Vehicle Mounted Aerial Lifts (Bucket Truck) Operator Safety
Scissor Lifts in Industrial and Construction Environments:

Teaches workers about the different types of scissor lifts, how to operate, and also hazards that may occur and how to prevent accidents and injuries.


(30 mins) $39.99
Scissor Lifts in Industrial and Construction Environments: