IPAF MEWP Types and Categories 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which IPAF category would a push-around vertical personnel lift typically fall under?
- Category 1a (Correct answer)
- Category 1b
- Category 3a
- Category 3b
Correct answer: Category 1a
Category 1a covers static vertical MEWPs that are manually positioned — push-around personnel lifts are manually moved into position and elevate vertically, making them Category 1a machines.
Question 2: What distinguishes a Category 3b MEWP from a Category 3a MEWP?
- 3b machines are diesel-powered while 3a machines are electric
- 3b machines can boom outwards while 3a machines only elevate vertically (Correct answer)
- 3b machines are larger than 3a machines
- 3b machines require two operators while 3a needs one
Correct answer: 3b machines can boom outwards while 3a machines only elevate vertically
The key difference is the direction of movement. Category 3a MEWPs (e.g., scissor lifts) only elevate vertically, while Category 3b MEWPs (e.g., boom lifts) can reach outward in multiple directions using articulating or telescopic booms.
Question 3: Under IPAF classification, what does 'MEWP' stand for?
- Mechanical Elevator Work Platform
- Mobile Elevating Work Platform (Correct answer)
- Motor-driven Elevated Working Position
- Mobile Extending Work Platform
Correct answer: Mobile Elevating Work Platform
MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. This is the internationally recognised term used by IPAF and in BS EN 280, the European standard for MEWPs.
Question 4: A telescopic boom lift that is self-propelled and can drive while elevated would be classified as which IPAF category?
- Category 1a
- Category 1b
- Category 3a
- Category 3b (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Category 3b
A self-propelled telescopic boom lift that can drive while elevated and boom out horizontally is classified as Category 3b — a mobile MEWP with multi-directional reach capability.
Question 5: Which British Standard applies specifically to the design and safety requirements of MEWPs?
- BS 7671
- BS EN 280 (Correct answer)
- BS 5975
- BS EN 1808
Correct answer: BS EN 280
BS EN 280 is the harmonised European standard covering the design calculations, stability, construction, safety, and examination of MEWPs. It applies across the UK and Europe.
Question 6: An operator needs to use both a scissor lift and a boom lift on the same site. How many IPAF categories must they hold?
- One — any category covers all MEWPs
- Two — one for each machine type (Correct answer)
- Three — including a supervisory category
- Four — all categories are required on site
Correct answer: Two — one for each machine type
The operator would need Category 3a for the scissor lift and Category 3b for the boom lift. Each IPAF category is specific to a machine type, so two separate categories are required.
IPAF MEWP Types and Categories 2
Which IPAF category would a push-around vertical personnel lift typically fall under?