Mixed Deck — All IPAF Topics Flashcards

During a pre-use inspection, you find the MEWP's tilt alarm is not working. What action should be taken?

Answer: Take the MEWP out of service and report the defect — the tilt alarm is a critical safety device

The tilt alarm warns when the machine has exceeded its safe gradient. Without it, the operator may not know when the machine is at risk of overturning. It is a critical safety device and must be repaired before use.

A MEWP's last LOLER thorough examination was 7 months ago. What must happen before it is used?

Answer: A new thorough examination must be carried out before it is used — MEWPs require examination every 6 months

MEWPs are used to lift persons and therefore require LOLER thorough examination every 6 months. At 7 months the certificate has expired and a new examination must be carried out before the machine is used.

What is the purpose of the emergency stop button on a MEWP?

Answer: To shut down the engine and stop all movement in an emergency

The emergency stop button immediately shuts down the engine or power source and stops all machine movement. It is used when there is an immediate danger and all motion must cease instantly. Note: it does NOT lower the platform — the emergency lowering system is separate.

During a pre-use inspection of a self-propelled MEWP, what should be checked regarding the drive controls?

Answer: Forward and reverse function, speed controls, and any cut-out or interlock when platform is elevated

Drive control checks include confirming forward and reverse function, speed control operation, and — crucially — that the drive cut-out or speed reduction interlock activates when the platform is elevated (a key stability safety feature).

What are the two primary methods of rescuing an entrapped MEWP operator?

Answer: Ground-level emergency lowering using the base controls, or aerial rescue using another elevated platform or ladder

The two primary rescue methods are: ground-level emergency lowering using the machine's base emergency controls (the preferred method), or aerial rescue where another elevated means is used to reach the operator.

A MEWP operator has a medical emergency while elevated on a boom lift. In what order should the rescue proceed?

Answer: Lower the platform using ground controls, call 999, then administer first aid on the ground

The priority is to lower the platform to ground level using the emergency controls (fastest way to access the casualty), call emergency services (can be done simultaneously by another person), then administer first aid once the casualty is at ground level where treatment is safer and more effective.

What is the recommended maximum suspension time in a fall arrest harness before suspension trauma becomes a serious risk?

Answer: As short as possible — serious suspension trauma can develop within minutes and rescue should target under 15 minutes where feasible

Suspension trauma can develop within minutes of hanging in a harness. Rescue plans should target bringing the person to the ground as quickly as possible, ideally within 15 minutes to minimise risk.

A MEWP operator at height has become unconscious. What is the immediate priority?

Answer: Use the ground-level emergency lowering controls to bring the platform down, while calling for emergency services

The immediate priority is to lower the platform using ground-level emergency controls and call emergency services. The operator must be brought to ground level as rapidly as possible for medical treatment.

What should an operator do if they notice the MEWP making unusual noises or vibrations during operation?

Answer: Immediately stop operations, lower the platform, and report the issue

Any unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in machine behaviour could indicate a mechanical or hydraulic fault. The operator must immediately cease operations, lower the platform safely, and report the issue. Continuing could lead to a catastrophic failure at height.

What type of MEWP is a scissor lift typically classified as?

Answer: A vertical-rise MEWP where the platform moves directly above the base

A scissor lift is a vertical-rise MEWP — the platform rises directly above the base using a pantograph scissor mechanism. It cannot reach horizontally beyond its base footprint in the extended position.

What is the Safe Working Load (SWL) of a MEWP?

Answer: The maximum total weight (persons, tools, and materials) that the platform is rated to carry safely

The SWL is the maximum combined weight of everything on the platform — persons, tools, equipment, and materials. Exceeding the SWL risks overloading the machine, causing structural failure or overturning.

What is the validity period of an IPAF PAL card?

Answer: 5 years

An IPAF PAL card is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Refresher training is recommended to keep skills current, and a new theory test and practical assessment are required for renewal.

What documentation must be available on site when MEWP work at height is being carried out?

Answer: A risk assessment, method statement, and LOLER thorough examination report

When carrying out MEWP work at height, the site must have a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, a method statement (safe system of work), and the current LOLER thorough examination report for the equipment. The operator's PAL Card should also be verified.

Which body is responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations including working at height on UK construction sites?

Answer: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK's national regulator for workplace health and safety. HSE inspectors enforce the Work at Height Regulations, PUWER, LOLER, and other safety legislation on construction sites.

What is the maximum gradient (slope) that most scissor lift MEWPs can safely operate on?

Answer: Typically 3 to 5 degrees as specified by the manufacturer

Most scissor lift MEWPs have a maximum safe operating gradient of 3 to 5 degrees, as specified by the manufacturer. Operating on steeper slopes can cause the machine to overturn. The exact limit varies by model and must be checked in the operator's manual.

What does PUWER 1998 require regarding the provision of MEWPs on site?

Answer: Work equipment must be suitable, maintained, inspected, and operators must be trained

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 requires that work equipment including MEWPs is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, regularly inspected, and that operators are adequately trained and competent.

Which of the following items should be checked as part of the MEWP's electrical system during a pre-use inspection?

Answer: Battery charge level and cable condition

The battery charge level and condition of cables and connections should be checked during a pre-use inspection. Low battery or damaged cables could cause the machine to fail during operation, potentially stranding the operator at height.

What distinguishes a Category 3b MEWP from a Category 3a MEWP?

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.

What does checking the MEWP's outrigger or stabiliser system involve?

Answer: Confirming deployment, locking, pad condition, and that the machine interlocks prevent travel when deployed

Outrigger checks confirm they deploy and lock correctly, pads are in good condition, and the machine's interlock system prevents travel while deployed. Deployed outriggers prevent travel — travel with deployed outriggers risks toppling.

Which IPAF category covers a self-propelled boom lift?

Answer: 3b

IPAF category 3b covers self-propelled boom lifts — machines that are self-propelled (Category 3) and capable of working horizontally away from the base (suffix b).