IPAF Pre-Use Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under LOLER 1998, how often must a MEWP undergo a thorough examination by a competent person?
- Every 12 months
- Every 6 months (Correct answer)
- Every 3 months
- Only when a fault is reported
Correct answer: Every 6 months
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998, MEWPs used for lifting persons must undergo a thorough examination at least every 6 months by a competent person.
Question 2: Which of the following items should be checked as part of the MEWP's electrical system during a pre-use inspection?
- Battery charge level and cable condition (Correct answer)
- The wattage of the headlights
- The GPS tracking system
- The radio communication frequency
Correct 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.
Question 3: What should an operator check about the platform guardrails during a pre-use inspection?
- That they are painted in a bright colour
- That they are secure, undamaged, and the correct height with mid-rails and toe boards in place (Correct answer)
- That they can be easily removed for access
- That they have company branding attached
Correct answer: That they are secure, undamaged, and the correct height with mid-rails and toe boards in place
Guardrails must be secure, undamaged, and at the correct height (minimum 950mm) with mid-rails and toe boards fitted. These are the primary fall protection for the operator and must be in good condition.
Question 4: Why is it important to check the function of both ground-level and platform-level controls during a pre-use inspection?
- To ensure the machine meets its speed specifications
- So that rescue can be performed from the ground if the platform operator is incapacitated (Correct answer)
- To test the machine's maximum lifting capacity
- To calibrate the wind speed sensors
Correct answer: So that rescue can be performed from the ground if the platform operator is incapacitated
Ground-level controls are essential for emergency rescue. If the platform operator becomes incapacitated or injured, a trained person at ground level must be able to override the platform controls and lower the operator to safety.
Question 5: What should an operator check regarding the MEWP's outriggers or stabilisers before use?
- That they are the same colour as the machine
- That pads, pins, and locking mechanisms are present, undamaged, and functional (Correct answer)
- That they have been removed to save time
- That they are greased and polished
Correct answer: That pads, pins, and locking mechanisms are present, undamaged, and functional
Outrigger pads, pins, and locking mechanisms must all be present, in good condition, and functioning correctly. Missing or faulty stabilisers can cause the MEWP to overturn, which is one of the most serious MEWP-related incidents.
Question 6: A MEWP has a cracked or damaged decal showing the Safe Working Load (SWL). What action should the operator take?
- Continue working as long as they remember the SWL
- Report it and request a replacement decal before using the machine (Correct answer)
- Cover it with tape and write the SWL on the tape
- Only report it at the next scheduled service
Correct answer: Report it and request a replacement decal before using the machine
The SWL/rated capacity decal must be clearly legible at all times. If damaged or unreadable, the operator should report it and arrange for replacement. Operating without clear knowledge of the SWL risks overloading the platform.
IPAF Pre-Use Inspection 2
Under LOLER 1998, how often must a MEWP undergo a thorough examination by a competent person?