IPAF Pre-Use Inspections 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should be checked on the MEWP's hydraulic system during a pre-use inspection?
- Fluid level, condition of hoses and fittings, and any signs of leaks (Correct answer)
- Only the fluid level in the reservoir
- Hydraulic checks are only done during formal service
- Only that the lift raises and lowers correctly
Correct answer: Fluid level, condition of hoses and fittings, and any signs of leaks
The hydraulic system inspection covers fluid level, hose condition (looking for chafing, swelling, or leaks), fitting security, and any signs of active leaks. Hydraulic failure can cause sudden uncontrolled platform movement.
Question 2: What documentation should accompany a MEWP on site?
- Operator's manual, pre-use check records, service records, and LOLER thorough examination certificate (Correct answer)
- Only the hire agreement
- Only the operator's PAL card
- Only the machine's serial number on a label
Correct answer: Operator's manual, pre-use check records, service records, and LOLER thorough examination certificate
A MEWP on site should have its operator's manual, pre-use check records, service history, and current LOLER thorough examination certificate (required every 6 months for MEWPs as they are used to lift persons).
Question 3: What does checking the MEWP's outrigger or stabiliser system involve?
- Confirming deployment, locking, pad condition, and that the machine interlocks prevent travel when deployed (Correct answer)
- Only confirming the outriggers are fully extended
- Checking the outrigger colour is correct
- Outrigger checks are only needed on slopes
Correct 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.
Question 4: A MEWP's last LOLER thorough examination was 7 months ago. What must happen before it is used?
- A new thorough examination must be carried out before it is used — MEWPs require examination every 6 months (Correct answer)
- It can be used for another month before examination is needed
- A visual check by the operator is sufficient until the next scheduled exam
- Only new MEWPs require 6-monthly examination
Correct 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.
Question 5: During a pre-use inspection of a self-propelled MEWP, what should be checked regarding the drive controls?
- Forward and reverse function, speed controls, and any cut-out or interlock when platform is elevated (Correct answer)
- Only that the accelerator pedal moves
- Speed controls are only checked during service
- Drive controls are not part of a pre-use check
Correct 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).
Question 6: What is the purpose of the MEWP's load sensing or overload system?
- It prevents the machine from operating if the load exceeds the safe working load, protecting against overload and instability (Correct answer)
- It monitors the load for reporting purposes only
- It is a fuel management system
- Load sensing only applies to crane operations
Correct answer: It prevents the machine from operating if the load exceeds the safe working load, protecting against overload and instability
The load sensing or overload system detects when the platform load exceeds the SWL and prevents operation, protecting against the instability and structural failure that overloading causes.
IPAF Pre-Use Inspections 2
What should be checked on the MEWP's hydraulic system during a pre-use inspection?