IPAF PUWER, LOLER & Operator Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'method statement' in the context of MEWP operations?
- A document that describes how the MEWP task will be carried out safely, including equipment, controls, and emergency procedures (Correct answer)
- A list of all materials to be taken up on the platform
- A record of all MEWP work completed on site
- A document only required by the HSE during inspections
Correct answer: A document that describes how the MEWP task will be carried out safely, including equipment, controls, and emergency procedures
A method statement for MEWP operations describes the task, the MEWP type selected, the control measures, rescue procedures, and how hazards will be managed. It supports safe planning and operator briefing.
Question 2: Under what circumstances can a MEWP be used without a PAL card holder on site?
- It cannot — all MEWP operators must hold a valid PAL card or equivalent evidence of competence for the machine type (Correct answer)
- If the site manager gives written permission
- If the operator has over 5 years' experience
- If the task is below 4 metres platform height
Correct answer: It cannot — all MEWP operators must hold a valid PAL card or equivalent evidence of competence for the machine type
All MEWP operators must hold a valid PAL card or equivalent recognised competence for the specific machine type. There is no exemption based on height, experience, or management permission.
Question 3: What information must appear on a MEWP's LOLER thorough examination report?
- Machine identification, date of examination, examiner's details, findings, SWL, defects found, and date of next examination (Correct answer)
- Only the examiner's signature and the machine's serial number
- Only defects found — a clean examination requires no report
- The machine's hire rate and availability
Correct answer: Machine identification, date of examination, examiner's details, findings, SWL, defects found, and date of next examination
The LOLER examination report must include machine identification, examination date, examiner's credentials, findings, SWL, any defects, required remedial actions, and the date by which the next examination is due.
Question 4: What is the operator's responsibility regarding the MEWP's rated capacity during a task?
- Ensure the total platform load (people, tools, materials) never exceeds the SWL at any point during the task (Correct answer)
- Manage load informally based on experience
- Overloading slightly is acceptable if the task requires it
- The rated capacity is advisory, not mandatory
Correct answer: Ensure the total platform load (people, tools, materials) never exceeds the SWL at any point during the task
The operator must ensure that at no point during the task does the total platform load exceed the SWL. This responsibility includes accounting for tools and materials, not just the operator's own weight.
Question 5: Under PUWER, how must a MEWP be secured when not in use?
- Keys removed, controls secured, and the machine positioned to prevent unauthorised use and unintended movement (Correct answer)
- Keys left in to allow rapid deployment
- Secured only if left unattended overnight
- No specific PUWER requirement — site practice determines this
Correct answer: Keys removed, controls secured, and the machine positioned to prevent unauthorised use and unintended movement
PUWER requires that work equipment is secured when not in use. For a MEWP this means removing keys, securing controls, and positioning the machine safely to prevent unauthorised use and unintended movement.
Question 6: A hired MEWP arrives on site with an out-of-date LOLER certificate. What must happen?
- The MEWP must not be used until a current LOLER thorough examination is carried out and a valid certificate issued (Correct answer)
- Use it for one day while arranging an examination
- Conduct a visual inspection and use it for the remainder of the day
- Contact the hire company who will email a replacement certificate
Correct answer: The MEWP must not be used until a current LOLER thorough examination is carried out and a valid certificate issued
An out-of-date LOLER certificate means the machine has not been examined within the required 6-month period. It must not be used until a current thorough examination has been carried out and a valid certificate issued.
IPAF PUWER, LOLER & Operator Responsibilities 2
What is a 'method statement' in the context of MEWP operations?