IPAF PUWER, LOLER & Operator Responsibilities — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How does LOLER apply to MEWP operations?
- MEWPs are lifting equipment used to lift persons — they must be thoroughly examined every 6 months under LOLER (Correct answer)
- LOLER only applies to cranes and hoists, not MEWPs
- LOLER applies only when a MEWP is used to lift materials
- MEWPs are exempt from LOLER if under 4 metres platform height
Correct answer: MEWPs are lifting equipment used to lift persons — they must be thoroughly examined every 6 months under LOLER
MEWPs lift persons and are therefore subject to the most stringent LOLER requirements. This includes thorough examination every 6 months (not 12 months) and all LOLER planning and competency requirements.
Question 2: Under PUWER, who is responsible for ensuring a MEWP is suitable for its intended use?
- The employer or any person with control of the MEWP (Correct answer)
- Only the hire company that provides the machine
- The operator who will use it
- The site manager alone
Correct answer: The employer or any person with control of the MEWP
PUWER places responsibility on the employer or any person with control of the work equipment. When hiring, both the hire company and the hirer share responsibility for ensuring suitability.
Question 3: What must an operator do before using a hired MEWP for the first time on site?
- Carry out a pre-use inspection, verify the LOLER certificate is current, confirm their training covers the machine's category, and read the operator's manual (Correct answer)
- Sign the hire agreement only
- Complete only the site induction
- Accept the machine from the delivery driver without further checks
Correct answer: Carry out a pre-use inspection, verify the LOLER certificate is current, confirm their training covers the machine's category, and read the operator's manual
Before using a hired MEWP, the operator must carry out a pre-use inspection, check the LOLER certificate is current, confirm their PAL card covers the machine's IPAF category, and familiarise themselves with the specific machine's controls.
Question 4: What is the operator's legal duty under PUWER if they identify a defect during MEWP operation?
- Stop using the MEWP, secure it, and report the defect to the responsible person (Correct answer)
- Continue if the defect seems minor
- Report it at the end of the shift
- Attempt a basic repair before continuing
Correct answer: Stop using the MEWP, secure it, and report the defect to the responsible person
Under PUWER, operators have a duty to report defects. If a defect is identified during operation, the MEWP must be stopped, secured, and the defect reported immediately. Continuing to operate defective equipment is illegal.
Question 5: Under LOLER, what must be done before a MEWP is returned to service after a structural repair?
- A thorough examination by a competent person must confirm the equipment is safe for use (Correct answer)
- The operator can return it to service after a visual check
- Only the hire company needs to confirm the repair is satisfactory
- The MEWP can be used immediately as repairs by qualified engineers are self-certifying
Correct answer: A thorough examination by a competent person must confirm the equipment is safe for use
After a structural repair, LOLER requires a thorough examination by a competent person to confirm the equipment is safe before it is returned to service, regardless of the quality of the repair.
Question 6: What does PUWER require regarding the training of MEWP operators?
- Operators must be adequately trained and competent before using any MEWP (Correct answer)
- A general site induction is sufficient for MEWP operation
- Operators may use any MEWP if supervised by an experienced colleague
- Training is only required for boom lifts, not scissor lifts
Correct answer: Operators must be adequately trained and competent before using any MEWP
PUWER requires that all work equipment operators are adequately trained and competent. For MEWPs, IPAF PAL card training is the industry-recognised way of demonstrating this competence.
IPAF PUWER, LOLER & Operator Responsibilities
How does LOLER apply to MEWP operations?