Quick facts
| MEWP means | Mobile elevating work platform: scissor lifts, boom lifts, vertical mast lifts |
|---|---|
| ANSI standards | A92.20 (design), A92.22 (safe use), A92.24 (training) |
| OSHA rules | 29 CFR 1910.67, 1926.453, 1926.454 |
| Our course | Theory, Groups A & B, Types 1 & 3; $25 add-on with forklift training |
| Hands-on part | Employer practical evaluation and familiarization |
What is a MEWP?
MEWP stands for mobile elevating work platform, the ANSI term for machines that lift people to work at height. The term covers scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, and boom lifts (articulating and telescopic), which many people call aerial lifts or cherry pickers. The ANSI A92 standards adopted the term MEWP and took effect in the U.S. in 2020.
What does ANSI require for MEWP training?
ANSI/SAIA A92.22 covers safe use of MEWPs and A92.24 covers training. Together they expect operators to receive theory training, a practical evaluation by a qualified person, and familiarization on the specific make and model before use. Supervisors and occupants also have training responsibilities under these standards.
ANSI A92.20 classifies MEWPs into groups and types, which training must address:
- Group A: the platform stays within the tipping lines in every position (for example, most scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts).
- Group B: the platform can move beyond the tipping lines (for example, boom lifts and cherry pickers).
- Type 1: may travel only in the stowed position.
- Type 2: may travel elevated, controlled from the chassis.
- Type 3: may travel elevated, controlled from the platform.
What does OSHA require?
OSHA has no single MEWP standard. In general industry, 29 CFR 1910.67 covers vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms and says only trained persons may operate an aerial lift. In construction, 29 CFR 1926.453 covers aerial lifts, including that only authorized persons may operate them and that a body harness or restraint with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket is worn in boom-supported lifts. Scissor lifts are treated by OSHA as mobile scaffolds in construction, with training requirements in 29 CFR 1926.454.
Overhead power lines are a leading cause of aerial lift deaths. 29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3) generally requires unqualified persons and conductive objects to stay at least 10 feet from energized overhead lines of 50 kV or less, with greater distances for higher voltages.
How to get trained online with OSHA Operator
Our MEWP course covers theory for Group A and Group B, Types 1 and 3, and is designed to align with 29 CFR 1910.67 and 1926.451-454, ANSI/SAIA A92.20, A92.22 and A92.24. It is a $25 add-on sold only with forklift training. Before operating, the employer must provide a hands-on practical evaluation by a qualified person and familiarization on each MEWP make and model, and authorize the operator.
How long does MEWP certification last?
OSHA does not set a fixed expiration date for aerial lift training. Operators need retraining when they show they lack knowledge, when they will use a different type of MEWP, or when conditions change. Many employers set their own renewal interval; check your employer's program.
Get forklift + MEWP training together
MEWP training is sold as a $25 add-on with forklift training ($69 per operator). It is not sold on its own. Both courses are self-paced online, and your employer still completes the hands-on evaluation and familiarization on each machine.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
Sources
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.67 — Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 — Aerial lifts
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.454 — Scaffold training requirements
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333 — Selection and use of work practices (approach distances)
- ANSI/SAIA A92 standards (Scaffold & Access Industry Association)