MEWPs & Suspended Access

Machine Certification and Operator Competence

Every MEWP, mast climbing work platform and suspended access cradle on a UAE site must hold a valid third-party inspection (TPI) certificate from an approved body, and operators must hold both a recognised operator licence and a machine-specific familiarisation record. This mirrors the plant/lifting regime that inspectors already apply to cranes.

• Third-party certificate

  Valid TPI from an approved inspection body — 12-month maximum interval, 6 months for suspended access

  critical

• Operator licence

  Recognised training (IPAF or equivalent) plus employer authorisation for the specific category

  critical

• Machine familiarisation

  Documented for the exact make/model before first use

  critical

• Pre-use inspection

  Daily, recorded on the machine log before the first lift of the shift

  critical

• Ground-level rescue trained person

  A second person trained in ground controls present at all times

  critical

• Load and reach limits

  SWL plate legible; platform load never exceeded, no ladders/steps used inside the basket

  critical

Harness Rules by Machine Type

In a MEWP basket the lanyard must be a restraint lanyard adjusted short enough to keep the operator inside the platform — a long energy-absorbing lanyard lets the operator be thrown out and then dangle.

Siting, Ground and Traffic

• Ground bearing assessment

  Confirmed for the machine's outrigger/wheel loads, including basements, podium slabs and backfilled ground

  critical

• Outriggers / spreader pads

  Fully deployed on adequate spreader pads before elevating

  critical

• Exclusion zone

  Hard-barricaded beneath and around the machine with a banksman for travel

  critical

• Overhead services

  Minimum safe approach distance to live overhead lines confirmed with the supply authority

  critical

• Wind limit

  Manufacturer's rating on the machine plate — never exceeded

  critical

• Slope limits

  Machine used only within the stated gradient and only travelled elevated where rated

  critical

Suspended Cradles, BMUs and Rope Access

• Permit required

  Suspended access permit raised per shift, with rescue plan attached

  critical

• Independent lifeline

  Separate anchor line and fall arrester for each occupant

  critical

• Secondary/safety brake

  Fitted, tested and within certification

  critical

• Wire rope inspection

  Full-length inspection before each installation and at TPI intervals

  critical

• Counterweights

  Locked, matched to design, quantity verified and recorded

  critical

• Rope access competence

  IRATA/SPRAT Level 1–3 team with a Level 3 supervisor on site

  critical

• Drop zone

  Barricaded at ground level with a spotter for public interfaces

  critical