Touchback Safety has been a leader in the Aerial Work Platforms since 1999, we have seen the changes from having separate training for the Basic AWP (under 80) and the Over 80 to the combined Elevated Work platforms that includes all EWP’s. When this change occurred, we had to adjust our program to include all components of every type of EWP, without omitting any information for the Operators safety.
We were successful in getting all the information in a one-day program, and our program has been highly recognized.
Today we face some more challenges with the new CSA/ISO standards that has made significant changes to the standards and that affects the responsibilities to the owners and operator of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP). It is hard for Operators to keep up with the new changes and they are required to be trained every 3 years according to our industry standards, so imagine how hard it is for the Owners or Supervisors to know and understand the legal responsibilities of the MEWP when they are not operating the equipment. ANSI implemented a mandatory Supervisors training program for Supervisors, even though CSA has not made this training mandatory, it just makes sense for a supervisor to understand what is required when working with an MEWP.
Most employers are unaware of the new changes to the MEWP standards, and they also don’t realize that the CSA standard requires Operator’s to have a designated certificate. What does this mean? In order to have an Operators certificate, the operator must complete a practical on the specific Group and Type of MEWP that the Operator is required to operate.
For Example the Boom Lift is now classified as a Group B Type 3, the Scissor Lift is a Group A, Type 3. Without having this designation on the Operators ticket then the operator is not certified to operate the MEWP.
Another factor that employers may not be aware of is that the ticket is only valid when an employer has completed a familiarization with the operator on the specific type of Equipment. What does that mean? It means that even though the operator has received a ticket from a training provider doesn’t mean it is valid until there has been documentation on the Employers part that the Competent Supervisor (known as an Examiner) has completed a familiarization with the operator for every different MEWP that the operator intends to operate. For example, the examiner originally completed a familiarization on the Z30/20, but then the operator is now required to operate a JLG1200 for the new task, the employer must have the examiner complete and document a familiarization for that new piece of equipment.
When you take Touchback Safety’s MEWP course, we will complete both practical’s and designate the certificate accordingly at no additional cost. Clients are welcome to opt out of both practical’s, but keep in mind this ticket is valid for 3 years and if you are not operating one type of MEWP today, doesn’t mean you won’t operate the other type in the future, while your ticket remains valid.
For onsite training, you will be required to provide all Group’s and Types of MEWP that you would like to have your certificate designated for.