What Personal Protective Equipment Is Required for Operating MEWPs?

Published Date: 9 October 2025
Last Updated: 21 November 2025

When operating a MEWP, the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a safety harness with a short work restraint lanyard (for boom-type platforms), a helmet with a 4-point chin strap, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear, and gloves, all selected based on task-specific risks. While not all MEWPs require fall protection, boom lifts almost always do, and PPE must be matched to both platform type and working conditions.

This article breaks down exactly what PPE is required for different MEWP categories, when it’s legally mandated, and how to ensure your team stays compliant and protected, all without over-complicating or underestimating the risks.

Table Of Contents

Why PPE Is Critical for MEWP Operations

MEWPs expose operators to a range of hazards, including:

Falls from height due to ejection or improper restraint
Entrapment between the platform and overhead structures
Falling objects from above or from the platform itself
Electrocution near overhead power lines
Platform overturning on uneven or unstable ground

PPE is not a substitute for safe planning or equipment design, but it is a vital last line of defence. When selected and used correctly, PPE significantly reduces the severity of injuries and ensures compliance with Work at Height Regulations and site-specific safety protocols.

PPE Overview: Categories Relevant to MEWPs

Operators and ground crew may require different PPE depending on the MEWP type and task. The most relevant categories include:

Fall Protection (Harnesses and Lanyards) to Standards – EN361:2002 (harness) & EN358:2018 (lanyard)

Fall protection is the most critical PPE consideration for MEWP operators, particularly when working on boom-type platforms. A full-body safety harness connected to a suitable lanyard is required when there’s a risk of ejection from the platform.

PPE Required for Using a MEWP - A Person Putting on a Safety Harness

Fall Restraint Systems:

Prevent the operator from reaching a point where a fall could occur.

Anchor Points:

Must be integrated into the MEWP and rated for fall protection. Improvised anchor points are strictly prohibited.

Scissor Lifts:

Generally, do not require harnesses unless a specific risk assessment identifies fall hazards beyond guardrail protection

Head Protection – EN 397

Operators and ground crew should wear safety helmets with a secure 4-point chin strap to protect against falling objects, overhead obstructions, and potential impact during platform movement.

Chin Straps:

Prevent helmets from dislodging during elevation or wind exposure.

Electrical Work:

Helmets should be non-conductive if working near live circuits or overhead power lines (although a person shouldn’t be working near overhead power lines with a MEWP).

Site-Specific Requirements:

Some environments mandate high-impact or vented helmets depending on ambient conditions.

Eye and Face Protection – DIN EN 166

DIN EN 166 is the basic safety standard for all eyewear, including safety glasses, goggles and visors. All manufacturers of safety eyewear are required to have their product independently tested and certified. Both the frame and the lens are tested. The frame will usually be marked on the inside with EN166, followed by numbers and letters which indicate the quality of the lens.

Eye protection is essential when working in environments with dust, debris, chemicals, or potential splash hazards. Face shields may be required for grinding, cutting, or spraying tasks performed from the platform.

1. Safety Glasses

Minimum standard for general MEWP use.

2. Goggles

Provide sealed protection against fine particles or chemical exposure.

3. Face Shields

Used in conjunction with goggles for high-risk tasks involving flying debris or corrosive materials.

Hand Protection – EN 388

Gloves should be selected based on the nature of the task. The key considerations here include grip, dexterity, and protection from cuts or abrasions.

All gloves have a code which advises the scale of their performance. For example, a marking like 4243B would indicate:

First number (4): Abrasion resistance (highest possible for abrasion is 4).
Second number (2): Blade cut resistance (range 1-5).
Third number (4): Tear resistance (highest is 4).
Fourth number (3): Puncture resistance (highest is 4).
Letter (B): ISO cut test rating.

An “X” in place of a number means the glove wasn’t tested for that hazard or that the test was inconclusive, such as when the blade used in the cutting test became blunted before the maximum rating could be achieved.

1. General Handling Gloves

Suitable for routine MEWP operation and platform entry/exit.

2. Cut-Resistant Gloves

Required when handling sharp tools or materials.

3. Insulated Gloves

Necessary for electrical work or cold-weather conditions.

Foot Protection – EN ISO 20345:2011

Footwear must provide stability, grip, and protection against impact or puncture. This is because operators often work on metal platforms that can become slippery or uneven.

Foot protection is often industry or site specific, with some companies mandating specific protection, i.e anti-static, penetration resistance etc. There are a number of specific categories, which include but aren’t limited to:

Steel-Toe Boots: Protect against dropped tools and heavy equipment, impact energy level of 200 joules minimum
Anti-Slip Soles: Essential for maintaining traction on MEWP platforms
Ankle Support: Recommended for tasks involving frequent climbing or uneven terrain.

High Visibility Clothing – EN ISO 20471

High-visibility garments are highly recommended when operating MEWPs in public areas, near traffic, or on busy construction sites. They ensure operators and ground crew remain visible to others, especially during platform movement or setup.

Hi-vis clothing should provide adequate protection both during the day and night, as well as in adverse weather. It must be correctly fastened and maintained in a clean, usable condition.

Some examples include:

Class 2 or Class 3 Vests/Jackets: Depending on site requirements and proximity to vehicular traffic.
Weather-Appropriate Options: Breathable mesh for summer, insulated hi-vis jackets
Reflective Striping: Must be maintained and free from obstruction (e.g. dirt, wear)

PPE Requirements by MEWP Type

MEWP Type	PPE Required	Notes
Static Boom (1b)	Harness + restraint lanyard	High ejection risk
Mobile Boom (3b)	Harness + restraint lanyard	Required by most site policies
Scissor Lift (3a)	Usually no harness	Guardrails suffice unless risk is assessed
Vertical Lift	Risk-based PPE	Depends on the platform design and the task

As previously stated, the lanyard should be short enough to restrain the wearer within the confines of the platform and the karabiner attached to the manufacturer-approved anchorage point; therefore, a short restraint harness is recommended.

Always consult the MEWP manufacturer’s manual and site-specific risk assessments before finalising PPE.

Risk Assessment and PPE Selection

PPE selection for MEWP operations must be driven by a formal, task-specific risk assessment as opposed to generic assumptions. The goal is to identify foreseeable hazards and match PPE to the actual exposure, not just the equipment type.

Some of the risk factors to assess include:

Platform Type: Boom lifts (1b, 3b) typically require fall protection; scissor lifts (3a) may not unless additional risks are present.
Working Environment: Indoor vs outdoor, proximity to traffic, overhead obstructions, weather conditions.
Task Nature: Static positioning vs active tool use, material handling, and electrical work.
Operator Movement: Risk of ejection, entrapment, or overreaching.
Ground Conditions: Uneven terrain, pedestrian zones, or confined spaces

When it comes to PPE selection principles, the following must be taken into account:

Hierarchy of Controls: PPE is the last line of defence, which means engineering controls (e.g. guardrails) and safe systems of work should be prioritised first.
Compatibility: PPE must not interfere with the safe operation of the MEWP or other PPE (e.g. harnesses must not obstruct visibility or restrict movement).
User-Specific Fit: Ill-fitting PPE compromises safety; therefore, harnesses, helmets, and gloves must be adjusted to the individual.
Dynamic Review: PPE requirements may change as site conditions evolve. Risk assessments should be revisited regularly.

Training and Competency

Even the best PPE is ineffective without proper training. Operators must understand not only how to wear PPE, but why it’s required, how to inspect it, and how it integrates into safe MEWP operation.

Core Training Requirements

Harness Use and Inspection: How to fit, adjust, and inspect harnesses and lanyards. Understanding anchor points and fall dynamics.
Helmet Protocols: Chin strap use, helmet lifespan, and impact resistance.
PPE Limitations: What PPE can and cannot protect against. For example, gloves don’t prevent crush injuries, and harnesses don’t eliminate fall risk.
Emergency Procedures: What to do in case of PPE failure, entrapment, or platform malfunction.

Competency Standards

IPAF Certification: Operators should hold valid IPAF PAL cards for the MEWP category they’re using.
Refresher Training: Required periodically, especially when new PPE types or MEWP models are introduced.
Supervisor Oversight: Supervisors must be trained to verify PPE use and intervene when non-compliance is observed.

A good starting point to read through is the IPAF Operators’ Safety Guide for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms publication. It’s a pocket-sized document that outlines recommended working practices for the safe operation of MEWPs over a wide range of applications, which includes initial checks, through transport and positioning on site, to carrying out required tasks.

Ground Crew Awareness

Spotters and support staff must also be trained in PPE relevance, especially in high-traffic or hazardous zones. Their visibility and communication are critical to operator safety.

Maintenance and Inspection of PPE

PPE must be inspected, maintained, and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines and site protocols. Neglecting this process can render equipment unsafe, even if it appears intact.

Maintenance and inspection procedures entail:

Daily Checks

Harnesses: Inspect for fraying, buckles, stitching integrity, and label legibility.
Helmets: Check for cracks, strap wear, and expiry date.
Gloves and Footwear: Look for tears, sole wear, and compromised grip.

Formal Inspections

Frequency: Typically every 6 months for fall protection PPE, or more frequently in high-use environments. (IPAF Mandate 6 monthly intervals, or every three months for equipment exposed to harsh conditions, heavy use, or potential damage but PPE regulations require a minimum of 12 monthly inspections)
Competent Person: Inspections must be carried out by someone trained and authorised to assess PPE condition.
Documentation: Inspection records must be logged and retained for audit and compliance purposes

Storage and Replacement

Storage Conditions: PPE should be kept dry, clean, and away from direct sunlight or contaminants.
Replacement Criteria: PPE must be replaced if damaged, expired, or after a fall event, even if no visible damage is present.

Ultimately, PPE for MEWPs isn’t optional because it’s a legal and operational necessity. Whether you’re working from a boom lift or managing ground operations, the right equipment can mean the difference between a safe shift and a serious incident.

To ensure your team is properly equipped, explore our MEWP Safety Accessories page, where you’ll find IPAF-approved harness kits, helmets, and other essential gear tailored for MEWP operations.

Using appropriate PPE for MEWPs is a legal necessity in the UK, but not in a blanket sense; it’s required when a risk assessment identifies a risk that can’t be controlled by other means, and PPE must be suitable and worn correctly.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 mandate that employers provide and ensure the proper use of PPE, and workers must use it as instructed.

Therefore, safety harnesses and hard hats, for example, are legally required for MEWP use if a risk assessment indicates they are necessary to protect against falls or falling objects, which ultimately is down to the site, customer etc.

For example, if Joe Bloggs hires a boom to cut his garden hedge, it’s totally up to him if he carries out a risk assessment and decides he needs a harness or hi-vis. He doesn’t legally need an IPAF license.

About
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Del Patterson

Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Manager at Star Platforms Limited

As QHSE Manager at Star Platforms, Del leads the charge in cultivating a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence across all depots. With over 10 years of experience in quality assurance, health & safety, and environmental stewardship, he ensures every platform hire meets the highest standards - on site and behind the scenes.

Passionate about continuous improvement and risk mitigation, Del works closely with teams to implement robust safety protocols, drive ISO compliance, and champion sustainable practices that align with Star Platforms’ commitment to responsible operations. Whether reviewing incident reports or refining training programs, Del brings precision, accountability, and a proactive mindset to every task.

When not auditing systems or leading toolbox talks, Del shares insights on industry best practices, regulatory updates, and practical safety tips to help customers and colleagues stay informed and protected.