MEWPs (Scissor Lifts & Boom Lifts)

Regulatory Framework

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) — including scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers — are classified as lifting equipment under ADOSH-SF CoP 34.0 and as plant under CoP 36.0. The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) PAL Card is widely recognised and accepted by Dubai Municipality, ADOSH-SF, and most UAE authorities as the standard operator certification for MEWPs. IPAF training is available from multiple accredited centres across the UAE.

• Classification

  Lifting equipment (CoP 34.0) and plant (CoP 36.0)

  critical

• Operator certification

  IPAF PAL Card — accepted by DM, ADOSH-SF, and most UAE authorities

  critical

• PAL Card validity

  5 years — renewal required

  critical

• Category 3a

  Scissor lifts (vertical travel only)

  standard

• Category 3b

  Boom lifts (multi-directional travel)

  standard

Pre-Use Inspection and Safe Use

All MEWPs must undergo a documented pre-use inspection before each shift. The inspection must cover the platform, guardrails, controls, tyres/outriggers, hydraulics, and emergency lowering system. MEWPs must not be used on slopes exceeding the manufacturer's specified maximum gradient. In the UAE's high winds, MEWPs must not be used when wind speeds exceed the manufacturer's maximum (typically 12.5 m/s / 45 km/h for boom lifts).

• Pre-use inspection

  Daily documented checklist before each shift

  critical

• Maximum gradient

  Per manufacturer specification — typically 3° for scissor lifts

  critical

• Wind speed limit

  Manufacturer maximum — typically 12.5 m/s (45 km/h) for boom lifts

  critical

• Ground conditions

  Firm, level ground — outriggers fully deployed where fitted

  critical

• Harness requirement

  Full body harness and lanyard required in boom lifts at all times

  critical

• Harness in scissor lifts

  Required when guardrails are not at full height or when leaning out

  critical

Inspection and Maintenance

MEWPs must undergo annual thorough examination by a competent person in accordance with ADOSH-SF CoP 34.0. The examination must include a functional test of all controls, emergency systems, and structural inspection. A certificate of thorough examination must be issued and kept on site. MEWPs must also undergo periodic maintenance per the manufacturer's schedule.

• Annual thorough examination

  By competent person — certificate issued and kept on site

  critical

• Periodic maintenance

  Per manufacturer schedule — documented

  critical

• Emergency lowering test

  Tested at each pre-use inspection

  critical

• Rescue plan

  Written rescue plan required for all MEWP operations

  critical

UAE temperatures regularly exceed 45°C in summer. MEWP hydraulic systems can overheat in direct sunlight. Check hydraulic fluid levels and temperatures before use. Do not operate MEWPs with hydraulic fluid above the manufacturer's maximum operating temperature.