Train for the machine, the worksite and the hazards at height.
B-Ready provides on-site mobile elevating work platform training for operators and internal trainers. Programs connect equipment controls and inspections with fall protection, stability, positioning, electrical exposure, rescue planning and the real conditions employees face at your facility.
REQUEST AWP / MEWP TRAININGScissor lifts and aerial lifts are not all treated the same.
OSHA’s Scaffolding eTool describes scissor lifts as mobile supported scaffold work platforms that move primarily straight up and down. OSHA’s aerial-lift guidance covers vehicle-mounted elevating devices such as extendable boom platforms, articulating boom platforms, aerial ladders and vertical towers. The applicable OSHA requirements can differ by equipment design and industry.
MEWP Group / Type note: the modern Group A / Group B and Type 1 / 2 / 3 language comes from the ANSI/SAIA A92 MEWP framework—not from an OSHA class system. B-Ready teaches operators to identify the category and operating characteristics of the actual machine they use.
The platform stays within the tipping lines in normal operation. Common example: many scissor lifts / vertical platforms.
The platform can extend beyond the tipping lines. Common example: articulating or telescopic boom lifts.
Travel is permitted only with the MEWP in its stowed position.
Travel with the work platform elevated is controlled from a point on the chassis.
Travel with the work platform elevated is controlled from the work platform.
Operator course details
- Equipment identification and intended use
- Pre-start inspection and function checks
- Controls, alarms and emergency lowering
- Platform capacity and loading
- Ground, slope and surface conditions
- Overhead / crushing hazards
- Electrical-clearance awareness
- Fall-protection requirements and anchor points
- Practical operation and evaluation
- Written knowledge verification
Train-the-Trainer focus
Internal trainers learn how to explain hazards, evaluate operators, document training, identify retraining needs and connect classroom material to the actual machine and worksite.
Trainer discussion can also include site surveys, risk assessments, rescue planning, road maps / travel paths and equipment-specific practical exercises.
One rule does not fit every platform.
Fall-protection requirements depend on the equipment and applicable standard. OSHA emphasizes guardrail integrity for scissor lifts, while boom-type aerial lifts require appropriate personal fall protection under applicable OSHA requirements. Manufacturer instructions and the employer’s hazard assessment remain critical.
- Guardrail condition and access gates
- Approved anchorage points
- Harness and lanyard / SRL selection where required
- Restraint vs. arrest considerations
- Platform-to-structure transfer restrictions
- Emergency lowering controls
- Ground-person responsibilities
- Rescue plan for elevated workers
Modern lifts have more safety technology—and more to understand.
Current MEWPs may use electronic control modules, tilt sensors, load-sensing systems, secondary guarding, platform-position sensing, drive interlocks and sophisticated diagnostics. These systems can reduce risk, but operators still need to understand warnings, limitations and the correct response when a device activates.
Training boundary: operator training explains system purpose, warnings, limits and safe response. Diagnosis, adjustment or bypass of safety devices belongs with qualified maintenance personnel and manufacturer procedures.
Site survey & work-zone planning
Course discussion can incorporate actual floor conditions, dock edges, door openings, overhead structures, power sources, pedestrian traffic, vehicle interaction, wind exposure and designated travel paths.
Practical evaluation ideas
Pre-use walkaround, control identification, simulated emergency lowering, safe travel route, positioning near an overhead hazard, platform setup, hazard call-out exercise and demonstration of proper shutdown / securing.