What is a mobile elevating work platform course?
A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) course provides training in the safe use of personnel lifts – that is, scissor lifts, boom lifts (telescopic and articulated boom lifts), and other types of mobile elevating work platforms. The course is legally mandated for everyone who is to operate such machinery and covers both theory and safety requirements.
Personnel lifts are used in a wide range of industries, from construction and civil engineering to industry, maintenance, and warehouse work. Proper training is crucial to prevent accidents involving personnel lifts.
Who needs a mobile elevating work platform course?
Everyone who is to operate or use a personnel lift must have documented training. This includes, among others:
- Construction workers who use scissor lifts or boom lifts on construction sites
- Painters and facade workers who use personnel lifts as an alternative to scaffolding
- Electricians who use personnel lifts for work at height
- Industrial workers who use personnel lifts for maintenance and inspection
- Warehouse staff who use high-reach personnel lifts
- Fitters and technicians who use personnel lifts for installation
- Cleaning staff and caretakers who use personnel lifts for exterior maintenance
Legal requirements for the use of personnel lifts
The requirement for training in the use of personnel lifts is enshrined in several regulations:
- Regulations on the Performance of Work § 10-2 – requirement for documented safety training for the use of work equipment
- Regulations on the Performance of Work § 10-3 – requirements for certified safety training for certain types of machinery
- Working Environment Act § 3-2 – employer's duty to provide training
- Regulations on Organization, Management, and Participation § 8-1 – requirement for documented training
- Internal Control Regulations § 5 – the enterprise shall document competence and training
It is important to distinguish between documented safety training and certified safety training. For most scissor lifts and simpler boom lifts, documented safety training is sufficient. For larger boom lifts, certified training through a certification scheme may be required.
Consequences of lacking mobile elevating work platform competence
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority takes the use of personnel lifts without documented training very seriously. The consequences can be significant:
- Orders and fines: The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can issue orders and impose infringement fees if employees use personnel lifts without valid documentation.
- Immediate halt: All work with personnel lifts can be stopped until documented training is provided.
- Insurance problems: In the event of accidents with a personnel lift without documented training, the insurance company may reject the claim.
- Criminal liability: The employer may be held personally responsible in serious accidents where training was lacking.
Scissor lift vs. boom lift – what's the difference?
There are several types of personnel lifts, and it is important to understand the differences:
Scissor lift
A scissor lift is a personnel lift that raises the platform straight up. It is the most stable and is typically used for work directly above the machine. Scissor lifts are widely used for:
- Interior work in halls and large buildings
- Facade work at low heights
- Warehouse work and maintenance
- Installation of ceilings, ventilation, and lighting
Boom lift (telescopic lift and articulated boom lift)
Boom lifts have an arm (boom) that provides greater reach and the ability to reach over and around obstacles. They are typically used for:
- Facade work at greater heights
- Tree care and line work
- Industrial maintenance
- Work where it is necessary to reach to the side
The MEWP course at Komplett HMS covers both scissor lifts and boom lifts, ensuring you gain broad competence for various types of personnel lifts.
What does the MEWP course include?
The MEWP course at Komplett HMS provides comprehensive training in the safe use of personnel lifts:
- Machine types – review of scissor lifts, boom lifts, telescopic lifts, and articulated boom lifts
- Risk assessment – hazard assessment before using a personnel lift
- Daily check – checklist for pre-use inspection
- Safe driving and operation – starting speed, movement patterns, and emergency stop
- Ground conditions and stability – requirements for setup area and slope limits
- Weather conditions – wind limits and other environmental factors
- Personal protective equipment – use of fall protection harness in boom lifts
- Emergency procedures – emergency lowering and rescue
- Regulations – relevant laws, regulations, and standards
After successfully passing the knowledge test, you will receive a course certificate documenting completion of the training.
Employer's responsibility for MEWP competence
The employer has a duty to ensure that everyone who uses personnel lifts has documented training. This responsibility is enshrined in the Working Environment Act and the Internal Control Regulations.
The employer shall:
- Identify which employees need MEWP training based on work tasks
- Ensure that training is completed before the personnel lift is used
- Document competence certificates as part of the company's internal control system
- Ensure regular refreshers of competence
- Ensure that hired personnel have documented MEWP competence
Validity and duration
The MEWP course certificate has no formal expiry date set by the authorities. However, in practice, most employers and clients require the course to be renewed every 1–5 years, depending on the industry and requirements.
The online MEWP course typically takes 4–8 hours to complete, depending on prior knowledge and pace.
Online MEWP course vs. classroom instruction
Both online and classroom-based MEWP courses provide valid documentation. For scissor lifts, an online course alone is often sufficient. For boom lifts, it is recommended to combine online theory with a practical session.
Advantages of an online MEWP course:
- Affordable – significantly lower price than classroom instruction
- Flexible – complete when it suits your work schedule
- Fast – get a course certificate quickly
- Available in several languages – important for multilingual workplaces in construction and civil engineering
Order MEWP course
The MEWP course from Komplett HMS is among the market's most affordable options for comprehensive training in personnel lifts with a course certificate and certification. The course covers both scissor lifts and boom lifts.
See also our fall protection course and scaffolding user course for comprehensive training in work at height.
Why choose Komplett HMS?
- Competitive prices – Among Norway's most affordable online MEWP courses
- Available in several languages – Perfect for multilingual work teams
- Instant course certificate – Digital course certificate ready after passing the knowledge test
- 100% online – Complete at your own pace on PC, mobile, or tablet
- 5 out of 5 stars on Google – Norway's highest-rated HSE course provider
Frequently asked questions about MEWP courses
Do I need a separate course for scissor lifts and boom lifts?
No, the MEWP course from Komplett HMS covers both types of personnel lifts. You gain broad competence that applies to scissor lifts, boom lifts, telescopic lifts, and articulated boom lifts.
Is an online MEWP course approved?
Yes, an online MEWP course provides documented safety training in accordance with the Regulations on the Performance of Work. For scissor lifts, this is often sufficient. For boom lifts, it is recommended to supplement with practical training.
How often must the MEWP course be renewed?
There is no statutory renewal period, but the industry standard is 1–5 years. Many clients require refreshers every 1–3 years. Check what requirements apply at your workplace.
Can foreign workers take the MEWP course?
Yes, the MEWP course from Komplett HMS is available in several languages. This ensures that everyone understands the training regardless of their native language – which is especially important for safety-critical training.