MEWP Inspection: Safety and Compliance with JMS Powered Access

Ensuring your Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is safe, compliant, and ready for use is central to any work-at-height operation. At JMS Powered Access, our inspection process follows industry-leading best practices, helping you protect your people and your projects, every day.

Why Are MEWP Inspections Essential?

A thorough MEWP inspection does more than satisfy regulations; it actively prevents accidents, detects faults early, and preserves equipment value. Daily pre-use checks, six-monthly thorough examinations, and diligent record-keeping ensure legal compliance under LOLER and PUWER regulations while giving your workforce total confidence.

Our inspections align with the latest guidance from:

HSE (Health & Safety Executive): MEWPs must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every six months, or following installation at a new site, significant modification, or exposure to severe conditions.

IPAF (International Powered Access Federation): We employ the official IPAF Pre-Use Inspection Checklist, always referring to the manufacturer’s manual for specific requirements.

LOLER / PUWER: Our checks evidence compliance with all Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, offering you peace of mind on every job.

What Does a JMS MEWP Inspection Cover?

1. Documentation Review

  • Confirm up-to-date LOLER certificate
  • Manufacturer’s operator manual present
  • Valid rescue plan established for emergencies

2. Mechanical & Structural Checks

  • Wheels, tyres, and nuts for damage or wear
  • Boom, chassis, and scissor packs checked for cracks, misalignment, or corrosion
  • Hydraulic fluid levels, fuel, and batteries all inspected for leaks, correct levels, and proper function

3. Hoses, Cables & Electrical Systems

  • Hoses and cables free of splits, chafes, or bulges
  • Battery secure, terminals clean
  • Safety interlocks and limit switches function correctly

4. Platform Integrity & Safety Features

  • Secure and undamaged steps, guardrails, entrance gates, and anchor points
  • Platform clear of obstructions
  • All decals, warnings, and load limit signage readable and intact

5. Controls & Emergency Devices

  • Functional test of controls, joysticks, emergency stops, and lowering systems
  • All alarms, lights, and audible warnings checked

6. Site Assessment

  • Ground stability checked for uneven or weak areas
  • Clearances around power lines, structures, or overhead obstacles confirmed
  • Work site free from debris, with safe access for machine setup

JMS Pre-Delivery Inspection Commitment

Before every hire, each JMS machine undergoes a multi-stage pre-delivery inspection (PDI), covering all legal and safety requirements. Our in-depth check ensures no machine leaves our depot unless fully operational, securely maintained, and certified as safe. Customers receive a full inspection report for their peace of mind.

Who Can Carry Out These Inspections?

Inspections must be completed by personnel with suitable experience, practical knowledge, and relevant IPAF or accredited training. Only a competent, fully trained user may declare a MEWP safe for work. JMS offers comprehensive IPAF Operator Training and refresher courses to help clients fulfil these duties. Visit our Training Page to find out more about operator and inspection training.

Record Keeping and Legal Compliance

For every inspection, we record and store results in line with industry and HSE standards. Retaining these records:

  • Demonstrates compliance during audits or incidents
  • Assists with planning preventative maintenance and future inspections

Request an Inspection or Training

Contact JMS today for a professional MEWP inspection or to schedule operator training. Our team is committed to delivering safe, legal, and productive work-at-height solutions for every client.