THE International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released a new eLearning MEWP Spotter Training Course, designed for anyone who assists a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) operator in safely manoeuvring a machine into position.
A MEWP spotter is a role assigned to one or more people to observe MEWP operations onsite, in real-time, and, where necessary, communicate with the MEWP operator to direct them to manoeuvre the MEWP away from any obstacles or hazards that may be beyond the operator’s line of sight.
The requirement for MEWP spotter training was first identified by powered access contractors. As part of their risk assessments, many contractors assign the dedicated role of MEWP spotter on their sites to reduce accidents and incidents.
The new course is theory-only and delivered online to enable candidates to learn in their own time and at their own pace. Interactive graphics and videos guide candidates through their learning journey and show various worksite environments and real-life scenarios.
The course takes approximately two-and-a-half hours to complete, and upon passing the online theory test, candidates are awarded their qualification, which is valid for five years.
Paul Roddis, IPAF training manager, said, “This new MEWP spotter course demonstrates what is possible when IPAF works in partnership with its contractor members to develop practical solutions for the industry. Together, we have created something exceptional that I firmly believe will save lives.
“If you’re involved in helping a MEWP operator to safely manoeuvre a MEWP into position, this is the course for you. Likewise, we recommend the course is also taken by operators, supervisors and site managers, to ensure everyone on site understands the spotter’s role, hand signals and where the spotter should be safely positioned.”
The course covers:
- The responsibilities of a MEWP spotter
- How and where to safely position yourself as a spotter, including management of exclusion zones
- Industry-recognised hand signals and voice instructions, which can be essential to safe operations in situations where the operator has restricted visibility
- Safe MEWP operations
- Key hazards and associated mitigation
The MEWP Spotter Training Course is available to book now through all English-speaking IPAF Approved Training Centres (except North America).
IPAF is hosting a webinar ‘Introducing IPAF’s New MEWP Spotter Training Course’ on Wednesday 25 March 2026, providing the opportunity to ask questions and learn how standardised training of the MEWP spotter role can support safe, efficient working practices. Register here.
