Course Introduction

The NPORS N108 / N109 MEWP Boom / Scissor courses provides the standard theoretical knowledge and practical training required to safely operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (Boom & Scissor types).

Learning Outcomes

1. Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as a plant operator
2. Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular machine to be used, and be familiar with other types of information sources and relevant legislation
3. Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions
4. Be able to locate and identify steering, driving and braking controls and explain their functions
5. Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturer’s and legislative requirements
6. Check all emergency lowering functions
7. Safely mount and dismount the machine
8. Configure the machine for travel
9. Configure the machine for travel and manoeuvre it safely on level / rough ground and inclines in open and confined areas
10. Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area, including overhead and underground hazards
11. Manoeuvre the machine to the work area and correctly configure in readiness to carry out accessing tasks
12. Carry out accessing tasks, at various points up to full operating height
13. Travel with platform raised (where applicable)
14. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of loading and unloading procedures for machine transportation
15. Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures

Course Contents

Theory

The theory portion covers critical legislative rules, technical site safety and operational know how.

• Legislative Framework: Understanding the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER, LOLER, GS6, and Work at Height Regulations.
• Site Hazard Awareness: Identifying overhead obstructions, power lines, underground/buried services, and evaluating ground types.
• Machine Data Limits: Determining the specific machine’s Maximum Working Height, Maximum Operating Radius, Safe Working Load (SWL), and Maximum Wind Speed using the Beaufort Scale.
• Safety Equipment & Medical Risks: Proper use of PPE, fall-arrest harnesses, and anchoring systems, alongside knowledge of suspension trauma and reflow syndrome.
• Operational Safety: How to safely drive, operate and maneuver the MEWP in different terrains. How to perform accessing tasks safely.
• Emergency & Transport Protocol: Learning emergency plan procedures, emergency lowering functions, and secure loading/unloading logistics for machine transportation.

Practical

The practical test evaluates an operator’s ability to travel, maneuver, and position a platform for various tasks.

• Pre-Use Inspection: Conducting system checks on fluid levels, wheels/tyres, hydraulic controls, emergency lowering systems, structural components, and safety/secondary guarding devices, etc as per equipment pre-use checklist.
• Maneuvering & Driving: Mounting the platform safely facing the machine, driving forward and in reverse, and steering accurately through a tight clearance.
• Target Access Tasks: Maneuvering to different positions above ground level for accessing tasks.
• Elevated Travel: Rotating the boom 90° and reversing while elevated back to the starting line.
• End of Shift Parking: Re-centering steering wheels, lowering the platform fully to its stowed position, releasing hydraulic pressure, applying park brakes, removing the key, and placing the unit on charge or re-fuelling.