Description

The MEWP Spotter course (online) is aimed at anyone who may need to assist a MEWP Operator to safely manoeuvre a MEWP into position. IPAF recommends 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 methods of communication between a MEWP Spotter and a MEWP Operator, including industry-established hand signals, which can be essential to safe operations in situations where the Operator has restricted visibility. Assigning someone the role of Spotter provides additional safety in MEWP operations, enabling the Operator to be made aware of any hazards they may not be able to see in their line of sight.  

Length of Course and qualification?

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.

What is a MEWP Spotter?

A MEWP Spotter is a specific 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 safely away from any obstacles or hazards that may be beyond the MEWP Operator’s line of sight. The MEWP Spotter(s) and MEWP Operator work together as a team to ensure safe, efficient MEWP operations.

Who is the course for?

Anyone who needs to assist a MEWP Operator to safely manoeuvre a MEWP into position, particularly in situations where the Operator has restricted visibility. The Spotter role is ‘another pair of eyes’ and IPAF recommends all Operators, supervisors and site managers also take the course to ensure everyone on site understands the Spotter’s role, hand signals and where the Spotter should be safely positioned.

Why was the course created?

Contractors first identified the need to IPAF to create a universal, dedicated MEWP Spotter course to improve safety on their sites and across the wider industry. Many contractors already routinely assign Spotters to direct Operators as part of their risk assessment because doing so has seen a reduction in incidents.

No one can see around corners and, by having ‘another pair of eyes on the job’ ensures the Operator is alerted to any hazards and obstructions that lie beyond their line of sight.

Previously, many contractors provided their own training to Spotters but this resulted in discontinuity and sometimes confusion, and any disparity breeds potential for miscommunication that could result in incidents.

The new IPAF MEWP Spotter Training Course provides a universal method of working as a Spotter and Operator team, that keeps everyone safe while increasing the overall efficiency of operations. When everyone uses the same method of working, everyone understands the same hand-signals, positioning, and requirements, playing an essential role in keeping themselves and others safe.

Unsure which training you need? Please email hssirelandtraining@hss.ie.

Bespoke training requests also available.