Aerial Lift ​(MEWP) Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of elevated platforms are mentioned in this course? +
  • Aerial Lifts or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), such as scissor lifts, which provide vertical elevation, and boom lifts, which offer both horizontal and vertical reach, are chosen according to the specific requirements of the task, including the necessary height, reach, and limitations of the workspace. Equipment choice depends on the terrain as well, specifically, concrete floors in a warehouse versus gravel or dirt on a construction site. Note this course focuses on roles and responsibilities of individuals that supervise and operate these pieces of equipment. An alternative equipment-focused course would be our “Aerial Lift Safety – MEWPs (CAN)” course found here.
• What certification do I receive with this course? +
  • This course satisfies the classroom portion certification only of safety training for a MEWP operator in Canada. Hands-on training is a required compliment to this online training for full proficient and safe operator use.
  • If US certification is being sought, please refer to our US equivalent course called “Aerial Lift (MEWP) – Supervisor/Competent Person (OSHA)”. This course is updated to the latest A92 standards.   Link is: https://www.bistrainer.com/store/trainingsource-ca-store/productdetails/osha-aerial-lift-mewp—supervisor-competent-person
• What are some of the common hazards related to operating Aerial Lifts or MEWPs? +
  • The importance of comprehensive training is vital to recognizing and mitigating the most common hazards which include electrocution, equipment tip-over, falls from platforms and equipment failure (hydraulic or otherwise).
• What is the difference between Aerial Lifts and MEWPs? +
  • Aerial lifts and MEWPs—short for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms—are terms that often get tossed around interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. An aerial lift is a broad category of equipment, like cherry pickers or scissor lifts, designed to hoist people or materials up high.
  • MEWPs, though, are a more specific modern classification that includes many aerial lifts but focuses on machines built for safe, temporary access to elevated spots—think boom lifts or vertical mast lifts. Basically, all MEWPs are aerial lifts, but not all aerial lifts fit the stricter MEWP standards, which prioritize mobility and safety features.
• What are some of the safety rules for MEWPs? +
  • Trained operators, doing pre-use inspections, always using fall protection and choosing equipment positioning carefully are a partial list of the safety rules for MEWPs.
• Do I need prior experience to take the Aerial Lift (MEWP) Canada course? +
  • No Experience Needed: You can start from scratch—no prior know-how required. The course is built for beginners and seasoned operators alike, covering the basics and beyond.
  • Helpful If You’ve Operated Before: If you’ve used a scissor lift or boom lift, you’ll find some parts familiar, which might make it quicker to get through.
  • Practical Skills Come Later: The online part is all theory, so don’t worry about hands-on skills yet—your employer will test those on the job with the actual equipment.
  • Open to All: It’s designed for anyone who needs to work at heights, from construction workers to warehouse staff—just bring a willingness to learn!