UDT operator licences for aerial work platforms (MEWPs): what you need to know

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), that is scissor lifts, articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts and vertical mast lifts, are classed in Poland as equipment subject to technical supervision. In practice that means two things: the equipment itself must have current examinations and the approval of the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT), and the person who operates it must hold the appropriate qualifications, confirmed by a qualification certificate. Below we explain in general terms what this involves and why it matters not only formally but, above all, in practice.

Why qualifications are required

A mobile elevating work platform is classed as handling equipment (Polish: urządzenie transportu bliskiego): the worker is on a platform raised above ground level, often at a considerable height, among other people and equipment on a building site. Incorrect operation (overloading the platform, working in bad weather, not knowing the limits of the specific machine, trying to work on unstable ground) carries a real risk of an accident, both for the operator and for people nearby. That is why the regulations require the operator to complete training and pass an examination before a board, and not to learn the operation “on the job” without supervision and without understanding the principles of safe use.

How the process of obtaining qualifications works

In general terms the process includes theoretical training (the construction of the equipment, the principles of safe use, the operator’s duties, an analysis of typical hazards) and a practical part, during which the future operator learns to operate a specific type of platform under the eye of an instructor. After the training there is an examination before a qualification board, theoretical and practical. After passing the examination the operator receives a qualification certificate entitling them to operate the given type of equipment.

A UDT certificate is issued for a category. One category, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), covers self-propelled platforms (scissor, articulating, telescopic and vertical mast lifts), trailer-mounted platforms and platforms mounted on a vehicle; the certificate for it is valid for 5 years. A separate certificate applies to suspended platforms and mast climbing work platforms. Before working on a new model, the operator also receives on-the-job instruction (controls, emergency lowering).

Who should hold qualifications

UDT licences are required of every person who independently operates a mobile elevating work platform, whether they do so every day or occasionally, and whether the platform belongs to the company or has been rented for the duration of the job. Responsibility for allowing a person without the required qualifications to work rests with the employer or the organiser of the work, which is why construction companies usually make sure that every operator holds a current, valid certificate, including for insurance reasons in the event of an accident.

What the training covers

Besides operating the controls, the training usually covers topics such as: recognising the limits of a specific model (maximum capacity, permitted weather conditions, the slope of the ground), the rules for carrying out the daily inspection before work begins, emergency procedures (including emergency lowering of the platform) and the basics of health and safety regulations for work at height. A well-run course teaches not only “how to steer” but, above all, “how to judge whether a given situation is safe”.

Qualifications and responsibility on site

It is worth looking at UDT licences not just as a formality but as part of a broader system of responsibility on site. The site manager or the person supervising the work should know which employees hold current qualification certificates, and should not allow people without the required qualifications to operate a platform independently, even if in theory they “know how to operate” the machine. In the event of an inspection or, in a worse scenario, an accident, the lack of documented qualifications of the operator can have serious consequences both for them and for the company that allowed them to work.

What if you do not yet hold qualifications

If you plan to operate a rented lift yourself and do not yet hold qualifications, it is worth arranging training in advance, preferably before the date on which the equipment is to arrive on site. Training centres (including RK Rental) run courses ending in a board examination, after which you receive a qualification certificate. If you do not know which category of qualification corresponds to the planned rent, you can consult us about it when you enquire about equipment.

The machine’s UDT approval and the operator’s qualifications

It is worth distinguishing two things: the UDT approval of the equipment itself (confirming that the equipment has passed the required technical examinations and is approved for use) and the operator’s qualifications (confirming that the person may operate that equipment). When a platform is rented, responsibility for the first lies with the rental company, which supplies equipment with current examinations. Responsibility for the second, that is for making sure the machine is operated by a person with the appropriate qualifications, lies with the company using the equipment.