10/03/2026
IPAF's New MEWP Spotter course is due to land on the 19th March 2026
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.
Is there any practical training in the course?
No, the course is completely theory based and online due to the role being observational and procedural, focusing on hazard awareness, clear communication with Operators, and decision-making, rather than machine operation, particularly as no two machines or site setups are the same.
How long is the course?
Approximately two and a half hours.
How long is the qualification valid for?
Five years.
If you are interested in completing the MEWP Spotter course please get in touch with us and get you setup with your E-Learning module and explain how it all works
📞02892639459
📧 info@bsdtraining.com
🌐https://bsdtraining.com/courses/ipaf
