Mobile Elevating Work Platform TRAINING COURSE
Who can take the course
Mobile - Elevating Work Platform (MEWPs)
Ensure your workplace is compliant with Ontario’s regulations by enrolling in BuildSafe’s comprehensive Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) training course. Our program is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to safely operate various types of elevating work platforms such as the boom and scissor lift. A valid Working at Heights, Fall Protection or Fall Arrest certificate is mandatory for operating boom and scissor lifts.
Please bring your certificate to the training session. If your Working at Heights certificate is lost but still valid, contact our office at 519-220-1918 or email admin@buildsafe.ca for assistance.
If you do not currently hold a valid certificate or if it has expired, click this link to book our CPO-approved Working at Heights training course.
Course Components
- Theory Component
Delivered through an engaging Instructor-led PowerPoint presentation and supplemented with a detailed participant manual. Participants can also choose our self-paced online program, with 98% completing the course in person. Quizzes are administered between modules to reinforce learning.
- Written Assessment
After the theory session, participants will undertake a formal written test to evaluate their understanding of the material covered.
- Practical Training
This component includes a thorough pre-shift inspection of the equipment followed by hands-on operation to ensure that participants can maneuver the machine competently.
Upon successful completion of both the written and practical evaluations, participants will receive a training certificate valid for five years.
Compliance with Ontario Standards
BuildSafe’s MEWP course adheres to the following essential standards and regulations:
- CSA B354.8:17 (R2022) — Specifies operator training requirements for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
- CSA B354.7:17 (R2022) — Outlines the safe operational principles, inspection, and maintenance of MEWPs.
- O. Reg. 213/91 — Covers training requirements under Sections 147, 26.2, 148(1)(d), 149, and the guidelines from Section 144(3)(b).
- O. Reg. 851 — Encompasses worker safety concerning MEWP operation, with details in Sections 51, 79, and 85.
- O. Reg. 117/26 - Elevated Work Platforms
Equipment Classifications under CSA
Stay informed about the latest equipment classifications to ensure your training certificate is up to date. The new CSA B354 standards provide clear categorizations:
- Group A: Platforms that remain within tipping lines (moves vertically).
- Common Examples: Scissor Lifts
- Group B: Platforms that may extend outside tipping lines.
- Common Examples: Boom Lifts (Articulating/Telescopic)
Types:
Type 1: Can only be operated with the platform in the stowed position (e.g., Manually propelled lifts). - The machine can only be driven or moved when it is completely stowed away. It cannot move while elevated.
Type 2: Can be moved with the platform elevated, maintained from the chassis (e.g., Under-bridge inspection units). The machine can be driven while the platform is elevated, but it is controlled strictly from a panel on the chassis (ground)-under-bridge inspection vehicle
Type 3: Common self-propelled units that can be operated with the platform elevated from the platform itself (most common type for construction). - The machine can be driven while elevated, and it is controlled directly from inside the work platform.
The CSA Classification Matrix
Equipment is officially designated by combining its Group and Type. The matrix below shows how common workplace lifts fit into the CSA B354 framework:
Classification: Group A, Type 1
Movement Description: Moves straight up; can only be relocated when fully lowered
Common Example: Manually propelled personnel lifts (e.g., push-around vertical masts)
Classification: Group A, Type 3
Movement Description: Moves straight up; can be driven around while high in the air using platform controls.
Common Example: Electric or rough-terrain scissor lifts.
Classification: Group B, Type 1
Movement Description: Boom reaches out past the base; must be stowed completely to tow or move.
Common Example: Trailer-mounted boom lifts (tow-behind "spider" lifts).
Classification: Group B, Type 3
Movement Description: Boom reaches out past the base; can be driven while elevated using basket controls.
Common Example: Self-propelled boom lifts (e.g., diesel "zoom booms").
Note: Group B, Type 2 machines exist but are rare, typically consisting of highly specialized heavy industrial or vehicle-mounted gear
managed from a lower truck cab.