Mobile Elevated Work Platforms Rescue training

“Rescue Skills That Save Lives.”

Why MEWP Rescue Training Matters

When working at height, time is critical in an emergency. If a MEWP operator becomes unresponsive or the platform fails, having a rescue plan in place can mean the difference between a safe recovery and a serious incident.

This training gives your team the skills to act fast, stay calm, and carry out a safe rescue—protecting your people, your project, and your reputation.

“Rescue Ready, Always.”

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the need for a MEWP rescue plan

  • Identify common emergency scenarios and rescue challenges

  • Develop or implement a compliant, site-specific rescue plan

  • Carry out a rescue operation safely and efficiently

  • Comply with legal responsibilities and best practice standards

How it works….

On the course

At a glance…

2 - 6 delegates

Full day course

No qualifications

PPE required - hard hat, his-viz clothing, safety boots, safety harness - other site specific

This training course is delivered on-site at your location or at a training centre location and typically lasts a day, No formal qualifications are needed to attend, making it accessible to all experience levels. Group sizes are kept small, usually between 1–4/6 depending on categories and practical tests on day delegates, this is to ensure focused, hands-on learning. Delegates are required to bring PPE for this training course

Module 1: Understanding the Law

Explore the legal requirements surrounding MEWP rescue, including key legislation such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER. Learn what’s expected of employers, operators, and rescue teams—and the importance of having a compliant rescue plan in place.

Module 2: Safety by the Numbers

Discover the real-world impact of delayed rescues through industry statistics. Understand how common MEWP incidents happen and what they teach us about the urgency of rescue preparedness.

Module 3: Know Your MEWP

Dive into the core components and functions of a MEWP. From platforms and guardrails to emergency controls and lowering systems, you’ll learn how each part plays a role in both safe operation and effective rescue.

Module 4: MEWP Rescue Risk Assessment

Learn how to assess the risks involved in rescue scenarios. This module covers how to evaluate site-specific hazards, plan for different emergency situations, and ensure your rescue plan is practical, safe, and tailored to your working environment.

Module 5: The Rescue Hierarchy

Understand the rescue hierarchy—from self-rescue to assisted and third-party rescue. Learn how to select the safest and most efficient method based on the situation, team capabilities, and available equipment.

Assessment

Practical Assessment

Participants will be guided through a simulated MEWP rescue scenario, where they will demonstrate:

  • How to perform a pre-rescue safety check

  • Proper communication and coordination during the rescue

  • Safe use of emergency controls or descent/rescue equipment

  • Controlled retrieval of the casualty from the platform

This hands-on assessment confirms learners can apply their knowledge in a realistic setting, helping build confidence in their ability to act quickly and safely when it matters most.

Theory Assessment

A multiple-choice test designed to check understanding of:

  • Legal responsibilities and relevant legislation

  • Key MEWP components related to rescue

  • Rescue planning and hierarchy of rescue methods

  • Risk assessment principles and rescue equipment use

This ensures learners have a solid grasp of both the why and how behind MEWP rescue operations.