MEWP inspection frequency Ireland law sets out is more specific than many employers realise. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, every Mobile Elevated Work Platform must undergo a thorough examination at set intervals. Furthermore, a competent person must carry out each examination and issue a GA1 report on completion. Procheck carries out MEWP inspections for businesses across Ireland and issues GA1 reports nationwide.
MEWP Inspection Frequency Ireland — The Legal Intervals
The General Application Regulations set two main intervals for MEWP thorough examinations.
Every 6 months — Any MEWP used to lift people needs a thorough examination at least every six months. This applies to scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom lifts, personnel hoists and all other MEWPs where the platform carries people. Furthermore, this interval applies regardless of how often the equipment is in use. A MEWP used once a month still needs examination every six months.
Every 12 months — MEWPs used only to lift goods, with no person on the platform, need a thorough examination at least every twelve months. However, most MEWPs on Irish worksites carry operators. Therefore, the six-month rule applies in most cases.
After any exceptional circumstances — In addition to scheduled intervals, a MEWP needs an out-of-cycle examination after any incident, accident, significant repair or period out of service. Consequently, an employer cannot wait for the next scheduled date if something has happened to the equipment.
What a Thorough Examination Covers
A thorough examination is not a routine service or visual check. Specifically, it is a detailed structural and mechanical inspection by a competent person. That person must have the knowledge and experience to identify defects that could cause danger. The examination covers the structure, mast, platform, controls, safety devices, brakes, tyres and all lifting components. Moreover, the competent person checks the equipment against its rated capacity and confirms it remains safe for use.
After every thorough examination, the competent person issues a GA1 report. This is the HSA's official Report of Thorough Examination for lifting equipment under the General Application Regulations. Therefore, the GA1 report is the legal record that demonstrates compliance. Employers must keep GA1 reports and make them available to the HSA on request.
Who Is Responsible for MEWP Check Frequency in Ireland?
The employer who owns or manages the MEWP carries legal responsibility for examinations at the correct intervals. Furthermore, where a MEWP is hired in, the hirer must confirm a current examination is in place before putting the equipment into service. As a result, a gap in examination records exposes both the owner and the employer operating the equipment.
Procheck carries out thorough examinations on all MEWP types — scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom lifts and personnel hoists. In addition, all GA1 reports go into Procheck Hub automatically. This is a free online compliance platform available to every Procheck client, so records are always accessible when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does MEWP inspection need to happen in Ireland?
Any MEWP used to lift people needs a thorough examination every six months. MEWPs used only to lift goods need examination every twelve months. However, most site MEWPs carry operators and therefore fall under the six-month interval. Find out more about Procheck MEWP inspection services.
What is a GA1 report?
A GA1 report is the HSA's official Report of Thorough Examination for lifting equipment. It is issued under the General Application Regulations 2007. Furthermore, it confirms a competent person has examined the MEWP and found it safe for use. Employers must keep GA1 reports and produce them on request.
Does a MEWP need inspection after a repair or incident?
Yes. Any MEWP involved in an incident or returning from significant repair needs a thorough examination before returning to service. Therefore, the scheduled interval does not replace the requirement for an out-of-cycle examination where exceptional circumstances apply.
How do I arrange a MEWP thorough examination in Ireland?
Procheck carries out MEWP thorough examinations for businesses nationwide and issues GA1 reports on completion. Contact Procheck to arrange a MEWP inspection.
External reference: HSA guidance on lifting equipment thorough examination — Health and Safety Authority Ireland.