As the industry digests the latest iPAF guidance on MEWP recovery and rescue, one message stands out clearly: a rescue plan isn’t optional, it’s essential. And not just any plan, but a documented, task‑specific, accessible plan that every Operator, Supervisor, and Ground Rescue Person (GRP) understands and can act on under pressure.
For LIG, this is more than a compliance update. It’s a chance to sharpen the high standards we already operate to and reinforce the industry leading safety culture that underpins all our work at height.
Why the new guidance matters
Entrapment, medical emergencies, and equipment failure require rapid, coordinated response. iPAF’s updated guidance reinforces several critical principles:
- Every MEWP task must have a clear rescue plan.
- Roles – User, Operator, GRP, Response Team must be defined and competent.
- Emergency and auxiliary lowering systems vary by machine, so familiarisation is essential.
- Drills and rehearsals are no longer “nice to have”; they are expected.
These expectations align with what we already believe: preparedness saves lives.
How LIG is strengthening MEWP rescue readiness in 2026
We’ve launched a programme of improvements across our operations, including:
1. New internal training for Operators, Supervisors, and APs
Our Head of Operational Excellence. Stephen Mooney, is developing a practical, scenario‑based training course covering
- Recovery vs rescue
- Machine‑specific emergency systems
- GRP responsibilities
- Communication protocols
- Decision‑making under pressure
Refresher cycles will ensure competence stays current.
2. Stronger on‑site controls
- A nominated GRP for every MEWP task
- Standardised comms checks before elevation
- Tethered radios and backup hand signals
- Clear access to ground and auxiliary controls
These are simple steps that make a significant difference in real‑world scenarios.
3. A new MEWP Rescue Plan appendix in our RAMS
We’re embedding:
- Named GRP and contact details
- A step‑by‑step recovery and rescue sequence
- Medical vs non‑medical escalation
- Electrical contact protocols
- Prompts for pre‑use checks
This ensures every job starts with clarity and ends with accountability.
4. Emergency preparedness on site
Personnel Emergency Packs (PEPs) will be deployed and PFPE requirements will be clarified and aligned with OEM specifications.
5. Specialist rescue capability
Platform‑to‑platform rescue remains a last resort, but our teams are trained so that if it is ever required it is carried out safely, competently, and under senior authorisation.
We are also exploring the introduction of a MEWP Rescue Response Team within our Schedule of Rates, reflecting the high‑risk nature of this specialist service.
6. Supporting clients with their responsibilities
Under CPA hire arrangements, clients have defined duties including the responsibility for insurance and ground conditions and providing a competent Ground Rescue Person. We are working closely with clients to help them understand these responsibilities and, where needed, co‑develop site‑specific rescue plans.
If you’d like to discuss how we can support your site‑specific MEWP rescue planning, our team is always here to help.
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