MEWP Boom Training

Complete beginners: 3 days (Monday to Wednesday)

Some experience: 2 days + assessment

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (minimal training, test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got experience, we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the test-only route.

A26 Boom Lifts: Articulating or telescopic arm, up-and-over reach, outdoor/rough terrain capability, harness required, cannot drive when elevated

A25 Scissor Lifts: Vertical rise only, more stable platform, indoor use common, can often drive whilst elevated, harness not always required

Boom lifts are more versatile for accessing hard-to-reach areas but require more skill and awareness to operate safely.

Yes. Harnesses and lanyards are mandatory on boom lifts due to the greater risk of ejection from sudden movements, snagging, or machine instability.

You'll be trained on correct harness donning, anchor point attachment, and lanyard length adjustment during the course. This is a critical safety requirement—no exceptions.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction and civil engineering sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A26 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

Articulating (Knuckle) Booms: Multiple pivot points, excellent for up-and-over obstacles, better for confined spaces, ideal for building maintenance and accessing around structures

Telescopic Booms: Single extending arm, greater horizontal reach, better for pure height work, more stable in moderate wind conditions

Your A26 card covers both types. Training typically includes both articulated and telescopic models so you understand the differences.

Generally no. Most boom lifts must be retracted (boom lowered, arm stowed) before driving to another location.

Attempting to drive with the boom extended risks tip-over, snagging overhead hazards, or striking obstacles. This is a key safety principle covered in training. Some smaller machines may allow very limited travel when partially elevated, but it's machine-specific and restricted.

Boom lifts range from 12 metres (smaller models) to over 40 metres (large telescopic booms). Most construction site booms are in the 15-25 metre range.

Your A26 training covers how to calculate working height, understand horizontal reach, and set safe zone boundaries for overhead and ground hazards.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice, another day of training, or just booking a retest.

Common failure points are jerky boom control, incomplete pre-use checks, and poor spatial awareness. Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

Boom lifts require firm, level ground. Safe operation depends on:

• Gradient: Typically max 5° slope (check machine manual)
• Surface: Concrete, asphalt, or compacted ground—not mud, gravel, or soft soil
• Stability: Outriggers must be fully extended and on solid base plates
• Ground bearing: Must support machine weight + load + dynamic forces

You'll learn ground assessment and outrigger setup during training. Poor ground conditions are a leading cause of tip-overs.

Extreme caution required. Minimum safe distances from overhead power lines:

• Up to 50kV: 3 metres clearance
• Above 50kV: 6 metres or more (consult HSE guidance)

Contact with power lines causes serious injuries and fatalities every year. Always use a banksman, establish exclusion zones, and consider de-energisation if working near lines. This is heavily emphasised in training.

Do not operate in:

• High winds: Typically above 12.5 m/s (28 mph)—extended booms act as sails and create instability
• Ice/snow: Slip hazards on platform and reduced stability
• Heavy rain: Visibility issues and electrical system risks
• Lightning: Elevated metal platform creates strike risk

Boom lifts are more affected by wind than scissor lifts due to their extended reach and exposed position. Always check weather forecasts before starting work.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the platform.