Subscribe To Aerial Pros

One of the most common questions we receive at Genie is: “Will I be certified to work on/inspect/operate Genie^® Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) upon successful completion of a Genie technical service or operator training course?”

The answer is that Genie does not actually offer technician or operator “certification.”

Why?

Neither the ANSI A92 standards nor OSHA regulations use the term “certification” as it relates to training on MEWPs. These agencies do not recognize or require any documentation showing that a trainee is certified to train others to work on or operate MEWPS. In fact, the word is not even used in ANSI or OSHA requirements for MEWPs.

ANSI and OSHA do define and use the term “qualified” to describe the requirements for personnel working with or on MEWPs. This definition states that mechanics, trainers, operators and all other “employees” conducting training, working on or operating MEWPs are determined to be “qualified” (competent) by the employer based on a demonstration of proficiency (knowledge) regarding the MEWP.

According to the ANSI and OSHA requirements, only the employer (user) can and must determine if an individual is qualified to maintain or operate the equipment. The basis for determining if an individual is qualified is by observation of the employee’s ability to demonstrate proficiency in understanding the subject matter.

Per ANSI standards and OSHA requirements and regulations, manufacturers, including Genie, are responsible for supplying information for maintaining and operating its equipment. For example, Genie Operators, Service, Maintenance and Parts Manuals can be downloaded, free of charge by visiting www.genielift.com.

Although manufacturers are not required to offer training for maintenance personnel or field operators, Genie does offer training on a regular basis at our Training Centers and in the field, as well as online.

For these reasons, if an individual has been properly trained to service, maintain or operate MEWPs and the employer (user), has determined that they demonstrate the prerequisite knowledge, skill and understanding, according to ANSI and OSHA, there is no reason they should not be able to perform work on MEWPs.

Again, it is always the employer’s responsibility to determine if they are qualified, as well as to make sure that additional training is provided as needed.

To provide the type of training needed to comply with industry regulations and standards, the two-part Genie^® Lift Pro™ training program delivers a standardized training package for MEWPs (that will help operators stay safe and fleet owners reduce repair costs.

Genie Lift Pro Train the Trainer courses are designed to qualify operators in the safe use of MEWPs. The program is designed to provide additional training techniques and information to trainers, giving them the ability to deliver a successful Genie operator training course to other operators. The course is delivered using curriculum that combines both formal and hands-on training, including (but not limited to):

• The purpose and use of operator’s, owner’s and service manuals, as well as of placards and decals
• A pre-start inspection
• Responsibilities of operating an aerial platform
• Factors affecting stability
• Workplace inspection
• Safety rules and regulations
• Authorization to operate
• Operator warnings and instructions
• Actual operation of the aerial platform. Trainees operate the MEWP for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate proficiency in the actual operation of the equipment.

It is important to understand that training is not voluntary — it is mandatory. To be in compliance, only properly trained personnel should be allowed to operate a MEWP. This means that everyone who will operate a MEWP must be:

• Trained according to the ANSI and CSA standards before being assigned to operate the MEWP
• Familiarized with the MEWP to be operated
  1. Knows the operating and maintenance manuals supplied by the manufacturer are stored in the weather resistant compartment on the platform and is familiar with the operating and safety manuals
  2. Understands all control functions, placards and warnings
  3. Is aware of and understands all safety devices specific to the model MEWP being used
• Made aware of responsibilities of operators
• Evaluated and retrained, if necessary

At Genie, safety in the industry is top priority. The first step in ensuring this is to make people aware how important training is to the wellbeing of the operator and the productivity of the machine. Genie strives to provide the education, support and solutions apprentices and journeyman need to safely and productively operate non-insulated aerial devices on jobsites.

For more information about the Genie training programs, including Genie Lift Pro training and Train the Trainer courses, visit https://www.genielift.com/en/support/training.