Home › Construction › IPAF Risk Assessment
IPAF Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the MEWP type, job and site — we generate a fully written, UK-compliant IPAF risk assessment covering tip-over, entrapment, overhead hazards and all relevant regulations in minutes.
Used by IPAF-trained operators, contractors and facilities teams across the UK
⚠️ Working near overhead power lines or on soft/sloping ground? Mention it — we'll include minimum safe clearance distances (HSE GS6), ground stability assessment procedures and tip-over prevention controls required under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and BS 7981.
Legal requirements for IPAF and MEWP operations
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that is so far as reasonably practicable safe. Regulation 6 requires that a risk assessment is carried out before work begins. For MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) operations, this means documenting how you will prevent falls, entrapment, tip-over, ejection and collision hazards.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that work equipment is suitable for the intended use, maintained in safe working order and that operators are trained. IPAF certification (PAL Card) demonstrates operator competence, but a written risk assessment is still required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and must be site-specific.
BS 7981 (Code of practice for the safe use of MEWPs) is the industry standard for powered access operations in the UK. While not legislation, it is recognised by the HSE and referenced in prosecutions following MEWP incidents. Anyrisks risk assessments align with BS 7981 and reference the specific controls required for different MEWP types and site conditions.
If you work alone in a MEWP, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require additional controls including emergency rescue procedures, communication systems and regular check-ins. A written risk assessment must document these controls. See our ultimate guide to risk assessment for detailed compliance information.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us the MEWP type (boom lift, scissor lift, vertical mast, etc.), the job (maintenance, construction, filming, cleaning), the site conditions (indoor, outdoor, ground type, weather) and any specific hazards like overhead power lines or confined spaces. If you work alone, mention it.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks generates a fully written, UK-compliant IPAF risk assessment referencing the Work at Height Regulations 2005, BS 7981 and HSE guidance. Every hazard specific to your MEWP type and site is covered.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to your principal contractor, facilities manager or site supervisor. Include it in your RAMS pack or file it for compliance. £29, no subscription. Not satisfied? Money-back guarantee within 24 hours.
What it covers
Every IPAF risk assessment is written in full — covering all powered access and site hazards relevant to your job.
Tip-over risk — ground conditions, slope assessment and stabiliser use
Entrapment and crushing hazards — guardrails, gates and emergency lowering
Ejection from platform — harness requirements and anchor points
Overhead hazards — power lines, structures and minimum clearance distances (HSE GS6)
Ground hazards — floor loading, potholes, drainage covers and soft ground
Weather conditions — wind speed limits per manufacturer's instructions
Falls from height — edge protection and platform access procedures
Collision risk — coordination with vehicle movements and other plant
Battery charging and refuelling procedures (electric and diesel MEWPs)
Emergency rescue and lowering procedures
Lone working controls — check-in procedures and emergency communication
Pre-use inspections — daily checks and LOLER statutory examinations
Work at Height Regulations 2005 compliance
BS 7981 safe use code of practice alignment
Works for
From warehouse maintenance to construction and filming, Anyrisks covers every type of MEWP and powered access job.
What customers say
"Every warehouse client asks for RAMS now. Anyrisks gave me a proper IPAF risk assessment with ground conditions, overhead hazards and emergency rescue — all specific to the scissor lift I was using. Submitted it the same day."
James D.
IPAF operator, Manchester
"We do a lot of external building maintenance with boom lifts. Anyrisks covered wind speed limits, ground stability checks and overhead power line clearances — exactly what the principal contractor needed. Saved me hours."
Rachel P.
Maintenance contractor, Birmingham
"I use it for every commercial site now. References BS 7981 and the Work at Height Regs — facilities managers are happy and I can get on with the job. £29 is nothing compared to the time it saves."
Tom H.
Self-employed MEWP operator, Bristol
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| BS 7981 safe use code aligned | ✓ | ✗ |
| MEWP-type specific hazards covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ground conditions and tip-over prevention included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Overhead power line clearance distances (HSE GS6) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Emergency rescue and lowering procedures included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Does this meet IPAF training and certification requirements?
IPAF certification is the industry standard for powered access equipment operators — this risk assessment complements your IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) by documenting site-specific hazards and controls. The assessment references BS 7981 (MEWP safe use code of practice) and the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Can I use this for boom lifts, scissor lifts and all MEWP types?
Yes — describe the equipment type (boom lift, scissor lift, trailer-mounted, spider lift, etc.) and the specific job and site conditions. The risk assessment will cover equipment-specific hazards including entrapment, ejection, tip-over and ground conditions.
Does it cover outdoor and indoor work?
Yes — mention the work environment and we will include relevant controls. Outdoor work requires weather assessment (wind speed limits per manufacturer's instructions), ground stability checks and overhead hazards. Indoor work requires overhead clearance checks, floor loading assessment and coordination with other trades.
What about confined spaces and working near live overhead lines?
If you are operating a MEWP near overhead power lines or in a confined space environment, describe this in detail. The assessment will include minimum safe clearance distances (as per HSE Guidance Note GS6), exclusion zones and the requirement for a permit-to-work where applicable.
Is this accepted by principal contractors and facilities managers?
Yes — Anyrisks produces a fully written, regulation-referenced risk assessment in the standard format expected by principal contractors, facilities managers, site supervisors and HSE inspectors. The format aligns with CDM 2015 and IPAF safety guidance.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the MEWP type, the job, the site and any specific hazards (ground conditions, overhead lines, weather). Anyrisks generates a complete, UK-compliant IPAF risk assessment instantly.
Can I edit the document after download?
Yes — you receive both PDF and fully editable Word document. You can add site-specific details, attach site plans or method statements, or update it for repeat jobs on the same site.
Does it cover emergency rescue and lowering procedures?
Yes — if you mention working alone or in a location where emergency rescue would be difficult, the assessment will include emergency lowering controls, ground-level rescue procedures and communication requirements. All MEWP operators must have a rescue plan as required by the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator