ANSI Standards Explained: New Classifications and Training Requirements
Did you know that ANSI changed the name of aerial lifts? ANSI updated its A92 standards to rename aerial lifts as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and to expand safety training requirements for operators, supervisors, platform occupants, and maintenance workers. These changes affect how lifts are classified, chosen, operated, and how people get trained.
This article breaks down the key changes you need to know to stay safe and compliant on the jobsite and how Aerial Lift MEWP safety training can help.
Table of Contents
- What Is ANSI and Why A92 Standards Matter
- Aerial Lifts Are Now Called MEWPs
- New MEWP Group Classifications
- New MEWP Type Classifications
- Why ANSI Updated Aerial Lift Standards
- Expanded Training Requirements Under ANSI A92
- Choosing the Correct MEWP for the Job
- Hazard Identification and Risk Mitigation
- Operating Manuals and Documentation Requirements
- How ANSI A92 Training Requirements Apply by Region
- What Employers Should Do to Prepare for ANSI A92 Compliance
- Key Takeaways From the ANSI A92 MEWP Update
- Get Training Online with Hard Hat Training
What Is ANSI and Why Do A92 Standards Matter?
ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute . It is an organization that creates safety standards for many industries in the United States. ANSI does not write laws, but its standards are widely used by employers, trainers, and safety regulators.
The ANSI A92 standards apply specifically to aerial lifts and MEWPs. These standards guide how machines are built, used, and maintained. They also shape what training workers need. When OSHA or other regulators look at jobsite safety, ANSI A92 is often used as a benchmark. Following these standards helps protect workers and reduces the risk of accidents.
Aerial Lifts Are Now Called MEWPs
One of the biggest changes in the updated ANSI A92 standard is the name. Aerial lifts are now officially called Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, or MEWPs.
This name change is not just about words. It brings U.S. standards in line with international safety language used around the world. Clearer names lead to clearer communication, especially on job sites where workers speak different languages or come from different countries.
When everyone uses the same terms, there is less confusion about which machine to use, how to operate it, and what the rules are. That matters a lot when safety is on the line.
New MEWP Group Classifications
Under the updated ANSI A92 standards, all MEWPs are divided into two groups based on how the work platform moves.
Group A
The center of the platform stays within the footprint of the machine's base (called the chassis). A common example is a scissor lift. The platform goes up and down, but it does not extend out past the machine's wheels.
Group B
The center of the platform can move beyond the edge of the chassis. A common example is a boom lift. The arm can reach out over walls, ledges, or other obstacles.
Knowing which group a machine belongs to is important. It affects how the machine should be set up, what hazards to watch for, and what kind of training the operator needs.
New MEWP Type Classifications
On top of groups, ANSI A92 also divides MEWPs into three types. The type is based on how the machine moves around and where the drive controls are located.
| MEWP Type | How It Travels | Where Controls Are |
| Type 1 | Only when stowed; must be pushed or towed | N/A – manually moved |
| Type 2 | Can drive with platform raised | Controls on the chassis (ground level) |
| Type 3 | Can drive with platform raised | Controls on the work platform |
These type distinctions matter because they affect how much skill an operator needs and what risks are involved. For example, driving a Type 3 machine with the platform raised is more complex and requires more training than simply pushing a Type 1 machine into place.
Why ANSI Updated Aerial Lift Standards
MEWPs have become more advanced and more widely used over time. They are found on construction sites, warehouses, stadiums, airports, and many other places. As equipment gets more complex, the rules for using it safely need to keep up.
ANSI updated the A92 standards to:
- Make machine classifications clearer and easier to understand
- Better match international safety standards
- Address new types of hazards that come with more advanced equipment
- Expand who is responsible for training and safety
The goal is simple: fewer accidents, less confusion, and more accountability across everyone who touches a MEWP.
Expanded Training Requirements Under ANSI A92
One of the most important updates in ANSI A92 is how training works. In the past, training was mostly the responsibility of the equipment owner, and the focus was mainly on operators. That has changed.
Now, training applies to everyone involved with a MEWP. This includes operators, supervisors, workers riding on the platform, and maintenance staff. Each group has its own set of things they need to know. Let’s get into the specifics.
Training Requirements for MEWP Operators
Operators are the people who drive and control the MEWP. Under the new ANSI A92 standards, operators must be trained on:
- How to choose the right MEWP for the job
- All rules and regulations for safe operation
- Common hazards and how to protect against them
- How to inspect the machine before use
- How to store the operating manual on the machine in a weather-protected spot
Operators are also now responsible for giving basic safety information to anyone riding on the platform with them. This is a new responsibility that was not part of the old standards.
Training Requirements for Supervisors and Managers
Supervisors and managers play a big role in MEWP safety. They are responsible for planning the work and making sure everything is set up correctly before the machine ever moves.
Under ANSI A92, supervisors need to understand:
- How to evaluate the worksite and identify hazards
- How to choose the right MEWP for the job conditions
- How to make sure operators are properly trained
- How to review and approve work plans that involve MEWPs
If supervisors do not understand the rules, workers are more likely to use the wrong equipment or work in unsafe conditions. Supervisory training is an important layer of protection.
For supervisors in California, the CAL/OSHA Aerial Lift training meets state-specific requirements.
Training Requirements for MEWP Occupants
An occupant is any worker who rides on the platform but is not the operator. Under the old standards, these workers often received little or no formal training. The updated ANSI A92 rules change that.
Occupants must now receive basic instruction before getting on the platform. This includes:
- Understanding the risks of working at height
- Knowing how to use fall protection correctly
- Being aware of the machine's limits and what they cannot do
- Knowing what to do in an emergency
Even if someone is only on the platform for a short time, they need to understand the basics. Accidents happen quickly, and being unprepared puts everyone on the platform at risk.
Workers who need awareness-level training can also access the Aerial Lift MEWP training in Spanish for Spanish-speaking employees.
Training Requirements for Maintenance and Service Personnel
Maintenance workers who repair or service MEWPs must have specific training. This training must match the manufacturer's specifications and ANSI's standards. It is not enough to have general mechanical knowledge.
Improper repairs can lead to dangerous malfunctions. A loose part, a missed inspection step, or an unauthorized modification can put lives at risk. Maintenance personnel must know:
- How to service each specific type of MEWP they work on
- What the manufacturer requires for inspections and repairs
- What modifications are not allowed
- How to document maintenance work properly
Choosing the Correct MEWP for the Job
The updated ANSI A92 standards put a lot of emphasis on choosing the right machine. Using the wrong MEWP for a job is one of the leading causes of accidents.
When selecting a MEWP, consider these factors:
- Height needed: Can the machine reach the work area safely?
- Terrain: Is the ground flat, sloped, or uneven? Is it indoors or outdoors?
- Reach: Does the work area require the platform to extend horizontally?
- Weight capacity: Will the platform hold all workers, tools, and materials?
- Environment: Are there overhead power lines, confined spaces, or other hazards nearby?
Operators and supervisors both share responsibility for making sure the right machine is chosen before work begins.
Hazard Identification and Risk Mitigation
MEWPs come with real risks. Under ANSI A92, everyone involved must be able to recognize hazards and take steps to reduce them. Common MEWP hazards include:
- Tipovers: Caused by unstable ground, overloading, or driving too fast
- Falls from the platform: Often due to missing or improper fall protection
- Entrapment: When the platform or boom traps a worker against a structure
- Electrocution: From contact with overhead power lines
- Struck-by incidents: From falling tools or objects
Risk mitigation means planning ahead. This includes doing a site inspection, setting up barriers, communicating with nearby workers, and making sure all safety equipment is in place before the work starts.
Operating Manuals and Documentation Requirements
ANSI A92 requires that the operating manual for each MEWP be stored on the machine at all times. This is not just a suggestion. It is a requirement.
The manual must be kept in a weather-resistant compartment so it is protected from rain, dust, and other conditions. Workers should be able to find and use the manual quickly if they have a question or encounter an unfamiliar situation.
If a manual is missing or damaged, the machine should not be used until a replacement is obtained from the manufacturer.
How ANSI A92 Training Requirements Apply by Region
ANSI A92 is a national standard in the United States, but it can also influence regulations at the state and regional level. For example, CAL/OSHA in California aligns closely with ANSI A92 when it comes to aerial lift and MEWP safety. Employers in California must follow both state rules and the broader ANSI framework.
In Canada, similar standards exist and may incorporate ANSI guidelines or equivalent Canadian standards depending on the province.
No matter where you work, the core principles of MEWP safety remain the same: proper training, correct equipment selection, and hazard awareness.
Employers and workers in Canada can access the Aerial Lift MEWP training for Canada which is tailored to Canadian requirements.
What Employers Should Do to Prepare for ANSI A92 Compliance
If your workplace uses MEWPs, now is the time to review your practices. Here is a simple checklist to get started:
- Review your equipment inventory and identify which MEWP group and type each machine belongs to
- Check that operating manuals are on every machine and stored in weather-resistant compartments
- Audit your current training program to make sure it covers operators, supervisors, occupants, and maintenance staff
- Update training materials to use the new MEWP terminology and classifications
- Document all training and keep records organized and accessible
- Work with a reputable training provider to ensure your program reflects current ANSI A92 standards
Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties. It is about making sure every worker goes home safe at the end of the day.
Key Takeaways From the ANSI A92 MEWP Update
Here is a quick summary of the most important changes:
- Aerial lifts are now called Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
- MEWPs are divided into two groups based on platform movement (Group A and Group B)
- MEWPs are also divided into three types based on travel and control location (Types 1, 2, and 3)
- Training is now required for operators, supervisors, occupants, and maintenance personnel
- Operators are responsible for giving basic instruction to anyone on the platform with them
- Equipment selection is now a formal part of training requirements
- Operating manuals must be stored on the machine in a weather-resistant compartment
Understanding these changes is the first step toward full compliance and a safer jobsite.
Get Training Online with Hard Hat Training
The ANSI A92 update is one of the most significant changes to aerial lift safety standards in years. It changes what machines are called, how they are grouped, and who is responsible for training. These are not small tweaks. They represent a shift in how the entire industry thinks about MEWP safety.
Hard Hat Training provides safety training that helps you and your team stay safe and compliant. Enroll in ANSI training today!
