Cherry picker safety: What you must know before operating a MEWP

Operating a van-mounted cherry picker isn’t just about getting from A to B at height. It’s about doing it safely, staying compliant, and making sure you and your team get the job done without risks. Whether you’re working on signage, telecoms, building maintenance, or street lighting, knowing the safety essentials is a must.

If you’re hiring a cherry picker, you need to understand the risks, follow the rules, and use the right equipment. Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.

At 2 Rent, we provide the full package: equipment hire, fully trained operators, traffic management, and customer support. So whether you’re experienced or new to MEWPs, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at the non-negotiables of van mounted cherry picker safety, so you can complete your projects efficiently and without any risks.

Key takeaways

1. The safety rules of cherry picker operation
2. Common safety risks of cherry pickers (and how to avoid them)
3. Cherry picker safety checklist: Are you ready to operate?
4. Self-drive vs. operated hire: What works best for you?

The safety rules of cherry picker operation

Cherry pickers (or MEWPs – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) come with strict safety regulations. Ignoring them isn’t just dangerous – it can land you with serious fines. Here’s what matters:

• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) – This makes sure lifting equipment is inspected regularly and safe to use.
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) – This covers how equipment should be maintained and operated.
• IPAF Training – If you’re working with a cherry picker, you might need an IPAF PAL Card, proving you’ve been trained to handle it safely.

Not sure if you’re qualified? No problem – we offer operated hire, meaning you get fully trained, experienced operators to handle the cherry picker for you.

Common safety risks of cherry pickers (and how to avoid them)

Most cherry picker accidents come down to lack of training, poor planning, or using the wrong equipment. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Falls & tip-overs

• Always check the ground conditions before setting up. Uneven surfaces and bad weather can make a cherry picker unstable.
• Wear a harness (and attach it properly). Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this gets ignored.

2. Power lines & overhead hazards

• Always check your surroundings before extending the boom.
• Keep a safe distance from power lines – the last thing you want is to turn yourself into a live wire.

3. Weather conditions

• Wind speeds over 28mph? Park it up.
• Rain and ice can make surfaces slippery and unstable – know when to call it a day.

4. Operator error

• Not trained? Don’t guess. If you’re unsure, hire a cherry picker with a trained operator.
• Don’t overload the platform. Every MEWP has a weight limit – stick to it.

Cherry picker safety checklist: Are you ready to operate?

Before you start, run through these checks:

1. Inspect the machine – Look for leaks, damage, or faults.
2. Check the ground – Is it stable? Any obstacles?
3. Test the controls – Make sure the boom and emergency stop work.
4. Wear PPE – Hard hat, harness, gloves, and high-vis gear.
5. Plan your route – Avoid hazards before you’re mid-air.

If you don’t have time for this level of detail, let us handle it. Our fully managed service means we take care of the safety, setup, and operation so you can focus on the job at hand.

Self-drive vs. operated hire: What works best for you?

When hiring a van-mounted cherry picker, you’ve got two options: self-drive or operated hire. The right choice depends on your experience, certification, and how much control you want over the job.

If you’re already trained and certified, self-drive hire gives you the flexibility to get to work on your own terms and timeline. This option suits experienced teams who know their way around a van mounted cherry picker.

If you don’t have the right licence or just want the job handled by a professional, operated hire is the way to go. A trained, experienced operator will manage everything, from setup to safe operation, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. This is perfect for businesses that want the work done quickly, efficiently, and without any hassle.

At 2 Rent, we offer both self-drive and operated hire, so whether you need total control or a fully managed service, we’ve got you covered.

Why choose 2 Rent for van mounted cherry picker hire?

Safety isn’t just about rules and regulations – it’s about using the right equipment and having the right team behind you. That’s why 2 Rent offers a full end-to-end service, including:

• Top-quality, fully serviced van-mounted cherry pickers
• Fully trained, experienced operators (so you don’t need an IPAF license)
• Traffic management support (for working in busy areas)
• Expert customer service (helping you find the right setup for your job)

Hiring a cherry picker? Make sure it’s safe, reliable, and backed by a team that knows what they’re doing.

Get the right cherry picker – safely and easily

Don’t leave safety to chance. Whether you need a self-drive or fully operated van-mounted cherry picker, 2 Rent has the right solution for you.

Call us today to book your van mounted cherry picker hire, or fill in our quick form for a free quote.