Elevating work platformsElevating work platforms

Elevating work platforms

Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) include scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom lifts and travel towers. There are battery powered and internal combustion engine types. Some are designed for hard flat surfaces only, while others are designed to be operated on rough terrain.

Safety considerations include that:

• workers operating the platform are trained and instructed in safe operating procedures for the particular brand and type of equipment, as well as the safe use of fall-arrest equipment and emergency rescue procedures

• the platforms are only used as working platforms and not as a means of entering and exiting a work area unless the conditions set out in AS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use - Mobile elevating work platforms are met

• unless designed for rough terrain, the platforms are used only on a solid level surface

• the surface area is checked to make sure that there are no penetrations or obstructions that could cause uncontrolled movement or overturning of the platform

• the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions are consulted for information on safe operation

• persons working in travel towers, boom lifts or cherry pickers wear a properly anchored safety harness

• workers are licensed when operating boom-type elevating work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more.

Figure 9: An example of a boom-type elevating work platform. The safety harness and lanyard assembly are not shown for purposes of clarity. The lanyard should be as short as possible and should be attached directly to the designated anchor point on the EWP, not to the handrail.

Figure 9 shows an example of a boom-type elevating work platform.

Figure 10: An example of a scissor-lift elevating work platform.

Figure 10 shows an example of a scissor-lift elevating work platform.