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Elevating Work Platforms industry standard - Key changes

Summary of changes made to the Elevating Work Platforms industry standard. This page shows key changes to all versions of the industry standard.

Edition 4 (June 2023)

Front cover

  • changed from Edition 3 to Edition 4
  • release date updated from November 2022 to June 2023

Part 5 – Emergency procedures

5.1 Emergency procedures when using EWPs

Page 59

Content about the requirements for safety observers has been updated as follows:

Due to the importance of a prompt rescue, EWP operators should never operate an EWP alone. A safety observer should be appointed to warn the operator(s) of hazards and ensure prompt action to rescue the operator(s). The safety observer:

  • must be trained in the operation of the EWP and licensed where required under the legislation for the type of EWP being operated
  • needs to have a line of sight to the operator
  • needs to be trained in the emergency procedures for that specific EWP
  • should not leave the area until the EWP is lowered to a stowed position and the operator has alighted from the platform

Due to the importance of a prompt rescue, EWP operators should never operate an EWP alone. A safety observer should be appointed to warn the operator(s) of hazards and ensure prompt action to rescue the operator(s). The safety observer:

  • needs to have a line of sight to the operator
  • should be trained in the operation of and the emergency procedures for that specific EWP
  • should not leave the area until the EWP is lowered to a stowed position and the operator has alighted from the platform

Back cover

Document control number has been updated.

Document number WSV2020/04/06.23

Document number: WSV2020/03/11.22

Elevating Work Platforms industry standard (Edition 4)  

Practical advice on the selection and safe use of Elevating Work Platforms.

Edition 3 (November 2022)

Front cover

  • changed from Edition 2 to Edition 3
  • release date updated from October 2022 to November 2022

Part 3 – Hazards

3.2 Crushing hazards

Page 36

Wording of the first sentence of the 'Secondary guarding' section has been amended as follows.

Where there is a risk of crushing against a fixed structure, an effective operator protective device needs to be fitted, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Where there is a risk of crushing against a fixed structure, an effective operator protective device should be fitted.

Back cover

Document control number has been updated.

Document number: WSV2020/03/11.22

Document number: WSV2020/02/09.22

Edition 2 (October 2022)

Front cover

  • changed from Edition 1 to Edition 2
  • release date updated from April 2021 to October 2022

Part 2 – Safe operation of EWPs

2.1 Training and competency

Page 13

New content added to Edition 2:

Information about the hazards and risks need to be shared regularly, for example, through daily safety meetings/toolbox talks. These could be used to provide information on topics such as:

  • Safe use and operation of the EWP in the workplace environment.
  • Any identified hazards and any measures that are to be implemented to control the risks.
  • Carrying out pre-operational inspections prior to use (see part 6 for more information on inspections).

Page 15 - 'Safety observer' sub-heading and content has been updated as follows:

Safety observer:

  • Must be trained in the operation of the EWP and licensed where required under the legislation for the type of EWP being operated. See part 5.1 Emergency procedures when using EWPs and Key terms for more information about safety observers.

Safety observer (or support personnel):

  • Should be trained and licensed as per the requirements of the type of EWP being operated to ensure familiarity with the EWP being operated.

Part 5 – Emergency Procedures

5.1 Emergency procedures when using EWPs

Page 59

The first paragraph on page 59 has had the wording 'and support personnel' removed.

The design, type, complexity and location of ground-based controls and retrieval systems vary. Prior to work, the safety observers should have awareness, training and practice of the ground-based retrieval systems for their equipment.

The design, type, complexity and location of ground-based controls and retrieval systems vary. Prior to work, the safety observers and support personnel should have awareness, training and practice of the ground-based retrieval systems for their equipment.

Part 6 – Inspections and Maintenance

Introduction to Part 6

Page 64

The last sentence of the introductory paragraph has been updated as follows:

EWPs must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that the risks associated with the use of the EWP are controlled. This may be achieved by adhering to the inspection and maintenance recommendations supplied by the manufacturer or by adhering to AS 2550.10 – Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms, where inspections, such as pre-operational inspections are required by this standard.

EWPs must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that the risks associated with the use of the EWP are controlled. This may be achieved by adhering to the inspection and maintenance recommendations supplied by the manufacturer or by adhering to AS 2550.10 – Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms.

The content in the first paragraph of section 6.1 Inspection has been updated as follows:

At the start of each shift, before first daily use or when there is a change of operator, the EWP operator needs to:

  • inspect (check) the EWP for any defects
  • test the functions
  • test the safety devices and interlock controls
  • ensure the operating instructions and logbook have been supplied

At the start of each shift or before first daily use, the EWP operator should:

  • inspect (check) the EWP for any defects
  • test the functions
  • test the safety devices and interlock controls
  • ensure the operating instructions and logbook have been supplied.

A new 'Note' has been added to Edition 2:

Note: Under the OHS Act duty holders must provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health. Such systems need to ensure that regular inspections (including pre-operational inspections) are undertaken to monitor any risks associated with the use of the EWP. See part 1.1 Duties for more information.

Back cover

Document control number has been updated.

Document number: WSV2020/02/09.22

Document number: WSV2020/01/03.21