Elevating Work Platforms industry standard (Edition 3)

What it contains

The EWP industry standard is for operators of mobile elevating work platforms (EWPs) and persons, such as employers, who have responsibilities managing hazards and risks associated with the operation and use of EWPs.

The industry standard provides advice on the safe use and maintenance of mobile elevating work platforms, referred to as EWPs and also known as MEWPs. It includes the principles and requirements for using EWPs that are common across a broad range of industries and applications.

The standard covers topics:

• who has duties
• EWP selection and planning
• different types of EWPs
• training and competency for those using, observing or spotting an EWP
• safe use of harnesses and harness inspection
• planning and preparation for the collection and delivery of EWPs
• inspection and maintenance requirements and a pre-operational checklist
• hazards, including electrical, crushing, overturning, using near water, falling objects, collision and environmental hazards
• safe work practices when installing overhead pipe or duct work, large panels, where shade cloths/welding tents are attached; when painting, welding, grinding, shotcreting from an EWP platform; when travelling the EWP with platform raised, through restricted spaces or on inclines
• emergency procedures when using an EWP
• steps to follow if the EWP makes contact with overhead powerlines and post-incident actions that need to be taken

Australian Standards

• AS/NZS 1891– Industrial fall arrest systems and devices series
• AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS 2550.10:2006 – Cranes, Hoist and Winches – Safe use – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.
• AS/NZS 3012:2019 – Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 – Information about: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment