Elevating Work Platform Safety
Essential Guidelines from Australian Workplace Safety Authorities
Elevating work platforms (EWPs) are indispensable tools across construction, maintenance, and industrial sectors, but they come with significant safety risks that require careful management. Both WorkSafe Victoria and Safe Work Australia provide comprehensive guidance on managing these risks effectively.
Understanding the Hazards
EWPs present multiple serious hazards including overhead crushing, electrocution, structural failure, overturning, and collision risks. Contact or collision of the EWP with people, plant and structures can lead to crush injuries and entrapment, while inadequate ventilation in areas where EWPs are used adds another layer of complexity to safety management.
Licensing and Operator Requirements
Workers need a high risk work licence to operate boom-type EWPs where the boom length is 11 metres or more. You must see their licence or written evidence before allowing them to operate this equipment. For other types of EWPs, employers must still ensure operators are properly trained and competent.
Secondary Guarding and Safety Controls
WorkSafe Victoria’s guidance emphasizes that while secondary guarding devices aren’t legally mandated, they represent a crucial engineering control. The EWP Industry Standard states that secondary guarding should be used to reduce crushing risks, and any deviation from this standard must result in equivalent or improved safety outcomes.
However, secondary guarding alone isn’t sufficient – fatal incidents have occurred even with these devices fitted, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety systems.
Safety Observer Requirements
A critical component of EWP safety is the use of trained safety observers. These individuals must:
- Maintain line of sight with EWP operators
- Be trained in emergency rescue procedures for specific EWPs
- Be able to warn operators of hazards and take prompt rescue action
Importantly, one safety observer can monitor multiple EWPs if they can effectively fulfill their duties. However, they cannot operate from within the same platform they’re monitoring due to exposure to identical hazards and potential inability to access controls during emergencies.
Maintenance and Inspection
EWPs need regular inspection, maintenance and testing to be safe to use. This includes systematic checks of structural integrity, safety systems, and operational controls. Proper maintenance schedules are essential for preventing equipment failure that could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Risk Management Approach
As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you have a duty to keep workers and workplaces safe from the risks of using EWPs. This involves:
- Conducting thorough risk assessments for each worksite and task
- Implementing appropriate control measures based on the hierarchy of controls
- Ensuring proper training and competency of operators
- Establishing clear communication protocols between operators and safety observers
- Regular review and updating of safety procedures
Best Practices for Safe EWP Operations
- Pre-operation Checks: Always conduct thorough inspections before use
- Site Assessment: Evaluate ground conditions, overhead hazards, and environmental factors
- Communication Systems: Establish clear protocols between operators and safety observers
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure all personnel are trained in rescue procedures
- Documentation: Maintain records of inspections, maintenance, and training
Compliance and Standards
The Australian standards framework, including AS/NZS 1418.10:2011, provides the foundation for EWP design and operation. These standards, combined with state-specific guidance from authorities like WorkSafe Victoria, create a comprehensive safety framework that must be followed.
Conclusion
Effective EWP safety requires a multifaceted approach combining proper equipment, trained operators, comprehensive risk management, and robust safety systems. By following the guidance from both WorkSafe Victoria and Safe Work Australia, businesses can significantly reduce the risks associated with elevating work platform operations.
For detailed information and specific requirements, consult:
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