Elevating work platforms: When working with elevating work platforms (EWPs), it's crucial to be aware of potential hazards, including falls, slips, trips, and manual handling issues. Here's a breakdown of considerations and safety measures:
Work at Height: When working at height, factors such as the platform's height, size, and distance to the edge need careful consideration. Additionally, maintenance activities, especially those involving hot water, pose risks.
Serious injuries may occur if operators fall from the EWP working platform due to various reasons like faulty platform gate catches, over-balancing during tasks, mechanical failures, ejection from the platform due to ground conditions, machine rollover, and electric shock from powerlines.
Falls Prevention: To prevent falls, ensure that all work platforms, stairways, and ladders adhere to AS 1657:2013 standards. Use appropriate travel and physical restraints, and restrict access to work platforms.
Safe Operation: Safe EWP operation requires design registration, formal training of operators, competency assessment, risk management for roll-over prevention, development of safe work procedures, operator harnessing, documented maintenance procedures, and lock-out procedures for faulty machines.
Worker/Operator Obligations: Operators must ensure authorized operation, report mechanical faults, conduct pre-operational checks, avoid exceeding the safe working load, adhere to recommended operating speeds, and wear harnesses when required.
Operating Instruction Plate or Label: Manufacturers must provide an operating instruction plate or label specifying the rated safe working load (SWL), safe working incline, manufacturer details, and maximum platform height.
Overhead Powerlines: Extreme caution is necessary when operating near powerlines. Ensure compliance with exclusion zones based on authorization, instruction, or training status, considering voltage and insulation. Refer to the Electrical Safety Code of Practice for guidance.
Recordkeeping: Maintain records for EWP operation, maintenance, inspections, and worker training for specified periods, ranging from one year for pre-operation checks to the machine's lifespan for routine inspections and maintenance.
By adhering to these considerations, workers and operators can contribute to a safer working environment when using elevating work platforms.
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