Symmetrical Group
Policies and Procedures
OHS&E\SAFETY PROCEDURES
SG-PR-33-09 Elevated Work Platforms
1. introduction
This guide manual describes the requirements for the safe operation of elevating work platforms (EWPs). Elevating work platforms include, but are not limited to:
- manually propelled hoists,
- self-propelled boom lifts,
- scissor lifts,
- crane personnel work boxes,
2. general
an e.w.p. shall not be started or operated until it has been checked in accordance with the pre-operational checklist and the checklist signed.
The following rules apply to the use of all types of EWPs:
- Personnel operating a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more, shall hold a certificate of competency in the operation of EWPs.
- An EWP shall not be used unless a competent Responsible Person has been nominated to control the work.
- No person shall start, move or operate an EWP without having passed an EWP instruction program, and been issued with an authorisation to operate EWPs.
- Personnel operating (ie. moving between workplaces, unloading EWP from transport) or working from an EWP shall wear an approved safety harness that is attached to a secure anchorage in/on the work platform. Anchor points should be located at the bottom of the work platform.
This guide shall be used in conjunction with:
- Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984,
- Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996,
- AS 2550.10-1994 - Elevating Work Platforms.
3. Self-Propelled lift
3.1. Preparation
Before work starts, all personnel shall report to the Equipment Hire and Disposals Officer, or deputy, who shall ensure that the personnel:
- have completed a training course in the safe operation of the EWP,
- have completed a pre-start check list for the equipment,
- are in possession of approved safety harnesses,
- have satisfied 2.1(a) to (c) before being given the equipment ignition key.
3.2. Safety Precautions
The following safety precautions shall be observed when using a self-propelled EWP:
- No person other than the authorised operator shall travel upon the EWP whilst it is in transit.
- Before the EWP travels on any road, the boom shall be placed and secured in the stowed position.
- The EWP shall only be operated on a firm surface.
- The EWP shall be fitted with inclinometers, levelling devices and/or alarm and safety cut-off switches.
- The EWP shall not be operated on a grade or side slope, beyond the limits of the inclinometer, where fitted.
- The operator of a travelling EWP shall face the direction of travel.
- The EWP shall only travel with the boom in line with the direction of travel.
- The operator shall not use High Speed range when the EWP is moving in reverse gear.
- The EWP shall only be used to position personnel and their tools and equipment.
- The EWP shall not be used as a crane.
- Personnel working from the platform shall keep their feet on the platform floor.
- Where the EWP is to stand in a poorly ventilated location, the area shall be checked for atmospheric contaminants and whether the exhaust gas represents a hazard.
- The EWP shall not be loaded and operated in excess of its rated platform load capacity.
- The load in the EWP platform shall be distributed evenly.
- Personnel shall not enter or leave the platform when elevated except in an emergency or unless each of the following are met:
- A risk analysis shows that this alternative means of access is safer than all other alternative means of access.
- The structural adequacy of the landing area has been established, and the landing area is clear.
- The maximum gap between the platform and landing shall not exceed 100 mm, the platform shall be secured (for example, tied) to a suitable point on the landing.
- Access and egress shall not take place unless a safety harness is properly worn and attached to a suitable anchorage on the structure.
- The base controls of the EWP shall be tagged to indicate the equipment is in use and to caution against interference.
- Personnel being lifted by or working from the EWP shall wear a safety helmet.
- Except where explicit permission of the Responsible Person is given, the EWP shall not be used when wind speeds are in excess of 5 metres per second. Before giving permission, the Responsible Person shall consider whether the shielding effect of surrounding buildings will make it safe to use the EWP.
- The EWP shall be secured against unauthorised use when unattended.
- The EWP shall be kept clear of all live electrical equipment, and in particular, the EWP (especially the boom and platform) shall not be operated closer than 3 metres to a 132-kV electrical supply line or closer than 6 metres to any electrical supply line carrying more than 132 kV.
- The EWP shall not be used to push, pull or tow any object or equipment.
- Not more than 5 litres of flammable liquid or one ”D” size cylinder of gas shall be held on the EWP at any time. A fire blanket shall also be carried.
3.3. shutdown and park procedure
- Drive the EWP to the parking area.
- Position the engine speed control switch (on the platform console) to low.
- Ensure the boom is fully retracted and lowered over the rear (drive) axle.
- Ensure all access panels and doors are closed and secured.
- Remove all load and allow the engine to operate for 3 to 5 minutes, at low setting, to cool the engine.
- Turn off the ignition switch.
- Cover the Platform Control Console to protect the instruction placards, warning decals and operating controls from the weather.
- Return the ignition key to the Equipment Hire and Disposals Officer.
4. Crane work boxes
The use of crane work boxes shall be limited to those situations where other methods of access or movement are impracticable.
4.1. Preparation
Before work starts, all persons shall report to the Responsible Person who ensures that:
- The crane driver and each person riding in the work box has been given written instructions, signed by the Responsible Person and countersigned by the Safety and Health Representative or.
- The crane has drive-up and drive-down on the hoisting and luffing motions.
- The work box design and construction shall comply with OSH Regulations 1996: Schedule 4.1 and be approved by Worksafe.
- The crane used shall be designed by the manufacturer for use as a personnel hoist.
- Personnel riding in the work box each have an approved safety harness and safety helmet.
- An effective means is provided for the passing of signals between the person(s) riding in the work box and the driver of the crane, and any person(s) assisting the driver. Prior to the lift taking place, all personnel concerned are made fully aware of, and understand, the signals to be used and their meanings.
4.2. Safety precautions
The following safety precautions shall be observed when using crane work boxes:
- Crane work boxes shall not be used unless a competent Responsible Person has been nominated to control the work.
- The crane driver shall not leave the crane controls while a load is being supported by the crane.
- No more than two personnel shall occupy the work box at a time.
- Cranes with outriggers shall have outriggers extended and blocked.
- Travelling the crane with personnel in the work box is prohibited. All other motions shall be kept to a minimum.
- No other lifting shall be carried out while the work box is attached.
- The crane drive-up and drive-down controls on hoisting and luffing motions shall be used.
- A safety hook or shackle shall be used to attach the crane’s hoist rope to the work box.
- Personnel working from the work box shall wear the approved safety harness, which shall be attached to a secure anchorage in/on the work box.
- Cranes using two winches shall be fitted with an operational warning or limiting device to prevent two-blocking of the hook block.
The use of crane work boxes is covered by Division 4, Sections 4.53 and 4.54 of the OSH Regulations 1996.
Date published: 25/07/2013
Document ID:
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401
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Last reviewed:
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12/03/2009
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Revision No:
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5
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Approved by:
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* -25/07/2013 12:27:06 PM