Valuable information about elevating work platform training.
What is an elevating work platform?
An elevating work platform (EWP) is a mechanical device that lifts or lowers a person to safely access a high work area. Its base support can use a hinged device, an articulated device, or a combination of hinged and articulated devices.
What are the five types of elevated work platforms?
Elevated work platforms come in five types:
Scissor lifts
Mechanical lifting devices are used to access inaccessible areas because of their height. The name comes from the hydraulically driven scissor-like cross beams that lift a work platform. There are many types of scissor lifts, including slab scissor lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts, and indoor or outdoor rated scissor lifts.
Vertical lifts
These are mechanical lifting devices elevate using hydraulic masts. Vertical lifts are used to gain access to tighter and more confined work areas at height. They are designed for only one occupant and are smaller than scissor lifts.
Self-propelled boom lifts
These hydraulic hinged or telescopic devices lift a work basket to a certain height. They either telescope out or raise hinged sections of the boom to reach a desired height. They are designed to carry two persons, either of whom can drive or operate the base from the basket. Narrow boom lifts are ideal for working in tight and restricted areas.
Trailer-mounted boom lifts
Commonly known as trailer lifts, these are boom lifts attached to a trailer. They usually use a combination of telescoping section and hinged crossed beams to reach maximum height. In addition, they have outriggers that level up and stabilise the platforms. Trailer lifts tend to be larger than self-propelled boom lifts.
Truck-mounted boom lifts
Like trailer-mounted boom, these are boom lifts that are mounted on a truck or vehicle. However, they can carry much larger booms, enabling them to reach greater heights. Truck-mounted boom lifts are the easiest to set up, making them ideal for completing work over several locations fast. Many of them have insulated booms and are used to work on power lines and other electrical supply components.
What are the training and licencing requirements for elevated work platforms?
A high-risk work (HRW) licence is necessary to operate some machinery, including a boom-type EWP with a boom length that exceeds 11 metres.
An HRW Licence is also required to operate forklifts, cranes, hoists, reach stackers and pressure equipment, as well as when erecting scaffolding and undertaking dogging or rigging work. It is also required when operating a steam turbine, boiler, or reciprocating steam engine.
What is the 11-metre rule?
Whilst every state maintains their own Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, they all recognise the validity of a High Risk Work Licence. This Class WP HRW Licence applies to a boom-type elevated work platform that exceeds 11 metres in platform height. This is referred to as the 11-metre rule.
What is a High-Risk Work Licence?
A High-Risk Work Licence is required to operate certain machinery, such as a boom-type elevated work platform where the length of the boom is 11 metres or over. It is recognised nationally, meaning an HRW Licence holder can work in any state or territory. A High-Risk Work Licence is valid for five years.
When is a High-Risk Work Licence not required?
Employees don’t need a High Risk Work licence if they:
- are enrolled in a training course for a specific high-risk work and are being supervised by a licence holder during the work
- applied for their High-Risk Work Licence within 60 days of getting their statement of attainment (or equivalent)
Is a High-Risk Work Licence needed to operate a scissor lift?
Because scissor lifts do not have boom sections, they do not belong in the 29 classes of HRW licences. Therefore, a High-Risk Work Licence is not required to operate them. In addition, the 11-metre rule does not apply to scissor lifts, even if they can reach above 11 metres.
However, under all Australian WHS laws, anyone operating a scissor lift must have proof of appropriate training to operate it. Training can be obtained by enrolling in an EWPA Yellow Card course. This training program was designed for people who want to develop the skills and knowledge required to operate scissor lifts and other Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs or commonly called EWPs).
The course will teach participants in the safe use of various types of elevated work platforms, such as scissor lifts and boom-type EWPs with a boom length under 11 metres. Depending on the type of elevated work platform that they will be operating, participants can complete singular or multiple modules per course schedule.
Does the 11-metre rule apply to vertical lifts?
Just like the scissor lift, the 11 metre rule does not apply to vertical lifts. Even if these lifts can reach above 11 metres, employees do not need a High-Risk Work Licence to operate them. However, proper training is necessary to ensure the operator’s safety and guarantee proper usage.
Do I need an HRW licence to operate a self-propelled boom lift?
The 11-metre rule covers only boom lifts with an 11 metre reach. This means that if a boom lift can raise its platform to more than 11 metres, the operator is required to obtain a Class WP High Risk Work licence through a WorkSafe accredited provider.
An HRW licence is not necessary of the boom lift platform cannot go beyond the 11-metre mark. However, proof of appropriate training is still required to operate the machine.
Do I need an HRW licence to operate a trailer-mounted boom lift?
The operator will need a Class WP High Risk Work licence if the trailer-mounted boom lift’s platform can be raised to more than 11 metres. Again, proof of adequate training is needed if the boom lift can’t go beyond 11 metres.
Do I need a HRW licence to operate a truck-mounted boom lift?
A Class WP High Risk Work licence is also required if the truck-mounted boom lift can raise its platform to more than 11 metres.
Let CS Transport Training help you upgrade your skills.
If you are looking to obtain a licence to operate elevated work platforms, contact CS Transport Training.
Our organisation has been in the transport and dangerous goods industry for three decades, providing all sorts of transport and safety training to clients in Newcastle, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast. Call us today on 0434 366 758 or email chris@cstt.com.au to know how we can help you. You may also fill out our online contact form at any time.