PEER CONSTRUCTIONS INTRANET

Elevated work platforms (EWP) procedure

PEER Construction is committed to providing a safe work environment for its workers and preventing occupational injuries. This procedure describes the method for identifying health and safety risks associated with operating an EWP, assessing these risks and developing appropriate control measures for these risks.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to provide instruction when working on an elevated work platform.

This procedure applies to all PEER Construction employees, contractors, apprentices, subcontractors, labour hire personnel, volunteers and visitors who are required to operate an EWP. All competent persons are responsible for ensuring that an appropriate risk assessment is undertaken prior to operating an EWP and are familiar with the safe Work method statement (SWMS).

All operators of the EWP must be trained in the use of the model of EWP they are operating. If the EWP has the capacity to go over 11 metres, the operator must be the holder of a National Licence to Perform High Risk Class WP, issued by SafeWork SA.

 

High risk activity

Working at heights is a high risk activity. It is critical you are aware of the risks and how to manage them.

Hazards

Potential hazards on site are:

  • falls from height
  • weather conditions
  • crushing
  • slip, trip or fall
  • lack of adequate lighting
  • pedestrians
  • uneven ground
  • unsuitable ground surface (roll over)
  • sprains and strains
  • equipment failure
  • noise and vibration
  • site workers
  • dust
  • incompetent operator or operator not trained in the use of EWP
  • contact with live electrical power lines or underground services.

Site hazards

  • Overhead hazards – check above for any overhead hazards or obstructions. For example power lines, bus bars, cable trays, conduits, conveyors, machinery, roof beams, roof/ceiling.
  • Surrounding hazards – check for hazards and potential hazards in the work area such as traffic, pedestrians/other workers, slip, trip, or fall hazards, machinery and other equipment, ladders, structures/buildings.
  • Ground hazards – check for hazards at ground level such as soft, uneven or sloping ground, sumps and underground services.
  • Traffic/pedestrians – if traffic, pedestrians or site visitors can’t be excluded from the work area, set up an exclusion zone around the area where the EWP is operating. Use witches’ hats, tape, signs and a spotter.
  • Other hazards are:
    • physical – noise, heat, sunburn/radiation, wind, weather
    • chemical – liquids, vapours, gas, dust
    • biological – bacterial, viral, animal
    • psychological – stress, fatigue, harassment, anxiety, drugs, alcohol
    • ergonomic – heavy items, awkward positions, poor design, poor lighting
    • mechanical – lack of guards, sharp objects/equipment, crushing, impact
    • environmental – noise, dust, wind, heat or cold, vibration, fumes.
Safe work method statement (SWMS)

Site supervisors must make sure that a safe work method statement (SWMS) has been developed for their site if there is a risk of falling from height and:

  • a risk of falling more than 2 metres
  • no compliant fixed edge or fall protection
  • a harness is proposed to be used as the primary means of control.

SWMS must be reviewed when completed and any issues addressed to the site supervisor.

In South Australia it is a legal requirement to develop a SWMS if there is a risk of falling more than 3 metres.

A SWMS must:

  • identify high risk construction work.
  • include an assessment of the terrain at the work site e.g. ground conditions, clear access for all equipment, wind speed, traffic control.
  • identify location of overhead power lines.
  • specify hazards relating to the high risk construction work and the risks to health and safety.
  • describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks (using the hierarchy of control).
  • describe how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed.
  • be short and focus on describing the specific hazards identified with the high risk construction work to be undertaken and the control measures to be put in place so the work is carried out safely.
  • be easily understood by workers, including those from non-English speaking backgrounds. For example, pictures or diagrams may be more effective to communicate information.
Rescue plan
Whenever any person is wearing a harness, a rescue plan must be in place. If the person falls and is stationary in an upright position in the harness for more than 5 minutes, suspension trauma can result.

A rescue plan for the EWP can be simply having a spotter watching the operator. In the event of an emergency, the spotter must know how to switch the controls to ground control and lower the EWP to the ground. They must apply first aid or call for first aid. It is preferred that the spotter has an EWP ticket, but this is not a requirement. They must be trained in how to lower the EWP in the event of an emergency. The spotter is allowed to perform other duties while they are acting as a spotter.

Safety practices for spotters
  • Wear highly visible clothing.
  • Avoid walking into the path of an EWP, moving equipment, or a swinging load.
  • Avoid walking behind heavy equipment while spotting.
  • Stand where an aerial lift or equipment is going while flagging it back.
  • Scan a worksite for hazards and remove them before a job.
  • Focus on the job.
  • Do not use a phone, headphones, or other items that can be distracting while spotting.
  • Agree on hand signals before starting a spotting job.
  • Keep constant visual contact with the driver while the EWP is in motion.
  • Restrict the access of others into the workzone

Process

The process has the following components.

Pre-operational safety checks
  • Check all functions from ground and platform controls with the engine or power on.
  • Establish a barrier around the work area to make people aware that there is potential for injury from overhead and to take caution.
  • Establish a clear communication strategy with the spotter e.g. use hand signals, whistles or two-way radios. Refer Communication policy.
  • Ensure all communication equipment is tested prior to commencing task.
  • Do not exceed rated load.
  • Wear PPE that is appropriate for the task such as safety glasses, enclosed sturdy shoes and head protection.
  • A fall arrest harness attached to a lanyard with a shock absorber must be worn in a boom lift. The person must be trained in how to inspect and use the harness correctly. The lanyard should be as short as possible. Retractable lanyards must not be worn. All loads must not exceed the rated load.
  • Do not commence operations without completing the pre-start check. Pay particular attention to all safety devices including emergency stop buttons and emergency lowering devices if fitted.
  • Check cables, wiring, visible limit switches, battery charger (as fitted) for damage. Conduct earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) push button test (as fitted).
  • Do not use if EWP is not working properly or if any part is damaged, worn or missing.
  • Inspect the worksite for obstacles around the work platform and in the path of travel such as holes, drop-offs, debris, ditches or soft fill. Check for overhead clearances. Allow for platform sway, rock or sag when establishing your work areas.
  • Refer to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to provide information on the handling and use of any substance and to identify whether it is classed as a hazardous substance prior to the commencement of work.
Logbook
Check the entries in the EWP logbook. Ensure maintenance has been carried out by the owner within the prescribed timeframe. Check for entries of any faults, and that those faults have been rectified, or that those faults will not make the EWP hazardous to operate. Sign the logbook to record that you have completed the pre-operating checks
Operational safety requirements

Adhere to all manufacture’s safety instructions.

Do not:

  • exceed working height of the unit.
  • stand on handrails, lean or reach out of the platform.
  • use ladder, scaffolding, or other devices to increase size or working height of platform.
  • exit platform once elevated or enter the elevating assembly when the EWP is elevated.

If the nature of the work requires access or movement beyond the limits of the platform guardrail, the worker must wear an approved body harness and tie off before starting any work.

Ensure all tools and equipment cannot be dropped over the side. Secure with lanyard or use a tool basket.

Never:

  • anchor or attach EWP to a permanent structure while working at height.
  • use the EWP to push or pull other objects or use as a crane or lifting device.
  • climb down elevating assembly if the platform fails to lower.
  • use the platform as a means of access or egress to another structure.

Only one designated person should operate the controls (except in an emergency).

All loads must be stored within the platform perimeter. The total load of the basket, including the staff shall not be exceeded.

If a malfunction is suspected, such as a sudden, partial drop, all work must be suspended, and the equipment checked.

General operation of EWP
  • Always ensure that the manufacturer’s directions, and operating instructions are followed. Never modify the equipment or remove engineered controls.
  • Check the fit of your safety harness. Check that the lanyard length is correct for the type of harness and the attaching points. Clip the harness lanyard to the anchor point. Never clip the harness lanyard around the safety rail. Make sure other personnel working in the basket have also fitted and properly secured their safety harnesses.
  • All low voltage electrical equipment mounted on or used in conjunction with an EWP must be in current Tested and Tagged to the requirements of AS/NZS 3760:2010.
  • All cord extension sets or leads used with the EWP battery charger and power to platform appliance inlets must be in current Tested and Tagged to the requirements of AS/NZS 3760:2010.
  • Check that small items such as nuts and bolts cannot get under the foot switch, as this would stop it operating.
  • Look up and around. Make sure there are no overhead obstructions or power lines that might have been overlooked. Remember, ‘look up and live’. Maintain safe clearances from electrical power lines and contact with any electrically charged conductor.
  • Do not drive onto uneven, soft surfaces or slopes when platform is elevated.
  • Do not use without guardrails, mid rails, chain or bar in place. Do not stand on, sit, or work outside of guardrails.
  • Do not raise the platform in windy, gusty or stormy conditions.
  • Ensure all stabilisers and outriggers are activated.
  • Moving the basket and/or boom of the EWP during operation may introduce or create new hazards, such as greater proximity to power lines. The EWP must be carefully monitored to ensure that its basket and boom are travelling in the direction intended.
  • Commence the elevation by shifting the control lever. Do not operate the lift at a high speed, especially if you are in a confined area. Keep in mind that most machines will only move in creep mode after a predetermined height has been reached. The speed of lifting, lowering, slewing and telescoping are set by a speed controller on the dash panel.
  • Elevate the EWP to the full extension required, provided it is safe to do so.
  • Slew the boom, where fitted, to make sure that this function operates smoothly.
  • Always work in the slow mode in confined areas.
  • When you release a control lever there will be a delay of a few seconds before the relevant function stops. This is called the ramp, and it allows the function to slow down to a stop, rather than jerk to a halt. This is most obvious during slewing operations, when jerking the machine to a halt could make it unstable.
  • When operating the EWP, you should always monitor the boom and platform’s movement to ensure the operation is conducted in a safe and effective manner.
Unsafe incident procedure

If you are operating the EWP and an unsafe incident occurs, if you notice any loud noises or vibrations coming from the boom or the warning lights, cut-outs or alarms warn you about a defect you should:

  • stop work immediately
  • notify a person in the vicinity
  • investigate to try and identify the problem
  • resolve the issue, if possible, if not lower the EWP and make safe
  • enter incident into EWP logbook
  • tag EWP out of service if necessary
  • report to appropriate person
  • do not use EWP until problem is fixed.
Post operating check
  • Raise the outriggers and pin them if required.
  • Stop engine.
  • Install boom locking pin or strap.
  • When you have finished operating, walk around the machine checking for any leaks or damage that may have occurred during the task. Ensure the EWP is left in a safe place and doesn’t create any hazards.
  • Check your harness, lanyard and other safety gear before you put it away.
  • Perform any operator level maintenance that you are authorised to conduct. This would include ensuring that the EWP is left in a clean condition, and all tools, rubbish and other equipment is removed from the basket or platform and placed in the correct place. Rubbish should be disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner in accordance with site environmental guidelines.
Collapse of worker in basket

If you are on the ground and your workmate in the basket appears to have fainted and has slumped down inside the basket, you should:

  • try to contact the person (yell out to them or call their mobile phone).
  • if there is no response, call for first aid or ask someone else to go for first aid assistance.
  • check for hazards in or around the work area, such as power lines, dangerous substances or materials that might have caused asphyxiation.
  • if no hazards are found and the machine is safe, switch it to the ground control and lower the person down.
  • if there is an electrical hazard, do not touch the machine. Call the power authority to have the power supply shut down and the problem rectified.
Emergency descent device (EDD)
  • In an emergency (such as the failure of the controls at height) you should call out to an assistant to lower the basket using the ground controls.
  • If it is not possible to safely lower the basket to the ground, you may need to activate the EDD.
  • These descent devices vary from one EWP to another, so you should be trained in the EDD procedures that apply to the machine(s) you will be operating. You need to check the supplier’s requirements in relation to the EDD.
  • An auxiliary power unit (APU) is fitted to boom and scissor type platforms. The APU consists of an electric motor which is powered by the machine’s battery connected to a small hydraulic pump. When the motor is energised it in turn activates the hydraulic pump which provides hydraulic pressure to the machine’s system. The controls for the APU will be fitted at the base and platform controls and should only be used if the machine’s main power source fails.
Reporting requirements

Workers should report to their supervisor if:

  • there are faults in tools, equipment or materials
  • they have any safety concerns
  • there is an accident resulting in personal injury or damage to property
  • they have a near miss or dangerous occurrence which does not cause injury but may pose an immediate and significant risk to persons or property. These need to be reported so action can be taken to prevent recurrence.

Use the Accident incident report form when making a report.

Responsibilities

The following roles and responsibilities apply.

Managers and supervisors

A PCBU must provide workers with reasonable information, instruction, training and supervision to operate the MEWP in all foreseeable work situations which may arise.

Managers and supervisors must also ensure the:

  • type of MEWP is appropriate for the task being performed
  • work is conducted safely
  • workers are supplied with correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • MEWP is safe to use in that environment (e.g. structures in the area, proximity to other workers and powerlines, ground surface)
  • MEWP is maintained in a safe condition.
Worker responsibilities

Workers must take all practicable steps to keep themselves safe in the workplace and ensure they do not place others at risk of harm. Workers are responsible to:

  • identify and reporting hazards as they arise
  • follow safe work procedures and instructions
  • wear required PPE
  • report accidents or near misses immediately to their supervisor or appropriate person.
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
WHS Policy
Accident incident report form
JSA
SWMS

Version 1.0 – Last updated 6/2/2022