References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan

Note: This section is to be read in conjunction with:

• Section: Cranes, Hoists and Other Lifting Equipment

Hazards

Potential hazards include, but are not limited to:

• Excavations, pits, tanks, soak wells, (overturning)
• Penetrations, slab edges or set downs
• Overhead structures (entrapment)
• Services (electrocution) 
• Machine weight exceeding ground bearing pressure, slab loadings / unstable ground (over-turning)
• Exceeding safe work load of the MEWP basket
• Doorways/restricted openings (collisions, entrapment)
• Other mobile / fixed plant.(collisions)
• Falls, falling objects. 

Planning

Considerations must be given to the following

• Potential hazards 
• Access
• Site conditions
• Type of MEWP
• Type of work 
• Exclusion zones / barricading
• Emergencies
• Requirements for safety observers

Operational

MEWP must be operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufactures specifications and applicable Australian Standards, refer to:

•  Plant and equipment inspection schedule

R Pre-start inspections must be carried prior to use and be recorded daily (for each shift -where applicable).

R Workers involved in the activity must be inducted into applicable SWMS and emergency procedures.

R Operators must hold valid records of training / competency, evidence must be retained on site, refer to:

• Training and Competency Schedule

Operators should never operate an MEWP when working alone.

NSW/VIC/QLD - A safety observer must be designated where there is a potential risk of the operator or passenger being crushed by overhead or adjacent fixed structures such as roofs, structural beams, cable trays or pipework while operating a MEWP.

Where a safety observer is deployed, they; 

• Must hold a valid record of training /competency for the MEWP being observed where required under the legislation for the type of EWP being operated
• Must be inducted into the SWMS (incl. emergency procedures)
• Should maintain a line of sight with the operator/s when the EWP/s are in motion or change in position
• Should remain in the area until the MEWP is lowered to a stowed position and the operator has descended from the platform

Prevailing weather conditions must be constantly monitored:

• MEWP are not to be operated in adverse weather conditions (e.g. strong winds)
• Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications.

MEWP must be set-up on compact and level ground clear from penetrations, excavations, slab edges or slab set-downs.

MEWP must only be operated outside the ‘NO GO ZONE’ of overhead power lines, refer to:

• Section: Approaches and Clearances around Electrical Assets 

Where a MEWP is used on uneven ground such as natural ground / sand / dirt ab all-terrain MEWP should be used. 

When travelling, the basket should be lowered and soft or uneven ground is to be avoided.

E Where operating on suspended slabs, permitted weights must be confirmed and be in accordance with engineers report / specifications.

Where practical zones should be established below the MEWP

Consideration should be given to the positioning of MEWPs to allow access to the ground based controls / emergency decent controls.

MEWP are not to be used to lift loads other than loads that it was intended to carry, which fit within the platform and are securely restrained.

E Where racks or other items are fitted they must be in accordance with the manufactures requirements and be approved by the manufacturer.

• Transferring materials to or from the basket in an elevated position must be in accordance with AS 2550.10 clause 5.10, be referenced in the applicable SWMS.

All people working in the basket of a boom type MEWP must wear a fall arrest/restraint device and be attached to the designated (certified) anchorage point at all times.

S Access to and egress from the platform in an elevated position must be in accordance with AS 2550.10, clause 5.9, and be documented in a task-specific SWMS.

Standing on mid-rails or hand-rails is not permitted; people are to remain within the confines of the basket at all times.

The SWL is not to be exceeded and must take into account weight of occupants, tools and materials.

As far as is practical tools must have lanyards attached.

When operating an MEWP, people should not place themselves in a position where they may be subjected to crushing/entrapment through contact with machine parts or structures.

When operating a MEWP, workers must lower the MEWP before driving/travelling in the unit and use the external ‘umbilical’ control when traversing through restricted openings.

Boom type MEWP must be fitted with secondary protection devices and people operating instructed in their use.

Figure 1: Example of secondary protection devices for boom type MEWP