As the number of people who rent elevated work platforms grows, safety must be the top priority for both the operator and the site.
Working at heights can be more dangerous if you hire the wrong EWP or have operators who don’t know what they’re doing.
This week’s blog looks at four important things to think about when deciding which EWP unit is best for a job.
Are Operators Licensed And Have They Been Trained Properly?
To legally use access equipment, operators should have at least an EWPA industry Yellow Card, which shows that they have met the minimum duty of care requirements.
Operators need an HRW WP license to use boom lifts with a reach height of more than 11m.
EWPA cards are good for five years and can be renewed every five years by taking a refresher knowledge course online through EWP over 11m training Sydney.
Unit owners and operators must know how each EWP unit works, including all of the safety features and what it can do, so they can use the unit safely and avoid common mistakes like overloading, hitting something, or tipping it over.
All operators need to know how to shut down the unit in case of an emergency. This way, they can act quickly and reduce the chance that people or property will be hurt or damaged.
What Kind Of EWP Do You Need? A Scissor Lift Or A Boom Lift?
The most common types of EWP units for rent are scissor lifts and boom lifts.
Scissor lifts are work platforms that can only move up and down. They can’t move side to side or turn (like a boom lift).
The unique way that a scissor lift rises is because of how the folding supports are linked together in an X shape.
Scissor lifts are often used in the construction industry for tasks like putting up cladding, fixing lights, and maintaining buildings. This is because the platform can safely hold the operator’s tools while the lift is raised.
Boom lifts are elevating work platforms that can be telescoping, hinged, articulated, or a combination of these. They support a platform or basket that can be used to lift people and materials to work at a higher level.
Does It Work Indoors, Outdoors, Or Both?
Man-up lifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts can all be used both inside and outside (based on manufacturer specifications).
Manufacturers and safety groups have strict rules about how high a unit’s platform can be raised safely. This is based on the number of people using the unit, the weight of the load, and the operational conditions.
The safest height for units to be raised will depend on where they are being used. When working outside, the safe loads are usually less than when working inside.
Is The Area Where You’ll Be Working Smooth, Flat, Or Bumpy?
When deciding what kind of EWP to rent, it’s important to think about where it will be used.
Electric scissor lifts can be used safely on flat, smooth surfaces inside, where they are most often found because they have small wheels.
Larger diesel scissor and boom lifts have big tires and axles that can move back and forth. This lets them move over rough and uneven outdoor terrain.
Surface area units must be driven or moved from where the machine is dropped off and picked up to where it will be working. This is an issue that is often forgotten.