Have you ever watched a tradie climb into an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) over a worksite and think, "Crikey, that's a long way up"? Yeah, me too. But rather than an emotional response, it's a reminder that high-risk training environments, especially those involving height, demand thorough risk assessments. The risks? Yes, they're not all about avoiding a blue but about getting everyone home in one piece. If you aim to obtain your boom lift licence in NSW, familiarising yourself with the associated safety protocols and training requirements is essential. The reality is that a cursory or rushed risk assessment can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. In a metropolis like Sydney, where there's always a construction boom and infrastructure development, knowing what works best and putting it into practice is not optional.

What are key EWP over 11m risk factors?

When we're referring to EWPs over 11 metres, we're in a completely different ball game than with your run-of-the-mill scissor lift. The added height exaggerates all possible dangers. Here's the lowdown on the main risk factors:

• Falls from height: This is the most evident and dangerous threat. Even if safety harnesses are worn, the chances of serious injury remain high.
• Equipment malfunction: Hydraulic failure, structural defects, and control system failure may result in catastrophic accidents.
• Environmental conditions: Wind, rain, and rough terrain considerably increase the chances of instability and accidents.
• Operator mistake: Inadequate training, fatigue, and poor judgment may result in unsafe situations.
• Proximity hazards: Buildings, power lines, and other hazards can present collision or entanglement hazards.

• Load capacity exceedance: Exceeding the load capacity of the EWP leads to instability and structural collapse.

  

How to assess EWP over 11m hazards?

To evaluate these hazards, one must do it systematically and thoroughly. It's not about eyeballing it; it's about knowing the specific risks for every job.

• Site inspection: Conduct a pre-start site inspection, including careful attention to ground conditions, overhead obstructions, and potential hazards.
• Equipment inspection: Check the EWP for damage, wear, or malfunction. Ensure that all safety devices are in proper working condition.
• Job safety analysis (JSA): Prepare an extensive JSA that lists all potential hazards and outlines the control measures to be adopted.
• Weather monitoring: Monitor weather conditions regularly and adjust work practices where necessary. Wind, in particular, will render it highly unsafe to be on an EWP higher than 11 metres.
• Competency verification: Train and certify each operator on the specific type of EWP being utilised.
• Communication: Develop effective communication processes between the ground crew and the operator.

What safety gear for EWP over 11m?

When you work at heights, your safety equipment is not optional; it's your lifeline.

• Full-body harness: Regularly inspected and fitted correctly, it's your best and initial barrier against falling.
• Lanyards and inertia reels: These tie the harness to the EWP and provide fall arrest capability.
• Hard hats: Protect against falling objects and head injuries.
• High-visibility clothing: Ensure you can be seen by others working or operating equipment around you.
• Safety boots: Provide support for the ankle and protect against foot injury.
• Weather-apt clothing: Sunscreen or rain gear, depending on the weather in Sydney.
• Two-way radios: These are required to enable the ground staff and operator to communicate efficiently.

What training for EWP over 11m license?

It is insufficient to obtain an EWP license above 11 metres and pass an exam. The emphasis is to develop skills and knowledge that enable the safe operation of such equipment. The entire course of training should encompass:

• Legislation and regulations: Learning relevant Australian Standards and Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.
• Pre-operational checks: Learning how to inspect the EWP and identify potential hazards.
• Operating techniques: Being proficient in controlling and maneuvering the EWP required to operate it safely.
• Emergency procedures: Being familiar with how to act in emergencies, such as equipment failure or falls.
• Risk assessment: Developing the skill to identify and assess workplace hazards.
• Practical experience: Gaining practical experience in operating the EWP under the supervision of a certified instructor.

What are EWP over 11m emergency procedures?

Even with the most meticulous planning, emergencies may still arise. There is a need to have well-defined emergency procedures.

• Fall arrest rescue: Being taught how to rescue a falling worker suspended in a harness.
• Equipment failure response: Being taught how to respond to hydraulic failure, control system failure, and other equipment malfunctions.
• Weather emergency plan: Develop an evacuation plan for the EWP in adverse weather.
• First aid and CPR: Ensuring basic first aid and CPR training for workers.
• Emergency communication: Ensuring open lines of communication to report emergencies.
• Site evacuation: Familiarity with the site evacuation procedure and plan.

What regulations cover EWP over 11m use?

Working with EWPs above 11 metres is governed by strict safety laws, and it's crucial to understand the compliance requirements for EWP licence over 11m in NSW.

• Australian Standards: AS 1418.10 specifically addresses EWPs.
• Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act: This act describes the general duties of employers and employees.
• WHS regulations: These address the detailed requirements for high-risk work, including EWPs.
• Codes of practice: These provide guidance day-to-day regarding how to comply with WHS law.
• Licensing requirements: Operators must hold a valid High-Risk Work Licence for the specific type of EWP they are operating.

Case study

Enhancing safety via EWP licence over 11m training

Within the observation of training at high-risk workplaces, I discovered a real-life scenario of how training in EWP licence over 11m enhances workplace safety. Safety Training in Bankstown, NSW, held a training session for a building company that needed to certify its staff in the use of a raised work platform over 11 meters.

One of the students, a long-time site worker and experienced operator of smaller EWPs, initially struggled with the bigger machines' height adjustment and stability differences. After practical training and simulated risk scenarios, the training staff taught him how to wear the harness properly, conduct emergency descents, and identify hazards. By the end of the session, he was proficient in operating the equipment safely.

This case is a good example of the necessity of adequate training to avoid risks in risky settings. Adequate certification ensures the safe operation of heavy equipment, reducing accidents in the workplace.

Conclusion

Safety neglect is a recipe for catastrophe amid the flurry of activity in Sydney's building sector. High-risk training scenario risk assessments, especially for EWP work over 11 metres, are not a tick-box exercise; they're a critical component of ensuring workers' safety. By recognising the most vital risk factors, having proper assessment procedures in place, providing adequate safety gear and training, and having well-defined emergency procedures established, we can construct safer workplaces for everyone. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine, and in this case, it could save a life.