EWP-Boom-Cherrypicker-Scissor Lift Safe Work Method Statement

Operating boom-type elevated work platforms (cherry pickers and boom lifts) requires a WP class High Risk Work licence if the platform height exceeds 11 metres, or a WN class licence if the platform height is 11 metres or less. These licences are issued by state and territory work health and safety regulators after completion of nationally recognised training and assessment through registered training organisations. Scissor lifts are also classified as elevated work platforms, and licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and specific equipment configuration. In some states, scissor lifts used solely for vertical access may not require High Risk Work licences if specific conditions are met, while in other jurisdictions all EWP operation requires licensing. To obtain the appropriate licence, you must complete accredited training covering EWP types, operational procedures, hazard identification, emergency procedures, and pre-start inspections. Training includes both theoretical knowledge and practical assessment operating equipment under supervision. Licences are valid for five years and must be renewed before expiry. Even with a valid licence, operators should receive site-specific induction and familiarisation training on the particular equipment models they will operate, as controls and features vary significantly between manufacturers. Employers must verify operator licences are current and appropriate for equipment being used before permitting operation, maintaining copies of licence documentation in site records.

Ground stability assessment is critical before positioning any EWP equipment. Begin by visually inspecting the ground surface looking for soft areas, recent excavation or backfill, cracking, water pooling, or drainage issues that indicate poor load-bearing capacity. Use a slope measurement tool such as a digital inclinometer or smartphone level app to measure ground angle, verifying it is within equipment manufacturer specifications—typically maximum 3 to 5 degrees depending on machine model. Review site plans and drawings to identify underground services, structures, tanks, or previous excavations that could create voids beneath the surface. Probe the ground adjacent to where outriggers will be positioned using a steel rod or stake, pushing it into the ground to feel for subsurface soft layers or voids that are not visible at the surface. Pay particular attention to areas near trenches, excavations, or underground structures where ground can collapse under outrigger loads even if surface appears firm. Check for recent weather including heavy rain that may have softened ground, and consider seasonal factors such as frozen ground that may thaw during work. Where ground conditions are questionable or marginal, implement engineered controls including timber mats or steel plates under outriggers to distribute loads across larger areas, ground improvement such as compaction or aggregate placement, or alternative access methods including scaffolding where ground cannot reliably support EWP loads. Consult geotechnical engineers if significant uncertainty exists about ground capacity. Remember that outrigger loads can exceed 15 tonnes on large boom lifts at full extension, requiring substantial ground-bearing capacity. Always err on the conservative side—if ground conditions are uncertain, use alternative access methods rather than risking tip-over incidents.

If the tilt alarm activates during EWP operation, immediately cease all boom movements and assess the machine's stability. Tilt sensors detect when the machine exceeds safe operating angles, typically activating between 3 to 5 degrees of lean depending on equipment model. Do not attempt to override the alarm or continue boom extension as tilt sensors indicate the machine is approaching unstable conditions where tip-over could occur. Carefully observe whether the machine is continuing to lean or has stabilised. Look for signs of ground failure including settling, cracking, or visible lean. If the machine is actively leaning or ground failure is progressing, begin lowering the boom immediately using smooth controlled movements, retracting boom extension to reduce loading on outriggers. If ground failure appears imminent, alert all workers in the platform to prepare for possible evacuation and warn ground personnel to clear the potential tip-over area. Once the boom is lowered to a safe position or fully retracted, investigate the cause of tilt alarm activation. Common causes include outrigger settling into soft ground, operation on slopes exceeding specifications, nearby excavation or underground void collapsing, or uneven outrigger extension. If ground failure has occurred, do not attempt to reposition the machine or resume operations in that location. Relocate to firmer ground or implement engineered ground support solutions including timber mats or compacted aggregate base. If tilt alarm activated due to excessive slope, reposition machine to more level ground. Document the tilt alarm incident in equipment logbook and report to supervisor for investigation. Never reset and continue operation without identifying and resolving the cause of alarm activation, as tilt sensors provide critical warning of dangerous conditions that will likely result in tip-over if operation continues.

Minimum approach distances from overhead power lines vary based on the voltage of the electrical lines and are legally mandated under electrical safety regulations in each Australian state and territory. For low voltage lines up to 1000 volts (typical residential supply), untrained persons must maintain minimum 1 metre clearance from conductors. For high voltage distribution lines from 1000 volts to 33,000 volts, minimum clearance is 3 metres. For transmission lines above 33,000 volts up to 132,000 volts, minimum clearance increases to 6 metres, and for ultra-high voltage transmission above 132,000 volts, clearances of 8 metres or more apply. These distances must be maintained by any part of the EWP equipment, platform, loads being handled, and any worker body parts at all times during operation. Importantly, these are minimum distances—prudent practice maintains greater clearances as safety margins. The critical danger is that high voltage electricity can arc across air gaps without physical contact, and wind can move extended booms reducing clearances even when equipment is stationary. If you are uncertain about power line voltage, contact the electrical utility company for confirmation before commencing work. Where work must occur near overhead power lines and adequate clearances cannot be maintained, you must contact the electrical utility to request temporary disconnection, installation of insulation covers on the lines, or provision of isolated working clearances with physical barriers preventing approach distance violations. Never commence EWP work near power lines without first identifying all overhead electrical hazards, measuring clearances, establishing no-go zones, and implementing control measures including spotter personnel to monitor boom position throughout operations. Electrocution from power line contact remains a leading cause of EWP fatalities, making strict clearance maintenance absolutely critical.

Safety harness requirements when working from EWP platforms depend on the type of equipment and the specific work being performed. For boom-type elevated work platforms including articulating booms, telescopic booms, and cherry pickers, workers in the platform must wear full-body fall arrest harnesses with shock-absorbing lanyards connected to designated anchor points within the platform at all times when elevated. This requirement applies regardless of platform guardrail configuration because boom-type equipment can tip over, contact overhead obstacles, or experience other events that could throw workers from the platform despite guardrails being present. The harness provides secondary fall protection if the primary protection (platform guardrails and gates) fails or workers are thrown from the platform. For scissor lift platforms that have compliant guardrails meeting Australian Standards and are used only for vertical access without positioning workers near unprotected edges, harnesses may not be required provided platform guardrails and gates are properly maintained and used. However, many organisations implement policies requiring harnesses for all EWP work regardless of equipment type to provide consistent fall protection. Additionally, if work from a scissor lift involves positioning workers near unprotected edges such as building roofs or floor openings where they could fall from the work position rather than from the platform itself, harnesses with appropriate anchorage are required. The harness must be a full-body Class D fall arrest harness compliant with AS/NZS 1891.1, properly fitted to the wearer, and connected using a shock-absorbing lanyard of appropriate length to platform anchor points before the platform is elevated. Simply wearing a harness without connecting it to anchor points provides no fall protection. Equipment manufacturers' operating manuals specify harness requirements for specific equipment models and should be consulted along with site-specific risk assessments and work health and safety regulations in your jurisdiction.

EWP equipment requires inspection at multiple levels to ensure ongoing safe operation. Daily pre-start inspections must be conducted by the operator before first use each shift or whenever a different operator takes control of the machine. This inspection uses a documented checklist covering hydraulic systems, controls, emergency systems, structural components, platform guardrails and gates, tyres or tracks, fuel or battery levels, and safety devices including tilt sensors and alarms. Any defects identified must be rectified before use or the equipment must be quarantined until repairs are completed. In addition to daily pre-start checks, detailed monthly inspections should be conducted by competent persons with specialist EWP knowledge, going beyond operator checks to include verification of safety system calibration, load testing of critical components, and detailed examination of hydraulic, electrical, and structural systems. Comprehensive annual servicing must be performed by qualified service technicians or equipment manufacturers, involving dismantling and inspection of hydraulic components, replacement of wear items and consumables, load testing to verify capacity, verification of all safety systems, and updating of service records. Some jurisdictions require more frequent inspections for hire equipment or specific EWP types. Manufacturer service schedules should be followed as minimum requirements, with service intervals based on operating hours or calendar time whichever occurs first. All inspections and service must be documented in equipment logbooks that travel with the machine, providing complete maintenance history. Inspection and service records must be available for review by operators, supervisors, safety personnel, and work health and safety regulators. Equipment that has not received required service should be removed from service until maintenance is brought current. Organisations operating EWP fleets should implement tracking systems ensuring service due dates are monitored and equipment is scheduled for service before due dates pass.