EWP HRW Training Activity 3

Positioning the EWP

When positioning an EWP before it is levelled and packed, you should always check the safe slewing radius, access and egress and the position of the EWP in relation to the work to be undertaken and ensure that there is adequate clearances from obstructions and/or hazards (Clear of obstructions). (Q58) 

If there is ever a concern that the wheels (or outriggers) of an EWP will sink you should always use steel plates or hardwood packing (pigstying or cribbing) in order to stabilise the EWP. (Q59) 

 

PigStyling and Cribbing

The force exerted by an outrigger/stabilizer leg can cause damage to any underground service and/or ground collapse which can cause an EWP to overturn. The EWP, if possible, should be relocated or set up on steel plates, sleeper mats or extensive pig styling packing.

Pig sty packing utilises planks of wood. You should put the first (top) layer of packing in line with the outrigger. The second layer of pigstyling should always be 90 degrees to the first layer. (Q60) 

Making sure the EWP is level

To make sure that the EWP is sitting flat and level, you can use either a spirit level or bubble level indicator. This will ensure stability of the EWP when operating. (Q61) 

Setting up an EWP

As a general rule of thumb, whenever setting up an EWP, you should consider the items listed earlier in, ‘Inspecting the work area’. These are the important items to check when planning the operation of an EWP and setting up for the task (other than hazards).

More specific items that should be considered are listed below.

Setting up near recent excavations or trenches

Setting up an EWP near recent excavations and trenches (holes) is potentially very dangerous. A general rule is however deep the trench is, be at least that far away (this is for hard stable ground only). If the ground is not hard or stable, the EWP should be set up even further away.

For example, depending on soil condition, if the recent excavation or trench is 1 metre deep then the EWP should be set up at least 1 metre away.  (Q62) 

Set up further away if the ground is soft or recently backfilled.

Setting up on concrete

A concrete slab must be able to support the weight of an EWP and its load. Only a qualified engineer is capable of making an assessment on this.

Before setting up on concrete you must ensure that an engineer’s report is available indicating that the slab of concrete is capable of supporting the EWP and the load. (Q63) 

Setting up close to buildings

When setting up an EWP close to buildings, you should consider the following:  (Q64) 

  1. Access and Egress
  2. Appropriate position for operating machine
  3. The boom should be set up to slew away from the building if possible
  4. Protection may be required for the building
  5. Screens may be required for windows and other fragile/easily damaged areas of the building

Setting up in a confined area

Before setting up an EWP in a confined area you should consider the following:

  1. Access – will the EWP fit?
  2. Is the area clear of obstructions and personnel?
  3. Is there a need to use a guide?
  4. Can the boom be slewed safely?  (Q65) 

Ensure the safety of others

Ensure that you do not raise or lower a load near or over other personnel because this puts the people under the boom at risk of serious injury or death, and is therefore unsafe.  (Q66) 

 

Securing work gear

Why must work gear be secured?

Tools and equipment can be a danger to the operator and other when not secured properly. It is important to secure any work gear to prevent any accidents. You should always keep tools and equipment stored safely in a box/basket on the EWP platform in order to ensure the following:

  1. Stop tools jamming and getting stuck in the ‘dead man’ foot control
  2. Stop tools from falling off the platform
  3. Stop tools getting in the way of getting on and off the work platform (tools can be trip hazards)
  4. Keep the work platform clean and free of mess  (Q67)

Operating and Monitoring an EWP

When operating an EWP you must always continually monitor boom and platform movement to ensure that all aspects of the operation are conducted in a safe and efficient manner (Q68)

Moving an Elevating Work Platform

When moving an EWP, it should always be travelling at a creeping or extremely slow speed, or as per the manufacturer’s specifications (Q69)

When travelling with a self-propelled EWP up a hill, the boom and platform should be facing up hill (as a rule of thumb). Otherwise it should be done according to the manufacturer’s specifications. (Q70)

You should only ever travel with an EWP across the slope/side of a hill according to the manufacturers specifications.(Q71)

Before travelling with an EWP, you should always consider the following:

  1. Path must be clear of objects (e.g. bricks, drums etc);
  2. Lower and retract the basket so you can see where you are going;
  3. Watch out for people on the ground;
  4. Turntable lock must be engaged;
  5. Axle lockouts must be activated (if the EWP has them);
  6. Make sure the warning devices are working; and
  7. Tyres must be pumped to the right pressure.(Q72)

Raising an Elevating Work Platform

Before raising an Elevating Work Platform (EWP) you should always consider the following:

  1. Weights and sizes of the load;
  2. Access and egress;
  3. Obstructions and hazards;
  4. Boom deflection; and
  5. Safe working radius.(Q73)

Unplanned Situations and Emergency Procedures

Unsafe Incidents

If an unsafe incident occurs when you are operating an EWP (such as a pedestrian or vehicle entering the exclusion zone), you should always STOP operations and resolve the issue, seek advice or assistance (if required) and report the incident according to site rules and regulations. (Q74)

However, if an unsafe incident occurs which involves a defect with the equipment (such as hearing a loud noise, feeling the platform drop slightly, warning devices, cut-outs, alarms or feeling unsafe vibrations coming from the boom section), you should always follow these steps: (Q75)

  1. Cease work immediately;
  2. Notify persons in the immediate area;
  3. Lower the EWP (if applicable);
  4. Tag machine out of service;
  5. Remove the keys (to prevent use by other persons);
  6. Report the incident to appropriate personnel;
  7. Log the incident within the EWPs logbook; and
  8. Have an inspection carried out to identify whether damage has occurred

Getting stuck in the air?

If you are working at heights and the motor cuts out, you can should do either of the following:

  1. For older (truck mounted) EWP use the hydraulic accumulator;
  2. For newer EWP use the electro-hydraulic (battery backup) emergency lowering device; or
  3. If nothing else works, use the hydraulic bleed valves.  (Q76)

Sinking wheels or outriggers

If one or more of the wheels or outriggers start to sink once you have started operating the EWP you should immediately stop operations, return the EWP to the ground, relocate the EWP to safer ground and rectify the sinking, if possible. If you are unable to rectify the sinking, you should relocate the EWP to an area where stability can be obtained(Q77)

Contacting power lines

  1. Warn others to stay away at least 8 metres
  2. Try to break contact.  Move the boom away from the power lines if you can. Be careful. The controls may have electricity flowing through them;
  3. Stay in the Cab.  If you can, break away from the power lines, stay in the basket if it is safe. Don’t touch any metal parts. Call for help.
    If you can’t stay in the EWP (e.g. it’s on fire), check for any water or objects on the ground.
    If it is safe, jump out of the EWP. Don’t touch any metal parts
    When you get to the ground, move away from the EWP by hoping or shuffling with both feet together. Don’t run or walk because the ground might be electrified. Get at least 8 meters away;
  4. Do all the incident reporting that you should. Do any first aid you need to do; and
  5. Don’t use the EWP until it has been checked out mechanically  (Q78)

Shutting down an EWP

Stand alone Elevating Work Platform

When you have finished all of the jobs for the day, you should always take the following actions when closing down operations:

  1. Do a final check then write about any faults and the job in the logbook
  2. Raise up the work platform to a safe height (some instructions differ on the height boom lifts should be left at)
  3. Shut down and park the EWP safely
  4. Take the keys out
  5. Make sure the tools and harness are secure
  6. Make sure the EWP is safe and secure
  7. Put fuel in or recharge the battery

REMEMBER: After conducting a final check and you notice a defect you MUST remove the keys, place a warning notice on the EWP indicating the EWP must not be used and then report the fault to an authorised person and record in the logbook.(Q79)

Trailer-Mounted Elevating Work Platform

You should always take the following actions when closing down a trailer-mounted EWP:

  1. Check that there is nothing in the way;
  2. Line the boom up with the chassis;
  3. Lower the bottom of the boom arm into the cradle;
  4. Lower the top of the top boom onto the bottom arm;
  5. Turn off the engine (mounted EWP) or the power take off (PTO);
  6. Put the boom locking pin in;
  7. Take off your safety harness and secure it; and
  8. Get out of the basket and put your tools away  (Q80)

Well done … your Assessment will be next!