Conducting routine equipment checks before setting up the EWP

Once you have determined that the EWP can operate safely on the site and have agreed to undertake the work, it is time to check the machine to make sure it is in good working order.

These pre-operational checks are essential, and must be carried out before you set up the machine at the site and before any work commences.

The main purpose of checking the equipment is to identify any defects.
If a defect which might affect the operation of the machine is found, the machine must be secured against operation (remove key) , the defect must be tagged and you must report the defect to your supervisor or the person in charge of the operation.

The tag should clearly note that the machine is out of order and is not to be used.

The pre-operational checks must be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, which you will find in the service log book.

So the first thing you need to do is check the log book. Every elevating work platform will have a log book.

The log book provides three important sets of information for the operator:

• records of regular service checks
• a pre-operational checklist and
• records of any faults or defects.

It is important to check each section of the log book, and in particular the service records, to make sure that all aspects of the pre-operational checks have been covered and that regular servicing, maintenance and repairs have been undertaken.

If a service is overdue, inform the owner of the machine and do not use the machine.

In addition to checking for defects, you must check the safe working load (SWL) of the EWP (i.e. the maximum weight that can be safely supported in the basket).

This is important, because the major function of any EWP is to safely elevate personnel and materials.

The SWL will be shown in the EWP’s operating instructions manual, and must also be clearly marked in the platform.

You must then estimate the total weight of all the materials and personnel to be carried, including all protective equipment, and make sure that the SWL will not be exceeded.

If the SWL were exceeded there could be a structural failure to the boom or the machine could tip over.

Routine pre-set-up equipment checklist

The pre-operational checks which you need to undertake on the machine include, but are not limited to, the following:

All load-bearing parts

• The load-bearing parts of the EWP are found along the boom arm of the EWP. Check that all parts are in good condition and are not bent, distorted or fractured.
• If the boom is insulated, check that it is in test and that the insulation is not compromised by foreign matter.
• Report any damaged load-bearing sections to your employer or the person in control of the EWP. The machine must not be operated and must be shut down with appropriate signs to make sure others will not operate it.

Operating instructions and log book

• Locate the operating instructions/service manual and log book. Make sure the log book has been completed and is up to date and all service requirements have been met.
• If a service is overdue, inform the owner of the machine and do not use the machine.

Emergency descent equipment

• Check the work platform. Make sure the emergency descent equipment is secure and the safety release clips are in place, have not been tampered with and can be removed by hand.
• Also check that warning signs are in place and have not been tampered with.
• Correct any defects before commencing work.

Ground controls

• Check the ground-level operating controls to make sure they are free of damage.
• Operate and become familiar with each function, so that you will be able to instruct someone to lower you down in an emergency.
• Locate the emergency lowering control and make sure it is able to be operated with ease.
• If the ground controls are damaged or appear to be not operational, report the defect(s) to your supervisor.

Setting up the EWP

Once you have inspected the site, identified its hazards, satisfied yourself that the site is suitable and completed your pre-operational checks on the EWP, you are ready to set up the machine so you can begin the work.

The set-up procedure involves quite a number of steps. You must be familiar with all of these steps and be competent in performing them.

If it is some time since you carried out your site inspection, you will need to do a final check of the work site, before you start to set up the machine, to make sure there have been no changes since your first inspection.

The starting point is to decide where you will set up the machine.

This area should be flat and able to stand the weight of the machine.

If it is not flat, or if it has a soft base or has been backfilled etc, you will need to make sure you have the required ground cover, such as steel plates and/or sleepers, to control the hazards associated with loose or unstable ground.

The set up procedure then involves the following tasks:

• Notify the relevant people (site foreman, safety officer, etc) of your arrival and intentions, discuss your work program with them and seek their advice.
• Check the environmental conditions, including the wind speed, to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Set the EWP up as close as possible to the work that you are required to do, in such a way that it will fully meet your requirements but at the same time create the least possible disturbance to others working close by. An observer may be needed to assist you in positioning the EWP. Make sure the EWP will not be on a slope that exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Firmly apply the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral (or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations).
• Place all the required traffic control displays and warning devices. Warning signs at the front and rear should be placed at least 50 metres, but not more than 150 metres, from the vehicle.
• Ensure any necessary barricades or road marker cones are placed along the side of the vehicle. Road marker cones should be arranged to keep traffic clear of the area where the elbow of the boom will be operating.
• Set the rotating flashing lights in motion.
• If the EWP does not have outriggers/stabilisers, chock one pair of its wheels, by firmly placing suitable obstructions against each wheel to prevent the machine from moving in any direction.
• If the EWP has outriggers, chock the front wheels and set the outriggers onto a firm surface or the appropriate packing. Make sure the area is clear of personnel before lowering the outriggers/stabilisers. The outriggers need to be fully extended, unless they are also being used to level the machine. Never reset the outriggers while the machine is elevated, because this can cause major instability and allow the machine to overturn. Remember to avoid soft ground, sloping surfaces or other conditions that may affect the stability of the unit.
• If the EWP is being set up on a sloping surface, position the outriggers/stabilisers on the lower sloping side first, again making sure the area is clear of personnel before lowering the outriggers/stabilisers. This will allow you to level the platform and then engage the remaining stabilisers.

Check that all the necessary safety harnesses and lanyards are on the machine and that they comply with the relevant standards and are in good working order. Re­ check the anchor points for the lanyards, ensuring they are sound and not bent or broken. Check that the lanyards are the correct length for their anchor point(s) on the machine.

Make sure all personnel are clear of the basket and boom while the basket is being lowered to the entry position.