Starting up the EWP and making sure everything is working properly

Once you have completed all pre-operational checks and you have set the EWP up for work, it is time to start up the machine and conduct further checks to make sure that all the controls and movements of the machine are functioning correctly, before commencing work.

These final checks are an important part of making sure the work can be conducted safely.

Your supervisor or trainer will take you through each of the things that you need to check.

Remember that you must locate and read the operations manual before you carry out these start-up checks.

Ground compartment checks

To commence your start-up checks, open the ground compartment; turn the select switch to ‘ground’ and start the motor.

Operate each of the ground control levers in turn, to make sure you know what it does and it is operating properly.

You need to do the following:

• Lift and lower the boom. Note that some machines have emergency lowering taps, which allow the machine to lower to the folded position at a controlled speed. If these taps are fitted, raise the machine slightly and open the taps to allow the machine to lower again. This will ensure you know where the lowering valves are located and that they are operational.
• Slew the boom to the left and right, making sure there are no potential hazards in performing this function. If the boom cannot be slewed, check that the slew locking pin has been removed.
• Telescope the boom out to the range required for the tasks to be undertaken and back again.
• Check the auxiliary power unit on diesel and gas machines. This is important because if you run out of fuel for the primary unit or the motor fails, you will be relying on the auxiliary power unit to supply the power required for the vital functions that will allow you to descend.
• If the machine does not have an auxiliary power unit or emergency lowering valves (taps), refer to the operator’s manual for instruction on how to lower the machine in the event of an emergency.

Checks from the platform

Once you have completed your checks at the ground compartment, it is time to test the operational performance of the machine from the basket or platform.

You need to:

• turn the select switch to platform/basket,

• attach your harness and put on your hard hat (safety helmet), rubber-soled steel cap shoes and other PPE as required. (The first two items of safety equipment need to be worn by all personnel using the work platform)
• make sure the self-closing action of the platform gate is working
• test the dead man switch to make sure it is functional
• test the automatic levelling device check all alarm systems
• confirm the ‘Safe Working Load at Driving’ positions, and
• test each of the control levers in the basket to make sure all operations are functioning correctly and smoothly.

Check the emergency lowering system before elevating

• The ground controls must not to be used while personnel are working in the basket. They should be used only for:
• checking the machine’s operation before using the machine carrying out maintenance on the machine, or
• Emergency purposes (e.g. lowering the basket).

Post-operational safety checks

Check the machine for breakages, other damage or leaks. More specifically, you need to check:

• all the hydraulic arms, to make sure they have not been damaged or bent during the machine’s operation
• the boom, for dents or cracks in its welds and joints the slew ring, for any bending or other damage
• the basket, to make sure it is in good working order and has not been damaged
• the outriggers/stabilisers, to make sure they are in good order and all safety devices, to make sure that they are intact and operational.

Report any faults or damage to your supervisor/employer immediately, make sure they are noted in the log for corrective action and, where necessary, make sure warning tags are attached to the machine.

Securing the site

Secure the machine against unauthorised use, either by chaining the machine to a post or girder or by removing the platform control panel (as is possible with some machines) and locking it in a safe place.

Most construction sites are fenced, with the gates being locked after hours. However, leaving a machine in a mall or shopping centre car park overnight is always a high risk.

Instead, try to leave it inside the shopping centre buildings, if possible, or fence the machine off with a temporary fence that can be locked.