Work that entails heights become more efficient with Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs). It cuts the hours to complete a job since EWPs can save workers the repeated trips on the ground.
Efficiency, however, must go hand-in-hand with safety too, and while EWPs have more advantages than ladders, safety isn’t just about the integrity and functionality of the equipment. Here are some tips to always keep in mind for the safe use of EWPs.

5 Safety Tips When Using EWPs

Get proper training on how to safely operate EWPs.

All users of EWPs, especially first time users, have to be oriented and guided on its operation. Proper training must be required to ensure that workers know of each of the machine’s functions, controls, and other mechanisms.
Workers must also be taken to task about thoroughly reading the manual. They must also go through each of the safety guidelines.
Workers need to have a good understanding of just how serious the risks of injuries or deaths are when mishandling EWPs. They have to know that Australian laws are strict about safety in the workplace so they must comply.
Aside from understanding the manuals and the rules, people operating EWPs should have hands-on training first before they are sent off to their work sites.

Conduct safety tests before operating the machine.

Before every shift, the EWP must be inspected and tested for any malfunctions. Machines that aren’t working right must be tagged for immediate repair and removed from the rotation.
Maintenance and repair of the EWPs should be undertaken by qualified individuals. The company must also establish the protocols for these safety tests, including regular inspections from a competent third-party professional. All records of the inspections must be kept in order.
Assess the worksite first before moving and operating the machine.
Workers must do a risk assessment prior to the use of EWPs on the worksite. They need to determine if there are hazards and obstacles to prevent any accidents. They must also come up with a plan to manage the EWPs around these hazards.
Are there holes, power lines, slopes, slippery surfaces, and unstable sections in the worksite? In the most ideal situations, EWPs should only be used on stable grounds.
Aside from the worksite, workers should also consider the weather before they head out to do their job. High winds, for instance, can affect an EWPs stability, while freezing weather might render the mechanisms harder to control.

Always work with a companion.

Most injuries that involve EWPs happen because the operator is working alone. Even if every worker is expected to be familiar with how the machine works, it’s always better to use EWPs with a companion. There must be a buddy system in place.
In case there are accidents, having a co-worker close by can lessen the situation from getting worse.

Mind the tools brought atop the EWPs.

There’s always room for workers to carry more tools while they are on the EWP but its careful handling must be observed at all times. There’s always a risk that these tools – especially the smaller ones that are easier to drop – could fall and hurt someone on the ground.
Workers must likewise consider hoisting a netguard if they are going to need multiple tools on the EWPs. Additionally, if work entails power lines that could spark, they must ensure that there are no flammable items around before they start work.

Get Safety Training from EWP Experts at Redmond Gary

In most cases, the safe use of EWPs is really about common sense. However, it’s still helpful to remind its operators about the safety guidelines and re-train, if necessary, so that there are zero accidents. For more safety tips and information, get in touch with our team here at Redmond Gary.

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