EWP TRAINING

Scissor lifts & Boom Lifts

Ph:1300 009 410          E:info@ewpts.com.au 

HAVE YOU PLANNED FOR THE SAFE DELIVERY OF YOUR MEWPS?

HAVE YOU PLANNED FOR THE SAFE DELIVERY OF YOUR MEWPS?

Loading

The loading and unloading of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is a potentially risky activity, as findings from the IPAF accident reporting database show.

About a third of the accidents recorded by rental companies involve MEWP delivery drivers, and IPAF is focusing on this area to raise awareness of the need for further training and safety initiatives.

MEWPs must be correctly and safely loaded, secured and unloaded prior to or following transportation by road to and from the work site.

> Ensure that a senior manager is responsible for planning MEWP deliveries, collection and transportation.

> Perform a proper risk assessment for all MEWP operations and document this process.

> Ensure that all employees are adequately trained to fulfil their responsibilities.

ENSURE THAT YOUR DELIVERY DRIVERS ARE TRAINED IN THE SAFE LOADING & UNLOADING OF MEWP'S!

Special offer on EWPA 'Yellow Card' Training for apprentices in July & August.

 

slide 01

For July & August we are offering a discounted rate exclusively for your Apprentices to be trained in the EWPA Yellow Card program. Note: Apprentices must be enrolled & attending TAFE or Trade school. For all enquires please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EWPA NSW News

EWPAmeetingThe EWPA NSW general meeting was held on Thursday, 26 May The meeting had a great turn-out and provided valuable information on Emergency Recovery Systems with guest speaker Robbie Wilkinson from Wenn Wilkinson & Associates.

Robbie discussed emergency safety decent procedures and the importance of retrieval systems;

  • Every machine must have a platform retrieval system for emergencies.
  • Always use the lower controls as the first option for retrieving the platform.
  • If other systems have been activated on the machine it may require additional emergency controls to be utilised. Decals identifying these emergency controls should be displayed next to the controls.
  • If the emergency stop button is pressed, the emergency controls still work to lower the platform.
  • You should never add systems to a machine that can jeopardise the safety of the machine.
  • If the key to the ground controls can be removed with the platform in position, it is not compliant with the latest standards. Be aware that this non-compliance will be common in machines manufactured pre-2011.

Question – When does a Standard become law?
Answer – Whilst not specifically law, the Standards are the first step in satisfying the requirements of OHS/WHS legislation (which is law). Failure to meet the standards can be viewed as a failure to meet the intent of relevant legislation.

Announcing EWP Training on Saturday's

Announcing EWP Training on Saturday's

EWP Training Solutions are very pleased to announce that we can now offer EWP training on Saturday's.

Effective as of Saturday the 16th of JULY 2016 we will be conducting the EWPA Yellow Card Training program every Saturday located at EWP Plant Equipment Sales & Spares. 

ewpsaleslogo

 

Unit 1 / 9 Smeaton Grange Rd,

SMEATON GRANGE NSW 2570

 

 

Course's will commence at 8:00am with class sizes limited to 6.

For more information or bookings, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IPAF PAL Card Course

International Powered Access Federation IPAF PAL Card

IPAF PAL Card Course

In March Aaron & Alan travelled across the Tasman to attend the IPAF PAL Card course located at Accessman's IPAF approved training centre in Christchurch.

The IPAF training programme was developed by leading industry professionals aimed at platform operators.

IPAF training is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training and ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems.

As IPAF members Aaron and Alan were hosted by Accessman and their IPAF accredited trainer Alastair McNiell. “The main reasons for the trip were to get first-hand experience with the IPAF course, improve our knowledge of the EWP industry and the best training techniques available globaly” said Aaron “We are constantly trying to develop ourselves professionally and make sure we can deliver the best training experience possible”

Both Aaron & Alan would like to thank Alastair for his professionalism & knowledge in conducting the IPAF course & recomend that any employer that have employees operating MEWP'S attend the course.

As accredited trainers delivering the EWPAA 'Yellow Card' Program they found the IPAF PAL card course follows the same processes with the exception of conforming to ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems.

For more information about accessman's approved IPAF training centre contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

MEWP fatal injury rate

MEWP fatal injury rate remains constant, although fleet size and utilisation increase

The fatal injury rate for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) has remained constant, even though the total MEWP rental fleet and the number of rental days worldwide have increased. IPAF’s release of the 2015 MEWP-related accident data and its preliminary fatal injury rate calculations thus confirm that MEWPs are one of the safest ways to perform temporary work at height.



For 2015, the number of days a rented machine was operated per year was 192.2 million and the number of reported MEWP fatalities was 68, to give a fatal injury rate of 0.035. Of the 68 reported MEWP fatalities for 2015, the main causes were overturn, falls from height, electrocution and entrapment.

In 2014, the number of days a rented machine was operated per year was 182.4 million and the number of reported MEWP fatalities was 64, to give a fatal injury rate of 0.035. 

In 2013, the number of days a rented machine was operated per year was 168.4 million and the number of reported MEWP fatalities was 68, to give a fatal injury rate of 0.040.

The accident data from 2013 to 2015 show that the main causes of MEWP-related fatalities were: fall from height (31%), overturn (27%), electrocution (15%) and entrapment (15%).

For more information http://www.ipaf.org/en/

IPAF operator training heads to New Zealand

IPAF PAL Card

IPAF operator training heads to New Zealand

The first IPAF-approved training centres in New Zealand have opened and are ready to deliver high quality training for operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Accessman, the largest specialised rental company in the South Island of New Zealand, recognised the opportunity to offer IPAF training to meet the demand driven by the Christchurch rebuild, said Lena Harrington, Accessman’s general manager. Training is also being driven by the country’s evolving Health & Safety Act, which has recently undergone reform and is due for release in April 2016, she added. 

“IPAF provides a professional alternative to the only option currently available within New Zealand,” said Ms Harrington. “Plus points are the five-year validity of thePAL Card, stringent training guidelines and streamlined processes. IPAF certainly delivers a total package with administrative support and innovative technology that will in time revolutionise the hire industry. The safety of our customers remains our number one priority and with IPAF on board, we have a training system that delivers by going above and beyond.” 

Also starting up in Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand is Total Access. The company’s facilities have been audited and its instructors assessed and certified to be able to deliver IPAF training. There are IPAF-approved training centres across 34 countries.

IPAF offer a worldwide network of over 600 training centers with more than 100,000 operators trained each year.

The PAL (Powered Access Licence) Card is internationally recognized and valid for 5 years. The course is comprised of both practical and theory based learning with assessments.

The classes are kept small to maximize individual learning. The IPAF training centers are regularly audited to ensure they meet and adhere to the IPAF standards. Training centers also receive regular updates to ensure that you are receiving the best training possible. The PAL card can be instantly verified via an online database which not only includes a photo of the card holder but details of the card expiration date and machines the card holder can operate.

Together with the PAL card identifying their qualifications, each candidate is given a log book to record their machine use and an operator handbook. All machine manufacturers supplied by the Accessman Group are aligned with IPAF.

Managing EWPs On Site: Are You In Control?

Site supervisor & managers are responsible for ensuring the safe use of elevated work platforms (EWPs) on site.

Managing EWPs On Site: Are You In Control?

A scissor lift is delivered to a warehouse for the task of changing some light bulbs from the ceiling.

The operator gets up there and finds that the maximum height of the machine will not let him reach the target spot. The operator wants to get the job done and climbs on the guardrails. There is an accident and he falls. Operator error? Maybe, but who got the machine there in the first place?

Ultimately, managers are responsible for ensuring the safe use of elevated work platforms (EWPs) on site.

Managers & supervisors carry an awful lot of responsibility for a lot of things: administrative tasks, time keeping,making sure that certain behaviors are correct or that incorrect behaviors are corrected promptly. These supervisors are your company’s representatives at the jobsite. What are you going to do to ensure they’re really representing you?

Do you know what your legal obligations are?
Have you selected the right machine for the job at hand?
Who is operating MEWPs on your site and have they been trained and familiarised?
Have you considered the potential hazards and taken preventive measures?

Safety can only be assured when:
• The correct equipment is selected for the task to be performed
• The equipment is maintained and serviced as recommended by the manufacturer
• The equipment is operated by a trained and familiarized person
• Work is monitored and supervised for compliance to regulations and industry standards

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What is the 11m rule when using an EWP?

When is the 11m rule relevant when using EWPS in Australia?

What is the 11m rule when using an EWP?

With numerous enquires and misunderstandings about the 11m licensing requirements when using EWP'S. We thought we better clarify it.

If a person is to operate a boom-type elevated work platform with a height or reach of 11 metres or more, you must hold a valid National Licence to Perform High Risk Work class WP, issued by a Work Health and Safety Regulator. This licence does not cover a scissor lift or vertical lift.

For operators of any boom type EWPs under 11 metres or Scissor lifts (of any height), Vertical mast/personal lifts must obtain training so that compliance with the WHS and OHS regulation is met.

An example of the backside of the EWPA Yellow card below left with an explanation of categorys covered & the National HRW WP licence below explanation ( WP = boom type Elevated Work Platform)

WP V YC1

Welcome back!

Welcome back!

Welcome back from your well deserved break, we hope you have a very safe and prosperous 2016 

To kick off 2016 we’d like to discuss your company’s training and licensing needs. 

 

Please give either Aaron 0417 683 566 or Alan 0400 845 667 a call to find out more about our Corporate and Group offers. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Season Greetings for 2015

What will you do with your machines over the Christmas break?

Season Greetings for 2015
Who is responsible for the security of your machines while they are on site?

As the hirer of equipment YOU are ultimately responsible for their security. Here are some pointers.

  • Isolate batteries if your machine is fitted with the feature.
  • Remove control boxes from scissor lifts (a very expensive item)
  • Chain machines together but remember if someone wants them bad enough that won't stop them.
  • Discuss equipment security with your client/builder. Will there be on-site security while the site is shut?
  • Communicate with your supplier.

EWP Emergency Rescue Planning

Have you got a plan in place?

EWP Emergency Rescue Planning

While the EWP operation is taking place at least one (and as many as is appropriate) designated ground rescue person should be appointed who knows the rescue procedure and has been familiarized with the EWP being used (including emergency rescue controls).

They should always be readily available in the event of an emergency.

Personnel on the ground, who are competent to lower the EWP in an emergency, should undergo familiarization with the emergency and ground controls and practice emergency lowering procedures at regular intervals in accordance with the emergency rescue plan.

 

Click the RescuePlan.pdf for guidance on emergency rescue as published by IPAF. 

 

Secondary Guarding!

Fatalities caused by crush injuries from elevation while operating an elevated work platform continue to cause death for operators

Secondary Guarding!

There were 7 fatal incidents involving elevating work platforms where the workers were trapped or crushed against an overhead obstacle such as a roof or beam. The issues surrounding this type of incident have been highlighted by researchers in the United Kingdom (HSE, 2013). The incidents were classified as ‘possibly’ design-related because the incidents might have been prevented by modifications that have only recently been developed and adopted by some manufacturers.

 

Two of the incidents are briefly described below:

» A worker was crushed when he was trapped between the basket of an elevating work platform and an overhead beam in the machinery shed of a farm.

» A worker operating an elevating work platform collapsed onto the controls, which caused the platform to rise and pin him against a beam.

There are currently two primary types of ‘anti-entrapment’ devices or modifications available: a frame fitted to the basket that provides a ‘safe zone’ within the platform, and sensor bars/pads that stop the movement of the elevating work platform should the operator be pushed onto them.

Referrence: Safe Work Australia (SWA) Work-related fatalities associated with unsafe design of machinery, plant and powered tools, 2006 – 2011

So What is Secondary Guarding?

A secondary guarding device is a piece of equipment which can be fitted to a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) in addition to the primary guarding systems, and is intended to further reduce the risk of entrapment/crushing and / or provide an alert that an entrapment situation has occurred.

Currently there is no single solution to completely eliminate the risk of entrapment in all working environments. Reducing the number of such incidents requires the combined efforts of management, hirers, rental companies, and operators working to:
• Improve management of MEWPs on site including ground conditions, temporary works and supporting structures
• Select the correct equipment based on suitable and sufficient risk assessment
• Supply specific information to allow management / hirer to make informed decisions
• Improve supervisory and operator competence through increased understanding of the hazards and associated risks
As well as manufacturers working to:
• Continuously improve MEWP design and functionality

There are two main design types of secondary guarding device currently available. These are:
• Physical barrier(s)
• Pressure sensing device(s)

The following pictorial examples illustrate “secondary guarding” devices intended to reduce the risk of entrapment, which are available for certain boom type MEWPs

Physical barrier

Barrier1guardBarrier2guard

 

 

 

 Operator protective structure & Side protection barrier

 

Pressure sensing device

Pressure1Guard

Pressure sensing bar - when activated, it stops further movement and activates audible and visual warning devices

Pressure2guard

Break-away or moveable pressure sensing stand-off bar - when activated, it stops immediate boom movement, activating audible and visual warning devices, and limits further platform movement

Pressure3guard

Pressure sensing control panel - when activated, it stops further movement and activates audible and visual warning devices

It should be noted that no one particular device or item of equipment will prevent entrapment in all known circumstances when operating a MEWP and:
• The operator and nominated emergency rescue personnel should be made familiar with the operation of any additional secondary guarding device including functionality, how it is triggered, operated and reset.
• Once fitted, any secondary guarding device should be included in the MEWP pre-use inspection regime.
• When selecting a device or equipment to address a single hazard, consideration should be given to the potential for significantly increasing other possible hazards.
• Some of the devices and equipment shown above can be fitted to existing machines, used independently or in conjunction with each other.

Once the most suitable type of MEWP has been selected for the work task(s) to be undertaken, consideration to further reducing any remaining risk of entrapment may include the selection of an additional secondary device.

As previously noted, there is currently no one particular secondary guarding device that will prevent entrapment in all known circumstances.Therefore the following five points should be considered as part of the risk assessment process to assist the employer to select, where available within the industry, the most appropriate secondary guarding device.

1. Reasons for selecting the MEWP for the intended work task(s)

2. Identification of foreseeable entrapment situations expected to be encountered whilst carrying out the work task(s)

3. Identification of types of secondary guarding devices available, their suitability for the work task(s), and their compatibility with the selected MEWP

4. Consideration of additional hazards compared with the potential benefits that may be gained with the introduction of a secondary guarding device

5. Need for additional familiarisation of operators and emergency rescue personnel for the selected device

referrence: IPAF MEWPs – Guidance on secondary guarding devices available to reduce the risk of entrapment injury

 

How much training do Managers/Supervisors need?

The need for operator training is a given, but it’s also important that managers/supervisors get the knowledge and practice they need to ensure job site safety.

How much training do Managers/Supervisors need?

Employers must understand their responsibility to ensure they meet all their WHS, OHS legal obligations.

Employees also need to make sure they are compliant with all of the policies and programs provided to them, and it is in their own interest to work safely.

However at the end of the day, legally, the employer is responsible for the safety of the operator.

 

So where does that leave the role of the managers/supervisors?

What does he or she need to know about the safe use of EWPS?

Introduction to the actual machine: walk around and familiarisation with MEWP.

Major components: identification of each component and its function.

Pre-use checks and inspection: carry out all the required checks/inspections on tyres, main chassis, turntable, fluid levels, hoses, electrical cables, booms/scissor stack, platform security, brakes, steering, lights, travel, controls, (lower/upper), pins/retaining bolts and decals and additional points from the machine operations manual.

Starting and stopping the machine: correct starting and shut down procedures.

Pre-use function checks: fully function the machine and carry out full emergency lowering procedure.

Be aware of the importance of checking a risk assessment against the actual site.
Safe operating methods and hazard awareness, EWP set-up, ground conditions, ground bearing pressure, travelling up and down a slope, gradeability, working envelope, pre-operation, observation and smooth operation.