SWA releases guidance for maintaining elevated work platforms

Safe Work Australia has released new guidance for inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms (EWPs), which must be inspected at least annually. EWPs are high-risk equipment that have caused nine worker fatalities from 2015–2019. An inspection, maintenance and testing program is crucial to assess the safe operation of EWPs.

Elevating work platforms include scissor lifts, self-propelled boom lifts, trailer- or vehicle-mounted lifts, and telehandlers with an elevating work platform attachment. Employers are responsible for keeping workers safe by ensuring that plant equipment is inspected and maintained. Employers must also ensure that workers receive the appropriate training, information, instruction and supervision to use EWPs safely.

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