EWP Boom Lift Operations — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for operating elevated work platforms (EWP) including boom lifts and scissor lifts for work at height on construction and maintenance sites.
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Elevated work platform (EWP) operations constitute high-risk construction work under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations wherever a person may fall more than 2 metres. A SWMS is mandatory before work commences, and the document must address the specific EWP type, work environment, and tasks being performed. The relevant Safe Work Australia code is the Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces.
Licensing requirements depend on EWP type and boom length. Under the model WHS Regulations, a high-risk work (HRW) licence in the EWP class (WP) is required for boom-type EWPs with a boom length of 11 metres or more. This licence is issued by the relevant state or territory regulator and requires completion of nationally recognised training — typically the unit RIIHAN301E (Operate Elevating Work Platform). Scissor lifts do not require a formal HRW licence, but operators must be trained and assessed as competent per the manufacturer's requirements and AS 2550.10 (Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — Elevating work platforms).
Key risks for EWP operations include overturning due to uneven or soft ground, contact with overhead power lines, collision with structures or other plant, and falls within or from the EWP platform. The Safe Work Australia guidance note on EWPs and proximity to overhead power lines specifies minimum approach distances under AS/NZS 4836, which must be incorporated into the SWMS for any site where overhead lines are present.
To customise this template, specify the EWP make and model, maximum working height, rated load capacity, and the surface conditions at the work site. Identify all overhead hazards, ground slope, and exclusion zones. The pre-start checklist required by the manufacturer and AS 2550.10 must be completed daily and retained on site. Where the EWP is a registered plant item under the WHS Regulations, ensure current registration is verified before use.
This template applies across all Australian jurisdictions. Victorian users should cross-reference the OHS Regulations 2017 and the Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994. Western Australian users should note that WA adopted the model WHS laws in 2022, aligning licencing requirements nationally.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work at height more than 2 metres
- •Work involving use of plant — elevated work platform
- •Work near overhead power lines
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-operational inspection of EWP
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical failure of EWP during operation due to undetected defect | Catastrophic | Complete a full pre-start inspection using the manufacturer's checklist before every shift. Check hydraulic fluid level, tyre pressure (or track condition), battery charge, all controls (up/down, drive, emergency lowering), safety interlocks, guardrail integrity, lanyard anchor points, and horn. Do not operate the machine if any defect is found — tag out with a red danger tag and notify supervisor immediately. Only use EWPs with a current maintenance record and within service intervals. | Moderate | EWP Operator |
| Operating EWP without current certification | High | All EWP operators must hold a current High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) — Class WP (boom lift over 11 m) or equivalent, issued by the relevant state regulator. Verify licence before commencing work and record licence number on SWMS. No person to operate EWP without a verified current licence. Verify licence via the relevant state regulator portal if authenticity is uncertain. | Low | Site Supervisor |
2.Site assessment and ground preparation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EWP tip-over due to soft, uneven, or sloped ground | Catastrophic | Inspect ground conditions before positioning EWP. Check manufacturer's gradient rating and confirm ground slope does not exceed specification (typically 3° for boom lifts). On soft ground, use spreader plates under outrigger pads sized per manufacturer guidelines. Never drive EWP over excavations, trenches, or underground services without confirming load capacity. If ground conditions are uncertain, obtain written sign-off from a structural engineer before use. | Moderate | EWP Operator / Site Supervisor |
| Contact with overhead power lines | Catastrophic | Identify all overhead power lines within the operating radius of the EWP before commencing. Establish the No Go Zone as per Safe Work Australia guidelines (minimum 3 m for lines up to 132 kV). Contact the network operator to have lines de-energised or insulated where work must occur within the No Go Zone. Physically mark the No Go Zone with barrier tape, witches hats, and spotter. Assign a dedicated EWP spotter when working within 6 m of any overhead line. | Moderate | Site Supervisor / Spotter |
3.Elevating and positioning workers in basket
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker fall from EWP basket | Catastrophic | All persons in the basket must wear a full body harness connected to the rated anchor point in the basket using a short restraint lanyard — this prevents falling out but allows movement within the basket. Maximum basket load (persons + tools) must not exceed the rated capacity shown on the data plate. Never climb on guardrails or lean outside the basket. Keep both feet inside the basket floor at all times. | Moderate | EWP Operator / Worker |
| EWP collision with structure or obstruction at height | High | Before elevating, walk the path of boom travel and identify all obstructions — pipes, beams, cables, signs. Operate controls slowly and smoothly. Maintain continuous visual contact with all structural elements. Assign a ground spotter to guide movement in areas with limited sightlines. Never swing the boom if visibility of the travel arc is obstructed. Stop immediately if an unexpected obstruction is encountered. | Low | EWP Operator / Spotter |
4.Driving EWP in elevated position
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EWP instability or tip-over while travelling elevated | Catastrophic | Only drive with boom elevated where the manufacturer's specifications explicitly permit it, and only at the permitted maximum drive height and speed. Check ground surface ahead before driving — never drive elevated over ramps, thresholds, or cambered surfaces without manufacturer approval. Reduce drive speed to minimum setting when elevated. Never drive elevated in windy conditions exceeding the manufacturer's rated wind speed (typically 40–50 km/h). | Moderate | EWP Operator |
| Persons struck by moving EWP at ground level | High | Establish a ground exclusion zone equal to the maximum travel arc of the boom plus 1.5 metres and barricade with physical barriers. Assign a dedicated spotter to control ground access and maintain radio or voice communication with the operator. Sound horn before moving. Never drive the EWP toward people. All persons in the exclusion zone must wear high-visibility PPE. | Low | Spotter / EWP Operator |
5.Emergency procedures and rescue from EWP
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker becomes incapacitated in raised basket | Catastrophic | All EWPs must have a functioning ground-level emergency lowering control. Before commencing work, train the designated ground rescue person on the emergency lowering procedure for the specific machine. Post emergency lowering instructions at the base of the EWP. Contact 000 if the worker cannot be lowered safely or if medical attention is required. Never leave a raised EWP unattended with a person in the basket. | Moderate | Ground Rescue Person / Site Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.