Safe Work Procedure: Working at Height in Elevating Work Platforms (EWP)

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety requirements and procedures for working at height (WAH) using Elevating Work Platforms (EWP), including boom-supported and self-propelled platforms. It applies to all personnel involved in the operation, inspection, and maintenance of EWPs for work at height. This SWP aims to minimize the risks associated with falls from height, equipment malfunction, and other potential hazards related to EWP operations.

2. Definitions

Elevating Work Platform (EWP): A mobile, self-propelled or vehicle-mounted device with an adjustable platform used to elevate personnel to work at height. This includes boom-supported elevating work platforms and self-propelled elevating work platforms [1].

Working at Height (WAH): Any work activity where a person could fall a distance that could cause personal injury.

Competent Person: A person who is qualified by knowledge, training, and experience to perform the specific task and is familiar with the legal and regulatory requirements [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to operate the EWP safely [1].
• Conduct regular inspections of EWPs to ensure they are in safe working condition.
• Enforce the use of required PPE and adherence to this SWP.
• Ensure a pre-job briefing is conducted prior to the commencement of any work at height using an EWP.

3.2 Workers

• Participate in required training and competency assessments.
• Inspect the EWP and associated equipment before each use and report any defects immediately to the supervisor.
• Use all required PPE correctly and as instructed.
• Follow the steps outlined in this SWP and any other relevant safety procedures.
• Report any hazards, incidents, or near-misses to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Monitor compliance with this SWP and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to WAH in EWPs.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height	Serious injury or death	Use appropriate fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard) and ensure proper anchorage. Maintain three points of contact while accessing or egressing the platform.
EWP Tip-over	Serious injury or death	Ensure the EWP is operated on a stable and level surface. Do not exceed the EWP's load capacity. Be aware of ground conditions and wind speed.
Contact with overhead obstacles (e.g., power lines, structures)	Electrocution, collision, or structural damage	Maintain safe clearance distances from overhead power lines and other obstacles. Use a spotter when operating in confined areas.
Equipment malfunction	Injury or equipment damage	Conduct pre-use inspections and regular maintenance. Remove defective equipment from service.
Unstable ground conditions	EWP tip-over or instability	Assess ground conditions before operating the EWP. Use outriggers or stabilizers on soft or uneven surfaces.
Adverse weather conditions (e.g., high winds, rain, ice)	Loss of control, falls	Cease operations during adverse weather conditions. Follow manufacturer's guidelines for maximum wind speed.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while operating or working near an EWP to minimize the risk of injury [1].

• Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts [3].
• Safety Glasses - Protects eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards.
• High-Visibility Clothing - Ensures the worker is visible to others, especially in low-light conditions.
• Safety Boots - Provides foot protection and slip resistance.
• Fall Protection Harness - Full body harness with appropriate lanyard, inspected before each use, and properly connected to the designated anchorage point within the EWP platform.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace any damaged or worn items immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are in good working condition and suitable for the task.

• Elevating Work Platform (EWP) - Ensure the EWP is appropriate for the task, inspected, and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications [1].
• Fall Protection Equipment - Harness, lanyard, and anchorage points must be compatible and in good condition.
• Tool Lanyards - Prevent tools from falling from the platform and potentially injuring someone below.
• Communication Devices - Two-way radios or other communication devices to maintain contact between the operator and ground personnel.
• Wheel Chocks - To prevent movement of vehicle mounted EWPs when on an incline.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective items from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All EWP operators must be trained and certified in the safe operation of the specific type of EWP they will be using [1].
• Training must include: EWP operation, inspection, fall protection, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.
• Refresher training should be conducted periodically to maintain competency.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved to discuss the tasks, hazards, and control measures.
• Review this SWP, site-specific hazards, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the work area for hazards such as: unstable ground, overhead obstructions, power lines, and pedestrian traffic.
• Barricade the area around the EWP to prevent unauthorized access.
• Ensure adequate lighting is available.
• For vehicle mounted EWPs, use wheel chocks to prevent movement.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Pre-Operational Inspection

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the EWP before each use, following the manufacturer's checklist.
• Check for any visible damage, leaks, or missing parts.
• Test all controls and safety devices to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Inspect fall protection equipment for damage or wear.

8.2 EWP Operation

• Position the EWP on a stable and level surface, using outriggers or stabilizers as necessary.
• Ensure that the EWP is clear of any overhead obstructions or power lines.
• Wear a full body harness and lanyard, and attach it to the designated anchorage point within the platform.
• Operate the EWP smoothly and avoid sudden movements.
• Do not exceed the EWP's load capacity.
• Be aware of wind speed and cease operations if it exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations.

8.3 Working at Height

• Maintain three points of contact when accessing or egressing the platform.
• Keep the platform clean and free of obstructions.
• Use tool lanyards to prevent tools from falling.
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
• Communicate regularly with ground personnel.
• Never lean over or climb on the platform railings.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Weather Conditions: Do not operate the EWP in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, or lightning [1].
• Clearance: Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines and other obstructions.
• Load Limits: Never exceed the EWP's load capacity. Distribute the load evenly on the platform.
• Ground Conditions: Ensure the EWP is operated on a stable and level surface. Use outriggers or stabilizers as necessary.
• Fall Protection: Always wear a full body harness and lanyard, and attach it to the designated anchorage point within the platform.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
• Activate the emergency alarm and notify the supervisor and emergency services.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.
• Provide first aid to any injured personnel.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• EWP Tip-Over: Immediately secure yourself and brace for impact. After the EWP has stabilized, assess injuries and call for help.
• Entrapment: If trapped, use the EWP's emergency lowering system to descend to the ground. If unable to lower the EWP, call for assistance.
• Electrocution: If contact with a power line occurs, do not touch the EWP. Call emergency services and wait for them to de-energize the power line.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
• Health and Safety Department: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

• All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately [4].
• An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• ANSI/SIA A92.2-1990 Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices [1]
• ANSI/SIA A92.3-1990 Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms [1]
• ANSI/SIA A92.5-1990 Boom Supported Elevating Work Platforms [1]
• ANSI/SIA A92.6-1990 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms [1]
• ANSI/SIA A92.7-1990 Airline Ground Support Vehicle-Mounted Vertical Lift Devices [1]
• ANSI/SIA A92.8-1993 Vehicle-Mounted Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Devices [1]
• ANSI/SIA A92.9-1993 Mast-Climbing Work Platforms [1]

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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