Logbook
Q. Does a MEWP require a logbook?
A. Yes, the logbook needs to be on the equipment at all times. Refer to the Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (section 5.1)
Q. Some MEWPs already have yellow satchels and yellow logbooks that mention Australia. Can we use those as logbooks?
A. No. Approved NZ logbooks are issued by the Elevating Work Platform Association of NZ and are Orange Satchels marked with the EWPANZ logo. The Orange logbook contains compliant MEWP operations and maintenance information for New Zealand.
Q. Do we need to complete daily check sheets if we swap out operators on the same day?
A. Yes. Operators are required to check the machines they are operating prior to use. If you change machines during a shift, you should complete a new inspection prior to operating any different equipment or after someone else has been using it that day.
Q. What happens when a logbook is lost or stolen? I know we must replace it, but what about when the machine gets audited and there aren’t two weeks’ worth of daily operator safety checks?
A. If a logbook is lost, destroyed or removed from the MEWP, add a note in the replacement book on the assets page ‘Previous book lost’.
Q. What happens if the hire company gets a MEWP back from hire, and the operator hasn’t completed the daily safety checks?
A. The Hire company should carry out a detailed post-hire check to ensure the MEWP is safe for future use. This check should be recorded in section 1 of the logbook so that future operators have confidence in the information recorded for the MEWP. They should inform the customer that their operators didn’t complete the logbook and should do so in future to comply with the Best Practice Guidelines.
Q. One of the daily safety checks is to ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) test, what is this.
A.The push button circuit breaker by the base controls. Visual check that this is always pushed in otherwise it means the machine has tripped an electrical circuit breaker & should be checked by a competent technician.
Q. What if we receive a hired MEWP and there is no pouch or logbook on the machine? What should we use then for daily checks.
A. Call your hire company and ask them to supply and attach a pouch including a logbook as the operator needs to complete the checks before operating the MEWP. Further, if the logbook is full or unusable, you should seek a new one from the Hire company.
EWP Operators
Q. Do my staff/operators need special training to operate a MEWP?
A. Yes, under the HSE Act it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure staff are trained in the work they perform or are adequately supervised. The operator must get training on the type of MEWP they will be using and must be supervised during the training period. Only competent persons who have the relevant certifications for training others should provide training.
Q. Do my staff/operators need training to complete the logbooks?
A. There is no legal requirement for this, but MEWP operator training provides detailed instruction on the entering of information in the logbook and is recommended.
Q. Should operators keep logbooks on their person when using MEWP’s?
A. No logbooks should always remain with the equipment and be readily available for inspection – it is a record of pre-operation inspections, maintenance, and routine inspections. The logbook should be stored in the Orange EWPA NZ pouch found as close as possible to the entry point of the machine.
Q. When we transport a MEWP, do we need training to load it on the truck like Rollers & Excavators?
A. Yes, you should be trained in the safe loading, transport and unloading of a MEWP. Some training providers have this training available.
Q. What is the minimum age for a MEWP course?
A. The person must be over the age of 15. The safe use of the Machinery BPG says an operator should be 16 if operating at night, hence our recommendation is 16 years old for all MEWP operators. Over 15 only if in a highly supervised environment, keep in mind, the trainer and employer are in the chain of responsibility of ensuring competency.
Faults with EWP
Q. If our staff see and record a fault, how soon do we have to fix it?
A. Faulty equipment must be removed from service immediately and the owner notified. The equipment owner must then arrange for a competent technician to undertake repairs.
Q. If we find a fault with an MEWP that has stopped it working, can we charge the hire company for our time to repair it?
A. No. Faulty equipment must be removed from service immediately and the owner notified so they can arrange for a competent technician to undertake repairs.
Responsibilities
Q. If an MBIE inspector visits our site, audits a MEWP, and the daily checks are not completed, who is responsible?
A. It is the operator’s responsibility to comply with recommended daily check sheets, accountability for this lies ultimately with the project principal, including all sub-contractors.
Q. Can we use the pre-hire check tags we get from the hire companies, as daily check sheets?
A. No, a prestart check sheet is designed to be completed by the operator as their own check of the machine directly prior to operation that day. – The logbook is the record of the check, and the front cover of the logbook holds some recommended information. Always follow the manufacturer’s requirements as found in the operator manual on the machine.
Q. Is the owner of a MEWP ultimately responsible for accidents and incidents caused by poor maintenance?
A. It depends on the level of maintenance. Safe and correct maintenance is the joint responsibility of all parties, including the operator, principal, all sub-contractors, and equipment owners.
Q. How often do I need to PAT test my MEWP?
A. Construction, building and demolition equipment needs to be tested every 3 months. All MEWPs fit into this category. Further, all Hire companies are required to PAT test their machines prior to hiring out. Once on hire, it is the responsibility of the hirer to continue the checks for the hire period.
Q. Do I need to notify Worksafe when working on a MEWP over 5 metres?
A. Yes, in certain cases. Mostly, but not limited to construction work would need to be reported. If multiple PCBUs are involved in the work, one PCBU should be nominated to notify the regulator. However, all PCBUs are responsible for ensuring a notification is made.
To report an undertaking of Particular hazardous work (Notifiable works) follow the link below.
www.worksafe.govt.nz/notifications
To report such an undertaking follow the above links.
Harness & Lanyards
Q. What type of harness and lanyard do we use on Boom type MEWPs?
A. Occupants of a Boom type MEWP are to wear harnesses and a lanyard that keeps them in ‘fall restraint’.
Q. What is the difference between ‘fall restraint' and 'fall arrest’ harnesses?
A. A ‘fall arrest’ harness will stop you in the process of a fall, a ‘fall restraint’ harness will keep you from reaching the ‘edge’, not allowing you to fall in the first place.
Q. Do we need to wear a harness when operating a MEWP scissor type unit?
A. Generally, no. Scissor type MEWPs’ primary fall protection is the 950mm high handrails. However, depending on application a hazard ID should be completed prior to operation to ensure falls from height can be eliminated. If not, a restraint should be used to ensure an operator cannot leave/exceed the confinement of the scissor platform.
As per AS2550 - Some MEWPs other than boom types may not be designed for use with a fall arrest system. An occupant falling from (for example) a scissor lift or vertical mast type MEWP while wearing a fall arrest type harness attached to a fall restraint only anchorage may be injured due to impact with or entanglement in the elevating structure. The arrest of the occupant’s fall could also cause the MEWP to become unstable and possibly tip. Consult the operator’s manual or the MEWP manufacturer to confirm the suitability of personal fall protection equipment types for each MEWP.
Q. When loading and transporting a MEWP can our drivers use waist belt harnesses as they are not operating the units at height?
A. No, full shoulder, waist, and leg strap harness with an adjustable lanyard in fall restraint are to be used. Other types of harness are not suitable for this application.
General
Q. Where can I find information about the safe use of the MEWPs we own or hire?
A. Operator manuals and handbooks should be on all EWP’s and available from manufacturers. Please ensure these are accurate for use in New Zealand as other countries’ rules do differ from ours.
Q. What is the difference between MUST and SHOULD when referred to in BPG and/or the Act?
A. Must – a legal requirement that has to be complied with.
Should – recommended practice or approach, not mandatory to comply with the Act or these guidelines.
Q. Does the hire customer have to provide proof of training when receiving a MEWP to the site?
A. Though there is no legal requirement for the hiree to prove their competency, under the HSWA, the hire company has a duty of care, similar to a PCBU, to ensure those hiring their equipment are adequately trained. It is a reasonable request by the Hire company to seek evidence of the competency of the operator. You are required to provide the evidence if requested.
Q. Can I use a MEWP to access a structure?
A. Yes, this is a regularly used function by roofers, builders and HVAC workers. The use of an EWP to get on top of the roof is a good idea. It provides safe elevation to the right height, removes the need for ladders, etc. At all times, a risk assessment should be carried out as there is a very high risk in carrying out the task of access and egress from the platform. Please refer to AS2550.10 section 5 for full details. When talking about double lanyards on harnesses, it is not stressed enough that at no point should the wearer be connected to both the EWP and the structure. They should only be attached to one or the other.
Q. Is it a requirement to have your Wheels (or tracks, if tracked) to operate a boom or scissor on a public road and do they fall under the category of ‘Special Type’ vehicle?
A. There is no current requirement for a MEWP operator to have wheels or tracks endorsement when using a MEWP on a public road however the road owner/PCBU will want to see effective controls in place for the hazards that come with this type of task. A risk assessment should be carried out on all tasks involving a MEWP. Hazards should be identified including traffic and ensuring there is a traffic management plan in place. This covers all MEWP operations, as traffic management in a mall is as important as one for when using a MEWP on the road.
Major Inspection – 10-year
Q. Today is the 10-year anniversary date of my MEWP. However, the 6-month certificate expires in 2 months’ time - can I continue using this EWP until the cert expires?
A. No. The cert should only have been issued with an expiry of the 10-year anniversary date. The EWP should be removed from service and a 10-year major inspection undertaken.
EWPA Registered Inspectors
Q. What is an EWPA Registered Inspector?
A. An EWPA RI accredited inspector is a routine safety inspector who has been assessed, verified and moderated to ensure they possess the level of knowledge, skills and experience required to be competent in 6 month and/or major inspections of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms as stated in AS2550.10. The Standard and New Zealand EWP Best Practice Guidelines for MEWP state that only a competent person can complete a 6 month and/or major inspection.
Q. What defines a competent person?
A. There are various levels of competency however when we are referring specifically to the EWPA RI it is a person who has acquired, through education, training, qualification, experience or a combination of these, the knowledge, skill and experience enabling that person to perform the task required.
A competent RI should:
- Be able to safely and correctly perform the tasks required of them.
- Be able to identify when they cannot perform a task due to insufficient knowledge or skill.
- Be able to effectively communicate.
- Be able to provide appropriate records of training, qualification and experience.
- Be physically able to undertake the appointed tasks.
- Be able to identify and manage the risks of a task.
- Be able to recognize unsafe practices.
- Have the knowledge to assess a task and follow a work plan.
- Be able to recognize activities or tasks that lie outside their competence.
- Be familiar with the MEWP (its controls, functionality and operating limits) and able to verify if it is functioning correctly.
- Be able to operate the equipment competently.
- Be able to understand the manufacturer’s service and maintenance information.
- Be able to identify faults and defects.
- Be able to conduct functional checks and maintenance as defined by the manufacturer.
- Be able to verify if the MEWP is in a safe working condition.
- Know and understand the inspection requirements provided through their accreditation.
Q. How do we verify or prove competency?
A. Verification of competency (VOC) is a method of assessment used to demonstrate a person’s knowledge and ability to operate equipment and/or undertake an industry-specific task by verifying previous work experiences, formal training, knowledge testing and demonstration of skills. If these skills were obtained many years prior, you would need to demonstrate current understanding.
www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry
Competency in the Workplace
Q. What should I do to prove my employees are competent?
A. A competent person is a person who has the appropriate skills, training, knowledge, and experience to perform the task or role. Worker training requirements will depend on the level of risk their job involves, what industry/occupation specific certifications are required as well as the knowledge, experience and previous training of the worker.
- Check worker competence before work begins e.g. Practical assessment, CV verification, certifications, licences.
- Supervise new or inexperienced workers.
- Provide ongoing training.
- Keep a record of all training and certifications of a worker including refreshers and when they are due.
Q. Does a passenger/worker not operating the MEWP need a competency certificate?
A. A MEWP platform/basket is typically constructed to carry multiple people, tools and equipment to a designed Safe Working Load. The MEWP operator must be trained and be familiar with the type of MEWP being operated. A MEWP may carry other people to work at height. These people do not necessarily need to be trained to operate the MEWP but should know and be able to implement the rescue plan should the operator become incapacitated. The MEWP Operator is responsible for all occupants in the MEWP.
CBIP
Q. What is CBIP?
A. CBIP is the Certification Board for Inspection Personnel. It is a not-for-profit organisation that issues competence certification to safety inspectors of hazardous equipment. CBIP is a 'body' operating under authority delegated to it by the Secretary of Labour. However, CBIP has no regulatory audit role. This means that if a PCBU has doubts about the safety certification of a particular MEWP and cannot resolve this with the inspector, they should report this directly to Worksafe. If a PCBU has consistent issues with the performance of a CBIP-qualified inspector, they should contact CBIP with appropriate evidence and make a formal complaint (this is NOT a substitute for reporting a hazard to Worksafe).
Q. The Best Practice Guide recommends that MEWP equipment be certified by a CBIP-qualified inspector or a person who is able to display the same or higher level of competence. What does this mean and is it compulsory?
A.
A CBIP-qualified inspector is a safety inspector who is certified by the Certification Board for Inspection Personnel as competent to perform Level One (Six Monthly) safety inspections on MEWPs. A CBIP inspector or an inspector with equivalent, or higher levels of competence to those issued by CBIP such as the EWPA Registered Inspector Program, should be used by a PCBU for inspections of their MEWPs.