RI Program FAQ's
Q: I only sell and hire MEWP’s – will this RI Program be for me?
Probably not if you just sell or hire EWP’s and do not service or repair. This program is for companies that provide servicing and maintenance to the EWP industry.
Q: I hold a current CBiP certification do I still need to go through the whole application process for the RI?
Yes, you will need to supply all the required documentation as well as a practical audit.
Q: How can I find an inspector?
Under the resources tab of the EWPA website, ‘Find a Registered Inspector’. Inspector companies and Inspectors are listed with all relevant contact details. https://ewpa.org.nz/resources/registered-inspectors/
Q: Can I perform inspections if my certification has expired?
No, you will need to keep your registration up to date and supply documentation required.
Q: How is the EWPA planning on working with the companies that are not engaging in the accreditation program?
The EWPA will work with those companies that have made a commitment to the RI program.
Becoming registered shows support for the uptake and implementation of the Best Practice Guidelines, relevant Standards and the Health & Safety at Work Act. The EWPA will use its resources to support the RI program and its promotion of the registered businesses with New Zealand.
Q: Who can apply for RIP accreditation?
Individuals working in the MEWP industry in New Zealand and employed by an EWPA member are eligible to apply. They must meet specific prerequisites, including:
- Be a current member of the EWPA or be an employee of a current member company of the EWPA.
- Have a minimum of 2 years working experience in the Repairs and Maintenance of MEWPs.
- Hold a Relevant trade qualification showing knowledge, skills and experience for example, Automotive Engineering, Auto Electrical or Hydraulic Qualification.
- Present documented and recent history of Manufacturer Training courses or any other courses attended.
- Pass a level 1 EWPA Theory Exam.
- Submit a Referee/Sponsor statement from your employer, confirming their commitment to the Programme and the applicant.
- Submit a Referee statement from an industry professional (OEM senior manager or another supervising/current RI).
- Complete an eye examination (vision certificate).
- Hold and maintain NZQA unit standards for operation in relevant MEWPS being inspected.
Q: What does Continuing Education (CE) entail for a Registered Inspector?
Continuing Education ensures that Registered Inspectors stay up to date with the latest knowledge, research, and skills required for safe and effective MEWP inspections, this can be achieved by completing OEM training, Silvercard™ refresher courses, and various other industry related training.
Q: What types of audits are Registered Inspectors (RI) subjected to, and how often are they conducted?
RIs are subject to two primary types of audits:
- Desktop Audit (DA): A review of two completed MEWP inspections by a Registered Inspector Auditor (RIA) to assess completeness and adherence to RIP standards. A DA is conducted every year.
- Inspection Audit (IA): An RIA observes and interacts with the RI during a live MEWP inspection to assess their knowledge, skills, and behaviour in practice. An IA is conducted in the first year upon sign-up to the RIP and thereafter occurs bi-annually.
Q: What happens if an RI fails to meet the standards during an audit?
If non-safety critical items are not met, the RI will receive an improvement action notice and must rectify the issue(s) by the next inspection. Failure to address safety-critical items will result in an immediate audit fail, requiring urgent corrective action.
Q: What is the role of the Competency Accreditation Committee (CAC)?
The CAC comprises EWPA board-appointed individuals responsible for reviewing applications, granting accreditation, and determining appropriate actions for RIs who fail to meet the program's standards. They also handle appeals from RIs regarding audit findings.
Q: What does the RIP entry examination involve?
All eligible applicants must pass the RIP entry examination which assesses the applicant's knowledge of RIP requirements and referenced standards.
Q: What is "Grandfathering" in the context of RIP accreditation?
The EWPA recognises that some MEWP inspectors have gained substantial knowledge through long-term experience in the industry, and it will consider applications for Accreditation from EWPA members with an exemption from trade qualification prerequisites provided that person has worked in the New Zealand MEWP industry for a continuous period of 10 years or more. This is known as 'Grandfathering'.