Cladding Removal-Installation EWP Access Safe Work Method Statement

Operators of boom-type elevated work platforms require a WP (Work Platform) high-risk work licence. This licence is issued by a registered training organisation following successful completion of training and assessment. The licence is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry. Self-propelled scissor lifts with platform heights exceeding 11 metres also require WP licence. For scissor lifts under 11 metres, operators must be trained in safe operation but licensing is not required unless they are self-propelled. All EWP operators must complete site-specific induction covering site hazards even when holding valid high-risk work licences. Employers must verify licence validity by sighting the original licence document and checking photo identification matches the operator. Operating EWPs without appropriate licence is an offence under WHS regulations with substantial penalties for individuals and organisations.

All workers on EWP platforms must wear full body harnesses connected to designated anchor points on the platform using lanyards at all times when the platform is elevated above ground level. This requirement applies even when the platform has guardrails. Harnesses must conform to AS/NZS 1891.1. Lanyards should be self-retracting type or fixed-length maximum 1.8 metres conforming to AS/NZS 1891.4. The connection must be made before platform elevation commences and maintained throughout elevated work. Workers should connect to anchor points that limit free fall distance to less than guardrail height preventing fall over platform edge even in fall arrest scenario. Harnesses must fit correctly with leg straps adjusted snug to prevent worker slipping through harness during inversion. Fall arrest equipment must be inspected before each use and removed from service if any damage, wear, or deterioration is identified. The combination of guardrails and personal fall arrest provides redundant fall protection meeting WHS hierarchy of control requirements.

Wind speed limits for EWP operation are specified by manufacturers typically 12.5 m/s (45 km/h) for most platforms, lower for some boom configurations. However, when handling large cladding materials that act as sails, work should cease at lower wind speeds based on risk assessment. A practical limit for cladding work is 35 km/h sustained wind or when gusts make material control difficult regardless of measured wind speed. Wind assessment should consider forecast conditions, real-time measurements using calibrated anemometer, and observable conditions including movement of trees, flags, or other indicators. Wind speed should be monitored every 30 minutes during work and documented. When wind speeds approach limits or when workers report difficulty controlling materials, work must cease immediately, platform lowered, and materials secured. Do not resume work until wind conditions remain below acceptable limits for minimum 30 minutes continuously. The supervisor must make conservative decisions erring on the side of caution when weather conditions are marginal. Attempting to work in excessive wind creates multiple hazards including material control loss, worker overbalancing, platform instability, and dropped objects.

Establish exclusion zones extending minimum 2 metres beyond the maximum extent of the EWP platform perimeter in all directions. This minimum distance accounts for tools or small items potentially falling from platform edges. When handling large cladding materials exceeding 2.4 metres in length, increase exclusion zone to minimum 4 metres to account for material size and potential for wind to displace materials during handling. For very tall buildings or high-wind conditions, consider further extending exclusion zones based on risk assessment. Exclusion zones must be marked with physical barriers, not just tape or markings, to prevent inadvertent pedestrian or vehicle entry. Install appropriate signage on all approaches warning of overhead work hazards. Maintain exclusion zones throughout work duration including breaks when platform remains elevated. Only remove exclusion zones after platform has been fully lowered and all work completed. Assign a spotter to monitor exclusion zone integrity during active work and prevent unauthorised entry. Exclusion zones must account for building setbacks - materials falling from platforms may land beyond the immediate area beneath platform if building facades overhang or wind affects falling paths.

If EWP develops operational problems while platform is elevated, workers should remain calm and not attempt to jump from the platform or climb down the boom structure. First attempt to lower platform using platform controls - these are primary controls and remain functional even if ground controls fail. If platform controls do not function, attempt to lower platform using ground controls having a ground person operate these controls under direction from platform occupants. If normal controls fail, activate the emergency lowering system which operates independently of primary hydraulics using mechanical or manual hydraulic pump systems. All EWP operators must be trained in emergency lowering procedures and this system must be tested during pre-operational checks. If emergency lowering also fails or cannot be operated, contact emergency services (000) for rescue assistance. Fire and rescue services have equipment and training for elevated platform rescue. Keep workers calm and comfortable while awaiting rescue. If workers need to exit due to medical emergency and mechanical lowering is not possible, fire services will deploy aerial appliances or use rope rescue techniques for evacuation. Never allow workers to climb down boom structures or jump from platforms as this creates extreme fall risk. This scenario emphasises importance of pre-operational checks including emergency lowering system testing before elevating occupied platforms.