What specific high-risk work licence is required to operate Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) in Australia?
BMU operators must hold a WP (Work Platform) class high-risk work licence issued by the relevant state or territory work health and safety regulator. The specific WP class depends on the platform type: WP-B covers boom-type suspended platforms which are most common for BMUs, while other WP classes cover different platform configurations. To obtain a WP licence, candidates must complete nationally recognized vocational training delivered by registered training organizations, typically a 2-5 day course depending on prior experience and platform complexity. The training covers BMU operation, hazard identification, emergency procedures, load calculations, and regulatory requirements. After training, candidates undertake practical assessment demonstrating competency in safe platform operation. Licences are typically valid for 5 years requiring renewal through either refresher training or verification of ongoing competency. Operating BMUs without appropriate licensing constitutes a serious WHS offence exposing both the individual operator and their employer to substantial penalties including fines exceeding $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for companies, plus potential prosecution for serious breaches.
How often must Building Maintenance Units be inspected and maintained, and what standards apply to this maintenance?
BMUs require multiple inspection and maintenance regimes at different intervals. Daily pre-start inspections must be conducted by licensed operators before each use, covering visual checks of wire ropes, structural components, safety systems, controls, and edge protection using documented checklists. Monthly inspections by competent persons should include more detailed examination of mechanical systems, electrical components, and safety devices with documented findings. Quarterly or six-monthly servicing by qualified BMU technicians or manufacturer-authorized service providers must include comprehensive mechanical inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and testing of all systems. Annual major inspections often include load testing to verify structural and mechanical integrity using certified test weights at maximum working loads. All maintenance and inspection must follow manufacturer specifications and relevant Australian Standards including AS 1418.18 for powered working platforms and AS 2759 for wire rope inspection criteria. Maintenance records must be comprehensive and retained for the equipment lifespan, documenting all inspections, services, defects identified, repairs completed, and component replacements. Building owners typically engage specialist BMU maintenance contractors to fulfill these requirements, with costs forming part of building operational budgets.
What environmental conditions require BMU operations to cease, and how should these be monitored?
Wind speed is the primary environmental factor limiting BMU operations. Most BMU systems specify maximum operating wind speeds between 40-60 km/h (often expressed as 12-15 metres per second). Operations should cease when sustained wind speeds approach these limits or when sudden gusts occur. Install roof-level anemometers providing real-time wind speed measurement visible to operators. Establish shutdown threshold 10 km/h below maximum limit allowing controlled platform retrieval before limits are exceeded. Lightning presents severe electrocution risks requiring immediate work cessation when lightning is observed within 10 kilometres or when thunderstorms are forecast. Use weather radar services or commercial lightning detection systems for monitoring. Heavy rain reducing visibility or creating slippery platforms may require cessation even if wind limits are not exceeded. Extreme temperatures affecting worker safety through heat stress or hypothermia should be considered particularly during extended operations. Ice formation in cold conditions can affect wire rope flexibility and mechanical operation requiring shutdown. Poor visibility from fog, heavy rain, or direct sun glare preventing proper platform positioning and hazard identification warrants operation postponement. Monitor forecast conditions before commencing work, avoiding starting operations if deterioration is predicted during the planned working period. Document weather conditions at operation start and throughout work period in daily logs.
What emergency procedures should be in place for BMU mechanical failures whilst workers are suspended?
Comprehensive emergency rescue plans must address BMU entrapment scenarios. First response is activation of emergency descent system if platform cannot be raised through normal controls. Most BMUs incorporate redundant emergency descent systems using separate controls, backup power, or mechanical release mechanisms allowing controlled lowering without main system operation. Operators must be trained in emergency system activation and practice procedures regularly. If emergency descent fails leaving platform suspended, implement communication protocols notifying building management, BMU maintenance contractors, and emergency services immediately. Provide platform-level emergency equipment including charged communication devices, first aid kit, emergency blanket, water, and shelter from elements. Height rescue teams with rope access capabilities or fire service aerial equipment may be required for extraction. Response times can extend to several hours organizing rescue personnel and equipment. Suspended workers should minimize movement to reduce harness suspension trauma risk. Building management should maintain emergency contact lists including BMU service contractors with after-hours emergency response capability and emergency services numbers. Conduct annual emergency drills simulating entrapment scenarios testing rescue plan effectiveness and familiarizing operators with procedures. Review and update emergency plans after any incident or near-miss incorporating lessons learned.
