Elevating Work Platform Association of NZ News

Six Monthly Inspections - Minimum Standards

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT

This EWPA Bulletin covers the minimum requirement of personnel who are required to carry out six-monthly inspections and issue certifications on MEWP’s. It is the stance of the EWPA Board that only CBIP qualified inspectors, and Manufacturers Employees who have been formally trained to the same or higher level of competency as CBIP Level 1 for inspection, can inspect and certify MEWP’s. Downlaod full bulletin below.

Six-Monthly Inspections - Minimum Standards.pdf

Worksafe publish clarification notice - re: imported EWP's

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 03:05:09 GMT

WorkSafe has received a number of enquiries about the acceptable standards of design, manufacture, testing and stability testing of new, and used machines imported into New Zealand after 22 October 2015.

To clarify the requirements stated in section 4.1 of the Best Practice Guidelines, it is WorkSafe’s expectation that all imported:

– new machines will comply to AS/NZS 1418.10 (current)
– used machines will comply to AS 1418.10 (applicable to year of manufacture).

Both standards above do not preclude the use of materials, designs, methods of assembly or procedures, and the like, that do not comply with the specific requirements of that standard, if they achieve equivalent or superior safety outcomes to those specified and as such these may also be utilised.

– For example crush protection, not currently specified in the standard but specified in other international standards, could be fitted as an upgrade.

Download Clarification Document

Review of AS/NZS1418:10 - Public comments underway

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 03:22:40 GMT

Please note that the following draft is open for public comment:

Draft Number:	AS/NZS 1418.10:2011 Amd 1
Title:	Cranes Hoists and Winches – Part 10 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Project Committee:	ME-005 Cranes
Public Comment Closing Date:	08/02/2017 23:59

You can view the draft and any incoming comments here after entering your Standards Hub login details only if you are a member of standards. All comments are to be submitted on the Standards Hub. Follow the link above, login and select the “New Comment” button.

If you are not a standards member, please review the attached link and provide any feedback to me to be included in the Associations submission on members behalf. Close off for feedback to the EWPA is 20th January 2017.

DR AS NZS 1418.10-2011 Amd 1-2016 Cranes hoists and winches - Mobile elevating work platforms.pdf

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA - Review of 1418:10

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 21:50:10 GMT

The committee meeting ME-005-10 for Australian Standard 1418.10 Cranes, hoists and winches Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms, took place on 2-3 August in Brisbane. ME-005-10 has approved the Draft Amendment to be issued for public comment. The Draft will now be processed and submitted to ME-005 for approval to issue for Public Comment. It is expected to issue the Draft for public comment in October 2016 and the EWPA will update members when this takes place.

Notice of Approval of Revocation of Approved Code of Practice for Power-Operated Elevating Work Platforms

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 22:30:00 GMT

The EWPA are pleased to advise industry that the REVOCATION of the Approved Code of Practice for Power-Operated Elevating Work Platforms is now complete.

The ACOP was superseded by the Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms in August 2014.

It is important all of industry recognise this important change, and the existence of the Industry Best Practice Guidelines. Please share this announcement when and where appropriate.

A copy of the official notice of revocation can be viewed here.

Health and Safety Reform Bill passes

Fri, 28 Aug 2015 05:07:12 GMT

The Health and Safety Reform Bill passed its third reading at parliament yesterday. The Bill creates a new Health and Safety at Work Act, which will come into force on 4 April 2016.

The Bill is the first significant reform of New Zealand’s health and safety laws in 20 years and addresses the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety.

The new law will be supported by regulations that are being developed in time for April 2016.

WorkSafe New Zealand will provide information to businesses and workers of the changes before the law comes into force.

Until the Act comes into effect in April 2016, the current Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 remains in force.

Read the Government’s press release on the Beehive website

For more information about the new law visit WorkSafe New Zealand’s website

Release of Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 04:47:38 GMT

The EWPA is very pleased to advise today's release of the Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, by Worksafe NZ.

The Association would like to thank those members involved with the many reviews and meetings to achieve what is our new industry document that replaces the aCoP.

A copy of the Guidelines can be found on our website under resources, or you may obtain a copy by clicking the link below. Hard copies will be available at the AGM in Rotorua, and will be available via Worksafe in due course.

http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/all-guidance-items/mewp?searchterm=mobile+elevating

Logbooks - Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:35:28 GMT

The EWPA have recently published a webpage that is designed to share information & provide advice and answers to commonly asked questions relating to the implementation and use of logbooks. If you cannot find what you are looking for then please send your query to the Association at info@ewpa.org.nz

Check the webpage out at - www.ewpa.org.nz/LogbookFAQ

PRESS RELEASE - Phasing in of MEWP Logbooks

Mon, 26 May 2014 21:07:49 GMT

Over recent years, the EWPA (Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand Inc.) has worked alongside various industry stakeholders including Worksafe NZ to develop a Best Practice Guide for the safe use and operation of EWP that will supersede the EWP Code of Practice 1997 (Blue book).

Both documents reference various standards, in this case we refer to AS2550:10 that describes safe use of EWP's and provides guidance on maintenance of EWP's.

The use of logbooks are recommended within this Best Practice Guide. The Best Practice Guide describes the use of logbooks as a means of providing information to assist operators with daily checks and a means of record keeping for routine maintenance checks and recording of faults.

Logbooks are by no means the only way to record and provide this information,however they do simplify the process, are easy to use and will over time become the industry standard.

This initiative will assist owners and operators with compliance to AS2550:10, and will provide educational and operational consistencies nationwide. Logbooks have been used in the Australian Access Industry since 1994.

It is important to note:

§ The Best Practice Guide for the Safe Use of EWP’s has not yet been released, however, the EWPA expects this to happen within the next 3 months.

§ Logbooks and waterproof pouches are not yet available in New Zealand. Stocks arrive late June. Pre-orders can be made online via the EWPA, with expected delivery in July.

The EWPA suggests that companies wishing to phase logbooks into their businesses, aim to do so within the next two months, so to coincide with the inevitable future release of the Best Practice.

AS2550:10 requires that all complete ‘Owner Routine Maintenance & Safety Check’ reports, all complete ‘Annual Inspection’ reports and all complete ‘Major Inspection’ reports are retained by management and made available for examination as required.

The EWPA reminds owners & operators of the importance of the following:

§ Pre-hire check sheets should accompany EWP’s sent on hire.
§ Staff using EWP’s must be competent to operate a EWP.
§ Operators must have access to daily check sheets, and complete/ sign off daily checks.
§ Operators must have a sound understanding of EWP they operate.

(END)

MEWP Controls – Design and Modification

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 03:47:16 GMT

In recent months there have been two incidents involving unintentional operation of upper control box joystick controllers on scissor lifts.

In an attempt to prevent reoccurrence, End Users have been requesting that the Manufacturers Original Design be modified e.g. by fitting additional guarding.

As a result, Owners are sometimes modifying their equipment to comply with such requests.

The Association is concerned that such modifications have not been authorised by the equipment manufacturer; are sometimes of an ad-hoc nature and may not fully address the risk; and may introduce new hazards as a result. Click here for more info ..

Harness use in scissor lifts.

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 02:00:00 GMT

This article below was released by the EWPA in Australia and relates to the use of harnesses in scissor lifts. This is a very good article, please read.

Public Consultation - Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:21:09 GMT

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking input and feedback regarding the proposed Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.

When completed, the Guidelines will:

* replace the outdated 1995 Approved Code of Practice for Power-operated Elevating Work Platforms, and

* include health and safety guidance for members of the mobile elevating work platform industry; and

* ensure that the guidance material provided around this issue is consistent with related New Zealand documents.

The deadline for submissions for the proposed Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms is Friday, 26th July 2013.

EWPA Members:

It is imperative that all stakeholders take an interest in this draft document, this will become the 'single most referenced' document by all industries involved with EWP. These guidelines could be in place for many years before they are revised or updated. We must do our best to ensure it suits industry.

We appreciate you are all busy people, and that only parts of the document may be of interest depending on your position within the EWP industry. All and any feedback is greatly appreciated.

The Draft Document and Response Form can be accessed from the link below.
http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/guidelines-mobile-EWP/index.asp

EWPA members can send their response forms to the EWPA, or send directly to MBIE. Please complete the Response Form and return it by email to either:

Phil Tindle, CEO, EWPA - email: phil@ewpa.org.nz
OR
Jeena Murphy, Senior Advisor, MBIE - email: jeena.murphy@mbie.govt.nz

Only written feedback on the Response Form will be considered.
Responses are due by 5pm on Friday 26th July 2013.

Scaffolding Best Practice Review.....

Sun, 26 May 2013 23:47:12 GMT

Scaffolding , Access & Rigging NZ are calling for expressions of interest from stakeholders who wish to participate in a review of the Best Practice Guidelines. All nominations received will be considered for a position on the review committee.

They are also calling for submissions for changes to the Best Practice Guide.

Further details or enquiry:

Scaffolding , Access & Rigging NZ

P O Box 31067
Lower Hutt 5040

Ph: 04 5898081

email: info@bsc.org.nz

Working Safely at Height Toolkit ... now online

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:29:44 GMT

The EWPA are very pleased to advocate the new "working safely at height toolkit" which has been released by the MBIE. This great resource has been loaded into the resources area and can be viewed or downloaded anytime. Please familiarise yourself with these factsheets, as they will be a valuable tool for you, your staff, your businesses and your customers. Check them out here

Specialist Trades now under the Skills Organisation - EWP, Scaffolding, Cranes, Industrial rope access ...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 04:50:21 GMT

On 3 December 2012 Opportunity ITO merged with The Skills Organisation (formerly ETITO) a multi-industry ITO. The crane, scaffolding rigging, industrial rope access, and elevating work platform industries became part of the Specialist Trades division of the organisation.

Throughout the process the Opportunity Board was focussed on ensuring any merger would provide opportunities to enhance training quality and service levels for the industries, along with ..... read more ..... click here

New way forward for the EWPA - from Clint Norgrove

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:54:23 GMT

In May of 2012, whilst attending the HRIA Convention in Australia I was approached by Phil Tindle and Tim Mikkelsen representing HIANZ (Hire Industry Association of New Zealand) with a proposal for EWPANZ and HIANZ to share their administrative functions and management.

The idea of this was to have a common administrative and management body but leave the two associations to run separately. I felt this idea had great potential for the growth and efficiencies of the EWPANZ especially with the administrative side of things which is an area that we have struggled at times.

I have observed numerous times, the success of HRIA (Hire and Rental Industry Association) and EWPA Australia working side by side in a similar way. In fact, at the recent HRIA convention they shared a stand together at the trade show. Together they have a very strong and highly organised presence in the Australian market. To be able to push EWPANZ to a level such as this could only be beneficial for our organization and industry.

It was agreed that Phil would present this idea to the EWPANZ at the 2012 AGM in A

uckland. The proposal was met with great positivity and enthusiasm and it was therefore decided that a Memorandum of Understanding would be created and actioned for the go forward.

Since the AGM that Memorandum has been generated and signed. Phil Tindle has now assumed the role of Chief Executive for the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand (Inc.) and will be handling all functions and responsibilities associated with this role. Phil has a proven track record as the General Manager of HIANZ which has gone from strength to strength since he took over. I am excited and look forward to working with him as we strive to grow and expand the EWPANZ.

Lastly, I would like to thank and acknowledge all the people who have given their precious time and efforts over the years ensuring the association has grown to the point it is at now. I look forward to your continued support as we prepare to take things to a whole new level.

Sincerely,

Clint Norgrove | PRESIDENT
Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand (Inc.)

Australia's EWPA advises against unauthorised machine alterations

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:25:13 GMT

Australia’s EWPA (Elevating Work Platform Association) is educating its local market on the dangers of unauthorised alterations to equipment by end users.

The association has issued a Guidance Note Technical Bulletin on the modification of EWPs (Elevating Work Platforms) by end users. The guidance note is to prevent unauthorised manufacturer equipment alterations that no longer comply with Australian Standards or are no longer in accordance with workplace health and safety regulations.

EWPA issued its guidance note after a series of incidents involving unintentional operation of upper control box joystick controllers on scissor lifts. To prevent such accidents, end users have been modifying equipment, for example, by fitting additional guarding. However, the EWPA stresses that such modifications, which are often ad-hoc in nature, may well introduce new hazards to the workplace.

Phil Newby, executive director of the EWPA said: “While the EWPA, end users and owners are seeking a timely resolution to protection of controls, appropriate solutions may take some time to develop. In the meantime, end users must be aware unauthorised modifications may jeopardise operator lives.”

Formed in 1987, the EWPA of Australia has more than 400 member companies, representing manufacturers, suppliers, rental companies, owner/users and service providers.

LegalSAFE Conference 2012

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:00:46 GMT

A one day conference covering topical issues relating to health and safety and employment law. This conference will bring together H&S professionals, HR Advisors and experts in health and safety and employment law to discuss issues that will directly impact on the way health and safety is managed in the workplace.

Obtain practical guidance from the experience of others to ensure compliance with health & safety and employment law and learn how to identify and minimise the exposure to the risk of legal liability.

http://www.safeguard.co.nz/events/legalsafe/default_2012.asp

IPAF releases latest MEWP fatality figures

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:45:44 GMT

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) said there were seven fatalities from six accidents worldwide involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) during the third quarter of 2012 (July to September).

IPAF said there had been 26 deaths from 25 accidents in total so far this year, as at September 30, 2012.

All the accidents that occurred in the third quarter involved booms. The main causes were: electrocution (two fatalities), fall from platform (two), overturn (one) and entrapment (one). In one of the accidents involving electrocution, both the operator and a work colleague in the platform died.

Figures for the year to date showed that of the 25 reported accidents, 15 involved booms, seven involved vehicle mounts and three involved scissor lifts. The main causes were reported as: fall from platform (seven fatalities), electrocution (six), overturn (five), mechanical/technical (four) and entrapment (three).

Fifteen of the accidents occurred in the USA, three in the Netherlands, two in the UK and one each in Australia, Canada, Singapore, Spain and Switzerland.

“There are nearly 1.5 million MEWPs/AWPs in use around the world, and while every death is a tragedy, powered access is still a very safe way to work at height,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “The analysis of accident data will allow the industry to become even safer.”

IPAF is working closely with the industry to monitor and analyse accident figures. From 1 January 2013, it will be mandatory for IPAF rental company members in the UK to report any known MEWP accidents involving their staff at the IPAF accident database (www.ipaf.org/accident).

Source - KHL Magazine

Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety Consultation Now Open

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:56:21 GMT

The Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety wants to hear from you!

The Taskforce has released a consultation document outlining what it sees are the key issues impacting on our ability to create safer workplaces and is seeking submissions from anyone with an interest in improving workplace health and safety.

To make a submission simply go to www.hstaskforce.govt.nz and follow the prompts. You are able to make your submission online or you can send a written submission directly to the Taskforce.

Submissions close Friday November 16^th 2012

Proactive Enforcement Approach to Preventing Falls from Height

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:33:52 GMT

As of July 1 the newly named Labour Group released two new online documents to support their proactive enforcement of safe working at height.

The first provides brief advice on one page and is aimed at contractors, clients, principals, home owners and landlords about contractors requirements to ensure the right safety steps are in place before the work starts. The information sheet is dual purposed.

a. Where the Labour Group has agreement with local authorities, it is being included in the residential building consent information packs.

b. Individual duty holders can use the information sheet to support their quotes to clients.

Click to view

The second is a factsheet outlining the proactive enforcement approach to preventing falls from height.

Click to view