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Your car needs regular servicing to stay roadworthy. The same goes for your Elevating Work Platform (EWP).
Staying on top of your routine checks and maintenance is essential for reducing downtime and avoiding accidents. Not to mention, these checks ensure your equipment meets Australian safety standards.
So, how often does an EWP need to be serviced and inspected?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of EWP inspections and why they’re a critical part of long-term equipment safety.
Whether you’re using a scissor lift, boom lift, or telehandler, your EWP needs to be checked regularly to stay safe and compliant.
These machines work at height and handle heavy loads. So, small issues can quickly turn into serious risks. That’s why Australian safety standards require a set schedule of inspections.
These are the four main types of inspections required by EWP standards in Australia:
The daily checks that the machine operator does before using EWP equipment.
It’s generally a visual inspection, looking out for any noticeable damage. The operator should also do a quick test to make sure control and safety functions are working correctly. This type of inspection is for identifying any immediate issues that could pose a risk during operation.
A more thorough inspection carried out weekly or monthly.
Routine inspections include testing safety mechanisms and examining structural components. It also ensures all operating systems are functioning properly.
How often routine maintenance happens will depend on the manufacturer’s guidelines. This may involve small repairs, part replacements, or fixing minor wear and tear before it becomes a bigger problem.
These are comprehensive inspections done every six or twelve months by a qualified technician.
Using a full EWP inspection checklist, they assess the machine’s core systems and safety-critical components. Periodic inspections help identify hidden wear or damage that daily or routine checks might miss.
A major inspection is the most in-depth safety check.
Its required under Australian Standard AS 2250.10 for the safe use of EWPs. The inspection must be completed 10 years after the EWP’s manufacture date, and then every five years after that.
It involves a full strip-down, testing of all structural parts, and checks for fatigue or long-term wear. It ensures your EWP remains safe for use over its entire lifespan.
The importance of regular EWP inspections can’t be overstated. They’re the key to keeping your team safe and your equipment running smoothly. Here’s why these checks should always be a top priority:
Regular inspections are the best way to identify any potential issues before they become major problems. It’s a proactive approach when it comes to preventing accidents on site and keeping everyone safe.
Adhering to inspection schedules ensures compliance with industry standards and Victorian regulations. This helps avoid legal repercussions or any fines associated with non-compliance.
Well-maintained EWPs are more reliable and run more smoothly. With regular checks, you can reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. That means fewer hold-ups and smoother project timelines.
Timely repairs not only ensure that your equipment remains reliable but also offer a better return on investment. You’ll delay the need for costly replacements and maintain the resale value.
At All Star Access Hire, we take EWP safety and compliance seriously. Our team carries out thorough inspections on every machine in our hire and sales fleet. So, you can be sure they meet the highest standards before they arrive on site.
But our commitment to safety and excellence doesn’t stop there. We offer our inspection services or your owned equipment as well. Whether you need a routine check, a periodic service, or the full 10-year major inspection, our trained technicians are here to help.