2 minute read
EWPA News
the EWpa has been toiling away through the new plant and Structures regulations that were published recently. there is much to take in and a lot that affects MEWp’s (Mobile Elevating Work platforms) going forward.
JUSt on that, the word reasoning around the use of MEWP over EWP is a worldwide factor more than anything. There seems to be a growing use of MEWP in most countries now. I tend to look at it that an elevating work platform could be potentially inbuilt or fixed whereas a MEWP describes a self-powered, mobile machine. The Best Practice Guidelines produced by Worksafe use the term MEWP, so seems to be the way we are going. “EWP” rolls off the tongue better to be fair. Play it your way…
What DoES thIS MEan For MEWp’S In nEW ZEaLanD GoInG ForWarD?
Well, the EWPA recently ran a webinar on this for HIANZ members and it is recorded for future watching. We can tell you that they will become high risk items in the eyes of the regulator, meaning more controls than currently.
WhY arE thEY hIGh rISk YoU aSk?
Inherently they are perceived to be dangerous equipment. They elevate people and allow them to move whilst elevated, increasing the risk of being hurt vs. staying on the ground. There is a worldwide trend to treat MEWP’s in this fashion. Sadly, we are dictated by high numbers in incident reports of MEWP involvement, and typically, when it goes wrong, it is serious or fatal. The EWPA is working on better ways to report on the NZ environment and improve/maintain our relatively good safety record around MEWP use. The association has recently published a draft programme called Register Inspector. This is a programme to accredit, develop and monitor MEWP Inspectors. Hire companies are encouraged to get involved in this programme as it leads to better safety outcomes long term.
Also being investigated is a reporting process and tool for capturing incidents and machine issues so that we can report to the industry on areas needing awareness in safe operation and maintenance. More to come on this in the new year. rEcEntLY thE boarD LoSt the services of Brian Lund, ex JLG Industries and even more recently Paul Robinson of Hire Knowledge who is retiring at the end of the year. HIANZ showed its appreciation to Paul at their conference in August. New board nominations have been sought and I am sure by the time this goes to print, two new board members will be in place. ■
