EWP SWMS – 2026 Elevated Work Platform Safe Work Method Statement

Description

EWP SWMS – 2026 Edition

This EWP SWMS is a fully editable Safe Work Method Statement for Elevated Work Platform operations in Australia. Suitable for boom lifts, scissor lifts and cherry pickers used in cleaning, maintenance, construction and access work.

Compliant with Australian WHS legislation and the High Risk Work Licensing requirements under the WHS Regulations.

What This EWP SWMS Covers

Planning and Pre-Mobilisation

• Site assessment for ground conditions, overhead hazards and power line locations
• HRWL licence class verification before commencing
• Equipment selection for task and site conditions

Arrival and Site Induction

• Scope confirmation
• Overhead power line mapping and exclusion zone marking
• Ground stability and slope assessment

Work Area Set-Up

• Ground exclusion zones (minimum 6-metre radius under work area)
• Signage and physical barriers
• Traffic management integration

Environmental Management

• Noise controls
• Fuel and fluid management for petrol/diesel EWPs

Weather Controls

• Wind speed limits per manufacturer specification
• Electrical storm stop-work requirements

HRCW — EWP Operation

• HRWL class verification: WP (boom ≥11 m), WS (boom <11 m), CV (vehicle-mounted)
• EWPA Yellow Card requirement for scissor lifts
• Pre-start inspection checklist: fluids, tyres, controls, safety devices, cage integrity, outriggers, emergency lowering
• Full-body harness attachment to cage anchor point — mandatory at all times
• Overhead power line minimum approach distances:
  • Up to 66 kV: 3 metres (QLD)
  • 66–330 kV: 6 metres
  • Over 330 kV: 8 metres
• Safe Working Load (SWL) including workers, tools and equipment weight
• No use of ladders, planks or boards inside the cage
• Emergency lowering procedure — ground operator
• Tip-over response — remain in cage, call 000

Ground Spotter Requirements

• Mandatory presence during all elevated operations
• Communication protocol
• Hazard identification and reporting
• Weather monitoring responsibilities

Working at Height — General

• Full-body harness and lanyard requirements
• Tool lanyards
• Carbon monoxide risk from petrol/diesel EWPs indoors

On Completion

• Safe lowering and equipment shutdown
• Outrigger retraction sequence
• Equipment tagging and reporting

Emergency Response

• Tip-over response
• Electrical contact procedure
• Emergency rescue from height

Key Features

Legislation Aligned References the WHS Act 2011, High Risk Work Licensing Regulations, and manufacturer-specific operation requirements.

HRWL Licence Classes Covered WP, WS and CV licence categories all addressed — covering boom lifts, scissor lifts and vehicle-mounted platforms.

Power Line Distances Built In State-specific (QLD-referenced) overhead power line exclusion distances pre-populated for immediate use.

Fully Editable Word Format Add your company details, operator licence numbers and site information.

Unlimited Use One purchase, unlimited sites within your business.

Bonus: Legislation and Codes of Practice Reference List included.

Who This EWP SWMS Is For

• Cleaning contractors using EWPs for window cleaning, facade cleaning and gutter cleaning
• Construction and maintenance crews requiring HRWL compliance documentation
• Facility managers arranging EWP work on their premises
• Safety officers developing HRCW documentation packages

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SWMS for EWP operation in Australia? Yes. Operating an Elevated Work Platform at 2 metres or more above ground is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under Australian WHS Regulations. A SWMS is legally required before work commences.

What licence do I need to operate a boom lift? In Australia, operating a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more requires a WP class High Risk Work Licence. Boom lifts under 11 metres require a WS class HRWL. Scissor lifts operated on a construction site require either a WS licence or an EWPA Yellow Card, depending on state requirements.

Does this SWMS cover scissor lifts as well as boom lifts? Yes. The template covers boom-type EWPs, scissor lifts and vehicle-mounted platforms, with relevant controls for each equipment type.