Why Workers Should Undergo EWP Training
There are many different personnel who perform work on elevated platforms. From construction workers to electricians, engineers and plumbers, accessing elevated areas in order to perform necessary tasks is often required. These workers must first undergo a training program that equips them with the knowledge of elevated platforms and how they can ensure their safety when working in such areas.
EWP training often leads to the administering of an EWP licence, along with a High Risk Work licence (HRW). Most licences are valid for 3 years before they are subject to renewal. In addition to obtaining the necessary permits for doing their work, personnel should also value EWP training for the following reasons.
To gain knowledge of current regulations
The regulations that surround high-risk work on elevated platforms tend to change quite often. As construction projects get more complex and equipment becomes more advanced, workers need to keep up with the trends and obtain knowledge that will ensure they are current with what oversight regulations require.
EWP training equips workers with the most up-to-date information regarding what needs to be adhered to when working on elevated platforms.
To understand basic safety practices
A top priority for EWP training is ensuring the safety of workers. Elevated platforms expose personnel and the general public to many different risks while on the job. These risks include falling, dropping equipment on people and property, and reckless operation of EWP machines.
The EWP training program equips workers with safety practices that will help them avoid accidents and injury. For example, wearing the right safety equipment, keeping a safety checklist on machines before using them, and having an emergency response to unexpected events are important lessons taught during EWP training.
Ability to operate EWP machines
EWP training also exposes workers to lessons on how to use EWP machines. These include hinged devices, cranes, telescoping devices, and lift trucks. Any machines that elevate persons or equipment to heights of above 10 metres require EWP training.
Gain knowledge of different types of elevated platforms
Not all elevated platforms are the same. Some are higher, narrower, less stable and less even than others. Workers typically need to know how to adhere to safety on many different types of elevated platforms. Through EWP training, they can remain aware of different platforms and the best practices on each surface. For example, scaffolding training will teach workers how to safely work on scaffolding.
Obtaining a nationally recognised licence
EWP training enables workers to obtain a licence that is recognized throughout Australia for work on elevated platforms. With an EWP licence, a worker can carry out many different types of elevated platform work regardless of the state they reside in.