EWP / Scissor Lift Operation SWMS

Product Description

Operating an elevated work platform (EWP) or scissor lift is a common requirement on construction, demolition, maintenance and fit-out projects where workers need safe access to elevated work areas. EWP / Scissor Lift Operation SWMS is intended for Australian construction businesses, demolition contractors, maintenance contractors and principal contractors undertaking work at height using mobile elevating work platforms. It helps businesses safely plan, manage and document EWP operations while supporting site-specific risk management and compliance with Australian WHS requirements.

Scissor lifts provide a practical and efficient means of accessing elevated work areas but introduce hazards including falls from height, plant rollover, collisions, overhead obstacles and interaction with other mobile plant. Safe operation relies on competent operators, pre-start inspections, effective communication, stable ground conditions and maintaining exclusion zones throughout the work activity.

This SWMS follows the documented work sequence from pre-start inspections and travelling through the worksite to positioning the EWP, elevating and lowering the platform, completing work at height, shutting down the machine and final housekeeping. It provides a practical framework that can be reviewed and customised to suit individual projects, workplace conditions and operational requirements.

Activities Covered

• Conducting daily pre-start inspections.
• Operating EWP and scissor lifts.
• Travelling through construction sites.
• Positioning mobile elevating work platforms.
• Working at height from elevated platforms.
• Raising and lowering platforms safely.
• Managing exclusion zones.
• Plant shutdown and securing equipment.
• Battery charging or refuelling where applicable.
• Housekeeping and work area clean-up.

Hazards Addressed

The documented work activity addresses hazards that may include:

• Falls from height.
• Plant rollover.
• Crush and impact injuries.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Overhead obstacles.
• Contact with overhead powerlines.
• Mobile plant interaction.
• Pinch points.
• Property damage.
• Unauthorised access to plant.

Control Measures Included

Depending on the selected work method and project requirements, the SWMS outlines controls such as:

• Licensed and competent EWP operators.
• Daily pre-start inspections.
• Removing damaged plant from service.
• Spotters where required.
• Positive two-way communication between operators and spotters.
• Maintaining exclusion zones.
• Operating only on firm, level ground.
• Selecting equipment suitable for terrain conditions.
• Identifying underground and overhead services.
• Maintaining safe clearances from overhead powerlines.
• Wearing harnesses where specified.
• Inspecting harnesses and anchor points before use.
• Avoiding operation during adverse weather.
• Preventing platform overloading.
• Securing plant against unauthorised use after shutdown.

PPE Requirements

The source document specifies PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety footwear.
• Fall arrest harness.

Additional PPE may be required depending on the work activity and site-specific hazards.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment may include:

• Elevated Work Platform (EWP).
• Scissor lift.

Supporting equipment may vary depending on the selected work method and project requirements.

Hazardous Chemicals

Where applicable, the work may involve:

• Diesel.
• Petrol.

Hazardous substances should be managed in accordance with Safety Data Sheets and site-specific procedures.

Emergency Planning

The SWMS includes emergency response procedures covering medical emergencies, utility strikes, electric shock, fire, explosion and the unexpected disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. Emergency arrangements should be reviewed and customised to suit the workplace before work commences.

What’s Included

This editable Microsoft Word SWMS may include:

• Sequential work activities.
• Hazard identification and risk controls.
• PPE requirements.
• Plant and equipment guidance.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Legislative references.
• Worker responsibilities.
• Consultation and worker sign-off records.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Construction contractors.
• Demolition contractors.
• Maintenance contractors.
• Industrial contractors.
• Principal contractors.
• Businesses operating elevated work platforms and scissor lifts.

Australian WHS Requirements

The source document references applicable Australian WHS legislation together with Codes of Practice relating to managing the risk of plant in the workplace, hazardous manual tasks, managing the risk of falls, WHS consultation, cooperation and coordination, and work near overhead powerlines. Every SWMS should be reviewed and customised to reflect the workplace, equipment configuration and site-specific hazards before work commences.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance SWMS documents are developed to help construction businesses implement practical, professional safety documentation for elevated work platform operations. Delivered in an editable Microsoft Word format, they can be customised to suit individual projects while supporting consistent planning, supervision and safe work at height.