Many construction projects require workers to work at height, prompting the need for an elevating work platform or EWP. The EWP, however, is not a one size fits all solution. There are many types of this machinery, which is why builders should know the different types before renting one.

1. The Different Types of
Elevating Work Platforms
Classic Hire
Address: 421 Carrington St Hamilton Hill WA 6163
Australia
Email: hamilton@classichire.net.au
Phone: (08) 9336 2500

2. Many construction projects require workers to work at height, prompting the
need for an elevating work platform or EWP. The EWP, however, is not a one
size fits all solution. There are many types of this machinery, which is why
builders should know the different types
before renting one.
Here are the basic types of EWPs:
Trailer-mounted EWP
Trailer-mounted EWPs are quite
common in Australia. This is perhaps
the most basic type of the machine. A
movable trailer carries the elevating
work platform. This comes equipped with stabilisers workers can manually
adjust. A tow ball is also enough to make sure that the platform stays stable
whilst in use.
Self-propelled EWP
For flat surfaces and firm, unsealed
areas, the platform of choice is a self-
propelled EWP. This works in a way that
the vehicle it is attached to can operate
the platform. This type of EWP comes in
three common types:
 Scissor Arms – This uses
hydraulic cylinders to power the scissor-like arms that lift the platform
it is attached to. Ground personal can control this from the base of the
vehicle.
 Telescoping Boom –Normally seen in airports, this type of EWP has a
boom – or enclosed basket – that extends in a straight way. Like the
scissor arm type, the controls are at ground level.
 Knuckle Boom – For areas with obstacles, the knuckle boom self-
propelled EWP is the best option. In this equipment, there are two

3.  sections of the arms. These sections allow the machine to slew so that
it could avoid obstacles that are in mid-air.
Vehicle-mounted EWP
The last type is the vehicle-mounted EWP. In most cases, this includes road-
registered trucks that carry a boom or a turret on the chassis. This allows
the operator to control the platform at
ground level whilst lifting a basket
enough to elevate another person
several metres in the air.
The Australian government identifies the
safety risks that come with the use of an
EWP. Every person that operates it
should wear the proper personal
protective equipment (PPE). It is also
important to educate all builders about the safe practices, including
instructions on the use of this machinery. Last but not the least, building
owners should ensure that the equipment goes through proper routine
maintenance so it is safe to use anytime.
Resources:
http://www.classichire.net.au
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/56715/es-
elevating-work-platforms.pdf
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/forms-and-publications/forms-and-
publications/elevating-work-platform-failures-due-to-poor-maintenance