The Complete Guide to Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) Inspections

Elevated work platforms (EWPs), or aerial lifts, are mobile machines designed to lift and lower people, tools, and materials on a work site. Working at height equipment comes with strict regulations. All EWP units – from scissor lifts and boom lifts to telehandlers with EWP attachments – must be inspected regularly by a suitably qualified technician to ensure the equipment’s continued safety, reliability, and efficiency and to maximise its longevity.  

 This article will provide an overview of the EWP inspection requirements throughout a machine’s life cycle.  

Pre-start inspections 

In accordance with Australian standards, an EWP inspection checklist must be conducted by a qualified operator prior to the beginning of each work shift or before use to check that the equipment is working correctly. This pre-operational inspection identifies any wear and tear that needs to be repaired and examines the machine’s structural and operational components to confirm the aerial lift is safe to use. 

It’s important to note that pre-start inspections must be paired with regular inspections by a heavy equipment specialist like SuperService™.  

Routine inspections 

Regular aerial lift inspections by a suitably qualified mechanic are a statutory requirement and should be completed both quarterly (every 90 days) and annually (every 12 months). Shorter intervals may be required depending on the frequency of use. Our specialist team of EWP mechanics provides routine inspections and aerial lift maintenance compliant with regulation AS2550.10-2006. 

These inspections include, but are not limited to:  

• Checking for wear, fatigue, corrosion, or damage of all major components. 

• Testing of all safety devices and control functions.  

• Inspecting of all hydraulic hoses and connections, chains and cable mechanisms.  

• Checking fluid levels and filter. 

A written report is provided post-inspection, identifying any parts that must be replaced or repaired before next usage.  

Periodic inspections 

These are more in-depth than routine inspections and may include the dismantling of parts to check if they need replacing. The frequency of periodic inspections depends on a variety of factors, such as how often the machine is used, its working environment, and workload, however, they should not exceed twelve-month intervals.  

Major inspections 

EWPs require a major inspection once they reach 10 years of operation, then every 5 years thereafter. EWP 10-year inspections involve the dismantling, checking, and testing of all critical components of the machine, including safety devices, and repairing or replacing any damaged or otherwise ill-functioning items. Functional assessment is undertaken to ensure compliance with Australian safety standards.   

Why choose SuperService™ for your EWP needs? 

Extensive industry knowledge and expertise across all major brands and models allows our team to provide reliable and cost-effective  inspection, repairs, and routine EWP maintenance services to keep your access machinery moving. Our team of Heavy Equipment Specialists work across all major brands, including Genie service and Genie repairs. With a fleet of fully equipped service vehicles, we can even bring our workshop to you for fast, efficient on-site inspections or repairs in Brisbane and the Greater Brisbane region. 

 Contact us to learn more about how we can help with all your EWP needs. 

 We hope you found this article informative and helpful. For more detailed information and to understand the limitations of the advice provided, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.