Inspect the site to see if there are power-lines in or near the work area.

An EWP must not be operated within the exclusion zone prescribed for power-lines. This distance varies in different states and territories.
In QLD the following exclusions distances apply:

• 3 metres: Up to 132,000 volts
• 6 metres: Between 132,000 & 330,000 volts
• 8 metres: Above 330,000 volts

Exclusion zone

• The clearance distances prescribed are absolute clearances that must NOT be breached at any time. Any breach of the prescribed clearances puts you, and all those on your site in immediate danger of electric shock.
• If you are required to work closer than the minimum distances you must ensure the safety of all those on your site by:

o  Shutting off the power, or Insulating the power lines
o  Seeking an exemption from the relevant authority
o  Use a spotter

• Report all operations near power-lines to your supervisor/ employer. Your supervisor/employer must make sure that the work area is safe before work is carried out.
• Make sure that the EWP has appropriate barricades erected to keep members of the public and/or others from moving into the work area. Suitable PPE such as hard hats must be provided.
• Remember, you do not have to touch power-lines to be electrocuted. Electricity can jump a gap to the nearest conductive point.

Members of the public and site visitors

Ensure members of the public and visitors to your place of work are not exposed to a risk of injury or illness from your work.

Before setting your machine up in an area where the public has access, contact the site manager, local council or other relevant organisation for instructions and site requirements.

Put barricades, bunting, signs and cones around the work area and make sure every feasible measure is taken to secure the area.

Make sure the rotating light and audible beeper on the machine is operating.

Surrounding structures

• Check the locations of buildings, towers, sheds, warehouses, advertising hoardings and other types of structures within or near the EWP’s work zone.
• Take care when operating near structures. Do not elevate the EWP into a position where it may come into contact with a surrounding structure.

Weather conditions

• The machine must not be used outside during wind, rain, snow or stormy conditions.
• Later model machines (1990s onwards) have a wind speed capability on their compliance plate. If the maximum wind speed far your machine is less than 12.5 metres per second, the machine is far indoor use only!

• During high winds, conductors will sway with the breeze. This needs to be considered in maintaining exclusion zones.
• The machine must not be used if there is a potential for a lightning strike.
• If you need to shut the machine down because of rain, recheck the ground conditions before starting up again, and if necessary relocate the EWP to more stable ground.

Planning emergency procedures

• Before starting any work you must be sure your operational plan includes procedures for responding to emergencies.
• This is to make sure you know what to do, and what sequence to do it in, should an emergency arise.
• The types of situations you need to consider are described under ’emergency procedures’.
• In addition, you must be aware of any site-specific emergency procedures for the work area.

Workplace consultation

Consultation with other people at the work site and anyone else that may be involved or affected by the work you do is essential, because it:

• informs these people about what will be happening
• allows them to alert you to any particular hazards or other problems, and
• Informs you about their work, allowing the work program to be properly organised and coordinated.

The people and groups with whom you will need to consult when you are planning your work have already been described in the discussion of job requirements, workplace rules, hazards and control measures above.

Refer back to these sections to make sure you know who needs to be involved in the consultation process.