Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Working at Heights

EWP Boom Lift Operations — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for operating elevated work platforms (EWP) including boom lifts and scissor lifts for work at height on construction and maintenance sites.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Full body harness and restraint lanyard (AS/NZS 1891)Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)Safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210)Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)Gloves

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height more than 2 metres
•Work involving use of plant — elevated work platform
•Work near overhead power lines

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-operational inspection of EWP

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Mechanical failure of EWP during operation due to undetected defect	Catastrophic	Complete a full pre-start inspection using the manufacturer's checklist before every shift. Check hydraulic fluid level, tyre pressure (or track condition), battery charge, all controls (up/down, drive, emergency lowering), safety interlocks, guardrail integrity, lanyard anchor points, and horn. Do not operate the machine if any defect is found — tag out with a red danger tag and notify supervisor immediately. Only use EWPs with a current maintenance record and within service intervals.	Moderate	EWP Operator
Operating EWP without current certification	High	All EWP operators must hold a current High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) — Class WP (boom lift over 11 m) or equivalent, issued by the relevant state regulator. Verify licence before commencing work and record licence number on SWMS. No person to operate EWP without a verified current licence. Verify licence via the relevant state regulator portal if authenticity is uncertain.	Low	Site Supervisor

2.Site assessment and ground preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
EWP tip-over due to soft, uneven, or sloped ground	Catastrophic	Inspect ground conditions before positioning EWP. Check manufacturer's gradient rating and confirm ground slope does not exceed specification (typically 3° for boom lifts). On soft ground, use spreader plates under outrigger pads sized per manufacturer guidelines. Never drive EWP over excavations, trenches, or underground services without confirming load capacity. If ground conditions are uncertain, obtain written sign-off from a structural engineer before use.	Moderate	EWP Operator / Site Supervisor
Contact with overhead power lines	Catastrophic	Identify all overhead power lines within the operating radius of the EWP before commencing. Establish the No Go Zone as per Safe Work Australia guidelines (minimum 3 m for lines up to 132 kV). Contact the network operator to have lines de-energised or insulated where work must occur within the No Go Zone. Physically mark the No Go Zone with barrier tape, witches hats, and spotter. Assign a dedicated EWP spotter when working within 6 m of any overhead line.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Spotter

3.Elevating and positioning workers in basket

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker fall from EWP basket	Catastrophic	All persons in the basket must wear a full body harness connected to the rated anchor point in the basket using a short restraint lanyard — this prevents falling out but allows movement within the basket. Maximum basket load (persons + tools) must not exceed the rated capacity shown on the data plate. Never climb on guardrails or lean outside the basket. Keep both feet inside the basket floor at all times.	Moderate	EWP Operator / Worker
EWP collision with structure or obstruction at height	High	Before elevating, walk the path of boom travel and identify all obstructions — pipes, beams, cables, signs. Operate controls slowly and smoothly. Maintain continuous visual contact with all structural elements. Assign a ground spotter to guide movement in areas with limited sightlines. Never swing the boom if visibility of the travel arc is obstructed. Stop immediately if an unexpected obstruction is encountered.	Low	EWP Operator / Spotter

4.Driving EWP in elevated position

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
EWP instability or tip-over while travelling elevated	Catastrophic	Only drive with boom elevated where the manufacturer's specifications explicitly permit it, and only at the permitted maximum drive height and speed. Check ground surface ahead before driving — never drive elevated over ramps, thresholds, or cambered surfaces without manufacturer approval. Reduce drive speed to minimum setting when elevated. Never drive elevated in windy conditions exceeding the manufacturer's rated wind speed (typically 40–50 km/h).	Moderate	EWP Operator
Persons struck by moving EWP at ground level	High	Establish a ground exclusion zone equal to the maximum travel arc of the boom plus 1.5 metres and barricade with physical barriers. Assign a dedicated spotter to control ground access and maintain radio or voice communication with the operator. Sound horn before moving. Never drive the EWP toward people. All persons in the exclusion zone must wear high-visibility PPE.	Low	Spotter / EWP Operator

5.Emergency procedures and rescue from EWP

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker becomes incapacitated in raised basket	Catastrophic	All EWPs must have a functioning ground-level emergency lowering control. Before commencing work, train the designated ground rescue person on the emergency lowering procedure for the specific machine. Post emergency lowering instructions at the base of the EWP. Contact 000 if the worker cannot be lowered safely or if medical attention is required. Never leave a raised EWP unattended with a person in the basket.	Moderate	Ground Rescue Person / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________