Do you know the design registration requirements for mobile EWPs and Scissor Lifts?

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Since the introduction of the new harmonised Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (WHS) in ACT, NSW, NT, QLD and SA there have been some minor changes in the Design Registration requirements of certain types of lifting equipment, such as Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) and Scissor Lifts.

All states recognise each other’s Design Registrations, which means that if an EWP has been design registered in one state, it will be suitable for use in all states and territories. End users should be weary of the fact that WorkSafe WA still refers to the older Standard AS1418.10:2004, as opposed to the updated Standard AS1418.10:2011.

The table below outlines the Design Registration Requirements for various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms and Scissor Lifts. Photos of the referenced MEWP Types are shown below for clarity.

Design Registration Requirement for Mobile EWPs and Scissor Lifts by State

Source: EWPA-DRR-V.2-June 2014

Table Notes:
1. For lift heights greater than 2.4m
2. Compliance to AS1418.10:2004 is required.
3. Compliance to AS1418.10:2011 is required.
4. Compliance to AS1418.10:2011 or any equivalent Standard is required.

EWP and Scissor Lift Types

Boom and Trailer Lift, Truck Mounted Boom Lift, Truck Mounted Scissor Lift

The application for Design Registration on Boom Type EWPs shall be lodged in the same State as the registered office of the applicant. This means that if the applicant is based in Perth they must lodge the application with WorkSafe WA, where an applicant based in Sydney must lodge an application with WorkCover NSW.

It is important to note that Scissor Lifts with a lift height greater than 2.4m must be registered in Victoria, but do not require registration in any other state. This may cause some confusion to the use of Scissor Lifts on a Western Australia mine site as Scissor Lifts with a platform movement in excess of 2.4m require Design Registration or Registration with the State Mining Engineer.

Regulation 6.34(5) of the Western Australia Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 (MSIR – 1995) states that powered hoists, with a platform movement in excess of 2.4 metres and designed to lift people must be registered with the State Mining Engineer.

There is a general exemption from the provisions of Regulation 6.34(1), which allows classified plant listed in Regulation 6.34(5) to be used on a mine site without being registered with the State Mining Engineer, provided that the item of plant has been design registered by any other Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Authority with the responsibility for Plant safety.

As a result, any Scissor Lift with a work platform movement in excess of 2.4m which is to be used on a mine site must be either Design Registered with a Commonwealth, State or Territory Authority or with the State mining engineer. In all other instances, except for use within Victoria, no design registration will be required.

DISCLAIMER: The statements, views and opinions presented in this article are those of the author. Asset Management Engineers Pty Ltd does not warrant the correctness of the information provided or its fitness for any purpose.