It's not unusual for spotters and operators of elevating work platforms to communicate by way of UHF radios either as a backup or if there are factors that mitigate warning signals such as a whistle. However this may not be without risk.
EWPA Inc recently became of an incident involving unintended motion of the EWP occurring even though motion control had not been actuated. Further investigation revealed the UHF transmitter had been placed on top of the control panel in close proximity to the joystick controls resulting in radio interference. It seems that only some UHF radios and some channels result in interference.
When performing any task other than manoeuvring the EWP, the EWP motion controls should be disabled by the function control switch (such as foot-switch). Simultaneous operations of EWP and other devices (such as a phone or 2-way) may divert from safe operation. There is an information paper on the issue available for download here: ewpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Interference-Effects-Using-Radio-Transmitters-in-MEWPs-Dec...
It's still officially winter, but it was a super sunny Saturday this weekend - good enough to complete a painting makeover & new signage for clients Integral Insurance Services. Overhead electrical hazards were there, but with the spotter in place everything got completed safely.
Photo thanks to Andrea.
#lookupandlive #bestpractice #nogozone #ElectricalHazards
A webinar presented by EWPA Inc today, specifically on Mobile Elevating Work Platforms and the use of spotters to minimise risks in their use.
It's a lengthy video - about 45', so set aside a bit of time and a quiet environment to take in all the information. There are 3 guest speakers and our contribution was in the middle 1/3
MEWPs and spotters - When do I need a spotter?
www.youtube.com
This webinar will be presented by Andrew Delahunt – EWPA Director of Resources – Safety, Technical & Training and will cover the following areas • Training •...· High Voltage conductors
· Low Voltage conductors
· Service cables
on the right ➡️
· Narrow access
· Sloping ground
⬅️ on the left.
· Inclement winter weather ⬆️
· Social distancing ↔️
Rendering all done safely ✅
Working with Trinity Builders VIC Pty Ltd. Thanks to Rod for the photo
What's our clearance from that conductor? We can probably tell you within about 100mm.
SafetySpotter is the only accredited electrical safety spotter service in Victoria that uses the TruPulse 360º professional laser rangefinder to take the guesswork out of your next project. By using this handy device and focusing on any 2 points (in any direction), we can give you up to 5 measurements:
· horizontal distance
· vertical distance
· sloping distance
· inclination
· azimuth
The first 2 readings are the most critical when you need to work around power-lines
#BestPractice #NoGoZone #LookUpAndLive
Some important change for all Victorian employers took effect this month. Importantly their OH&S obligations now come with significantly tougher new penalties - should negligence lead to a worker dying on the job. WorkSafe Victoria have also scaled up with 11 new staff: 8 experienced investigators & 3 newly graduated investigators who have transferred after years of experience with Victoria Police.
A conviction could involve manslaughter charges, with up to 25 years in prison for individuals or $16M in fines for corporations. 😮
We're committed to helping your crew work safely around (overhead & underground) electrical hazards and remain compliant.
www.hireandrentalnews.com.au/sa-manslaughter-laws-take-effect/
Not sure which electricity distributor to contact for a No-Go-Zone permit?
Send us an email or message - or check out the interactive map here: www.energy.vic.gov.au/electricity/electricity-distributors
One of our most scenic mid-winter jobs yet - excavating for a new car parking area & cellar door building adjacent to SWER lines
We can spot for overhead electrical hazards anywhere in the State of #Victoria. This one is for #newinfrastructure #watermains on the urban fringe.
NB. You can't see the overhead lines in this photo (thanks to Rod) but maybe that's why we're there? 🤔