14.09.2009

Australia delays AS1418.10 revision

Publication of the revision to the Australian standards for MEWPs - AS1418.10, which was out for public comment and almost complete has now been delayed. However state regulators are keen to implement most of the new rules from January.

The proposed changes included a number of new safety items that would bring AS1418.10 more into harmony with the European standard - EN280 and proposed ISO standards. The most contentious issue has been the implementation of load sensing devices for all aerial lifts.

Although the completion date has been delayed, state Regulators are keen to progress a number of the revisions in particular the safety devices, as per Table 2.10 and AS4024, regardless of publication date.

The net effect will mean that load sensing will be required on all new Non-Insulated lifts from September 2010 – All other safety items will be required from January 2010.

Insulated platforms will not need to include load sensing until 2012.

The following proposal is being put forward by regulators with regards to all new aerial lifts supplied into Australia from January 2010.

1. All new MEWPs supplied into Australia from January 2010 will comply with the safety device requirements of Table 2.10, except for load and moment sensing.

2. All new non-insulated MEWPs supplied into Australia from September 2010 will comply in full with the safety device requirements of Table 2.10 (ie including load and moment sensing).

3. Insulated MEWPs will have a moratorium on load and moment sensing until January 2012.

The Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia is seeking input on this proposal from manufacturers and other interested parties. A link to the EWPA web site can be found in our Access & Lifting directory on this web site.