24.02.2010

Australia publishes safety device requirements

The Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia and Australian regulators have published a revised interim guidance for safety devices required on aerial lifts for 2010/11.

The devices, which generally bring AS1418-10 into line with European standard EN280 requirements, however given the delay in publishing the new AS1418-10 it has been agreed to adopt the interim position.

All devices must be fitted to all new locally built or imported aerial lifts from June 1st 2010, with the exception of the overload devices which must be fitted from March 2011 on un-insulated lifts and March 2012 for insulated platforms.

Once AS1418-10 is finally published or there are any changes to EN280, the requirements will be reviewed again.

The revised guidance has been drawn up with input from EWPA members including manufacturers, suppliers, rental fleet owners and end users, in co-operation with the regulators, led by Michael Chan of Queensland and Ian Markos of South Australia.
Click here to read or download a copy of the guidelines
Unless serious objections - that can lead to a reasonable amendment to the policy - are received by mid-March 2010, the policy will be formally declared by Australian Regulators in April 2010.