When you’re working at heights, you don’t want to improvise. Whether you’re fixing power lines, hanging a sign, or cutting back trees, the EWP you use is important, but so is the person running it.
An experienced and qualified Elevated Work Platform (EWP) operator will really change how the day goes. They keep everyone safe, keep things moving and prevent damage to your gear. When the person in control knows what they’re doing, you notice it straight away!
In this article, we’ll break down how a skilled EWP operator benefits your worksite and why wet hire renting both the machine and a licensed operator (known as wet hire) from Performance Tower Hire is often the smarter choice.
What Does a Skilled EWP Operator Actually Do?
Running an EWP isn’t about moving the lift up and down – the operator does way more than that. They’re watching what’s going on above and keeping things steady and safe while they work. A good operator notices problems before they happen and can adjust how they’re approaching the job on the fly.
A qualified elevated work platform operator typically handles:
- Pre-start inspections and daily safety checks
- Hazard assessments and setup
- Smooth, safe operation of the controls
- Constant communication with ground staff
- Compliance with height safety and site rules
In Queensland, operators may also work as access platform technicians or M31A-certified spotters, which adds another layer of on-site safety. If you’re unsure about licensing, take a look at this guide to EWP licences in Queensland.
Safety Comes First on Every Job
Spotting Hazards Before They Cause Trouble
When you’re working above the ground, there are going to be risks. Good operators keep an eye out the whole time, reading their surroundings, in tune with whats going on and making smart calls as they go.They know the rules and don’t need to overthink them.
Before kicking off a shift, they will do a quick walk-around of the EWP you’ve hired. Harness, tyres, hydraulics, controls – everything gets checked. That way they know there are no gremlins hiding in the machine that will take them by surprise.
If safety is your top priority, take a moment to review this EWP Hire Safety Checklist. It’s a practical guide that underscores the importance of a skilled operator to site safety.
Why Certification Matters
Getting a certified operator isn’t just ticking off a formality. It’s what keeps everyone on site, following the rules and out of trouble.
In Queensland, anyone running an EWP over 11 metres needs a High Risk Work licence with the WP class. That bit of training matters; it gives operators the confidence to make quick calls when things get tricky, keeping people and gear safe. Under 11-metres, an EWPA Yellow Card is required to operate the machine.
Boosting Efficiency and Productivity
Getting the Job Done Right the First Time
A capable operator makes work smoother. They know precisely how to position the lift for best access, saving your team from wasted effort and downtime. Their machine handling skills come from years of experience, not guesswork.
You notice the difference pretty quickly. The crew gets through jobs faster and there’s less running around fixing stuff that shouldn’t have gone wrong in the first place.
Reducing Delays and Downtime
An untrained operator can slow everything down, or worse, break something. The good ones know their machines and don’t push them past their limits. They’ll notice a weird sound or small leak before it turns into a headache. Little habits like that keep the lift running and save you from wasting days (and cash) on repairs.
At Performance Tower Hire, all EWPs undergo regular servicing and safety inspections before they reach your site. That reliability means fewer breakdowns and faster job completion.
Expert Problem Solving on Site
Jobs don’t always run smoothly. Maybe the ground’s uneven, there’s barely room to set up, or a tree branch is right where you need to work. That’s when a good operator really earns their keep.
Someone who’s spent time on the controls knows how to work around stuff like that. They’ll size up the spot, tweak the setup a bit, and keep things rolling instead of holding everyone up. Half the time, it’s those quick calls that stop a small hiccup from turning into a full-on delay.
At Performance Tower Hire, our operators are trained to assist with site setup, coordinate closely with ground staff, and provide real-time safety feedback during the work. They’re practical problem solvers who become an active part of your crew, helping you maintain both safety and productivity from start to finish.
Why Wet Hire with a Skilled EWP Operator Makes Sense
Training your own crew to run EWPs sounds good on paper, but it eats up time and money. You’ve got to find instructors, pull gear out of use, and wait while everyone gets up to speed. If the job’s running on a deadline or you’re working at height, wet hire is just the easier, safer way to go.
When you go for wet hire, you’re not only getting the machine, you’re getting someone who already knows it inside out. That alone saves a heap of trouble. The usual stuff that slows a job down, small mistakes, gear giving out, or safety scares, doesn’t happen as often when the operator actually knows their craft.
The pros also work faster. They read the ground, set up in no time, and deal with changes on site, bad weather, tight space, you name it. Their experience keeps things ticking so your team can focus on the actual work, not the machinery.
And for project managers, there’s the bonus: less risk and fewer insurance hassles. The operators come fully licensed and up to date with WHS standards, which keeps everything above board and on schedule.
Need help planning your next hire? Please take a look at our guide on key questions to ask before hiring an EWP. It’s packed with tips to help you choose the right machine and operator for your site.
What Qualifications Should Your EWP Operator Have?
If you’re bringing someone on to run an EWP, here’s what to look for:
- A WP licence (High Risk Work Licence) – In Queensland, anyone using an EWP over 11 metres needs this. It proves they’ve done the proper training and passed the tests. No licence, no lift, simple as that.
- Up-to-date EWP training – Beyond the licence, they should’ve done recent training on the exact type of machine they’ll be using, whether it’s a truck mounted EWP or a cherry picker.
- Real site experience – You want someone who’s handled this gear in the field, not just in a classroom. Those people spot problems early and stay calm when something doesn’t go to plan.
- Good grasp of site conditions and safety rules – They understand how soft ground, wind, or overhead wires change what’s safe. The best operators adjust without being told.
And it doesn’t end once they’ve got the ticket. The good crews keep their papers current and do refreshers so they don’t get rusty. Performance Tower Hire’s operators also get a quick briefing before each job so they’re across the site setup and what’s expected of them.
Talk to the Performance Tower Hire Team
If your project involves height access, it pays to have the right people and the right equipment. Performance Tower Hire brings years of hands-on experience across Queensland job sites, from construction and signage to electrical and tree work.
We’ll help you figure out which EWP fits your job, whatever industry you’re operating in, and line you up with someone licensed who can jump straight in.
Every operator is trained and briefed before heading out so they know what’s waiting for them on-site. They work right alongside your crew to keep things moving, stay safe, and finish on time without any fuss.
If you need an EWP truck hire crew you can count on, reach out to the Performance Tower Hire team.
FAQs
Why is it essential to have a skilled EWP operator on a construction site?
They help prevent accidents and make sure work at height runs safely and efficiently.
Why does a certified EWP operator improve worksite safety?
Certification proves the operator understands hazard control, equipment handling, and site rules.
Why does experience matter in high-risk environments?
Because a moment’s hesitation at height can cause severe damage or injury.
Why do unskilled operators lead to delays and extra costs?
They’re slower, prone to mistakes, and can damage machinery, causing costly downtime.
Why should you hire rather than train in-house EWP operators?
Hiring saves time and ensures compliance without taking your crew away from their main work.
Why do project managers prefer licensed EWP operators?
They know the job will be handled safely and on schedule.
Why does proper EWP handling reduce equipment wear and tear?
Correct operation reduces stress on mechanical parts and extends the machine’s life.
Why does EWP training need regular updates?
Regulations and machines change. Updated training keeps operators competent and compliant.
Why is communication important between EWP operators and ground staff?
Clear direction prevents accidents and keeps everyone working together.
Why do regulatory standards require skilled EWP operators?
Because safety laws exist to protect workers, qualified operators are key to meeting them.
Let’s take a look at some of the industries that rely on elevated work platforms to complete working at heights jobs regularly. Most people’s initial thought would be the construction industry, which is absolutely correct. EWPs are everywhere on building sites.
There are plenty of other industries that use them too – they’re one of those machines you don’t notice until you need one. When you do, you’ll find them more efficient and safer than messing around with scaffolding or ladders.
At Performance Tower Hire, we hire them out to a wide range of trades and businesses every day. Here are some of our biggest customers.
Construction and Building Work
Construction’s the obvious one. EWPs make life easier on any job that’s off the ground.
You’ll find boom lifts or cherry pickers being used for roof work, external walls, or installing cladding. Spider lifts are handy for ceilings and indoor fit-outs. Truck-mounted lifts are great when the crew is moving between sites. Check out our range of truck EWPs if you’d like some inspiration for your next building project.
For maintenance stuff like painting or cleaning, they’re a no-brainer. Roll up, lift up, get the job done. No scaffold needed. Even if you don’t have the required licenses within your team, we can offer you wet hire, whereby your machine comes with a fully qualified operator.
Electrical and Telecommunications
If you’ve seen someone up a power pole with their hard hat on, you’ve likely seen an EWP in action. Sparkies and telco techs use them all the time. They provide a stable and versatile platform from which they can perform their complicated electrical work.
They’re perfect for streetlights, comms towers, cabling, even stadium lights. Truck-mounted booms let them move from one site to the next quick smart.
If you’re an electrician and you’ve got a working at heights job coming up we’re here to answer any questions you might have. We can guide you to the right EWP for the project at hand.
Tree Lopping
Tree loppers love cherry pickers, and many of our EWP hire clients work in this industry. They make tall or awkward trees simple to handle. Instead of climbing and dealing with the complicated rigging that it involves, they’re up in the bucket trimming or removing branches in minutes. It’s quick and it’s a safe option where they’re not in the way of falling branches.
Often tree loppers will choose wet hire over dry hire, so they’ve got one of our operators at the controls of the EWP while they take care of the work on the tree. This setup works well when space is tight or the ground is uneven.
Signage and Advertising
Billboard crews, sign installers and shopfront fitters all rely on EWPs. They need to work high and fast, often in busy spots. An EWP can get in close, let them reach what they need, then be gone before anyone even notices.
A truck-mounted EWP is a favourite for signage jobs, particularly in busy urban areas. They can get in nice and close to the sign, and once the job is done, it’s easy to just move on to the next one.
Cleaning and Washing
Those big shiny buildings don’t clean themselves. Window cleaners and façade washers use EWPs every day to get to the difficult to reach windows and keep them nice and sparkly. With trucks like our PTH541 available to hire that have a vertical reach of up to 54 metres, An EWP can cover a lot of windows. That particular truck has a 600kg basket capacity, so you can get multiple team members up high to get the cleaning job done!
Warehouses and Factories
Warehouses and industrial sheds always need stuff fixed up high, from lights and vents to sprinklers and CCTV cameras. They’re also handy when it comes to stock picking in some cases, or inspecting hard-to-reach areas.
We recommend spider lifts as the go-to for internal work in a warehouse. They’re compact and easy to move and leave no mess on the floor.
Film and Events
You’d be surprised how often EWPs show up behind the scenes! The film industry has been making use of boom lifts and cherry pickers for many years, and that’s not slowing down, even with the growth of drone filmography.
The reason for that is the weight-bearing capacity of EWPs. You can get multiple operators, plus their heavy lighting and advanced camera gear, into the basket for filming. They can then film angles that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
They’re multifunctional too. While the film crews use them for lighting and camera angles, event crews can use them for staging, banners, and decorations.
Painters
A painter will probably tell you an EWP’s the best mate you can have. Big walls, roofs and sheds – they make painting easy. There’s no balancing on ladders or spending hours setting up scaffolding. Just steady, level work that cuts down on setup time and keeps the painting team and the worksite as safe as possible.
Councils and Emergency Crews
City Councils use EWPs for all sorts of tasks, from trimming trees to fixing street lights and fixing up billboards. Most of our council clients opt for a truck-mounted lift for their work around town. They just roll in, lift up and get the job done.
Cherry pickers are also often used after storms when cleanup crews need quick access to broken trees or power lines.
Why Multiple Industries Hire EWPs
It’s simple. It’s safe, quick, and cheaper than buying your own when you hire an EWP.
Owning one means servicing, storing, and paying for something that might sit idle half the year. Hiring makes more sense. You get the machine you need, in top shape, when you need it.
Performance Tower Hire looks after the lot – from inspections and maintenance to delivery. Every elevated work platform is ready to go when it lands on site.
Book Your Next EWP with Performance Tower Hire
EWPs keep half the country’s tradies moving. From builders to sign installers, they’re the reason so many jobs at height get done safely and on time.
At Performance Tower Hire, we work with all sorts of industries across South East Queensland. We’ve got a huge range of EWPs just waiting to go. They’re all in mint condition you have the option of choosing between wet hire and dry hire too.
If your next job’s off the ground, give us a buzz on 1300 784 473 or get in touch here. We’ll get you sorted.
Working at heights comes with a certain level of risk, no matter what job you’re undertaking. Safety isn’t an option – it’s something you need to rigorously adhere to so that your team and worksite are protected.
At Performance Tower Hire, your safety on the job is our absolute priority. When you hire an elevated work platform from us (or any other EWP hire company), there are key steps to take to ensure safety is adhered to at every step of the job. We’re going to go over them today in this EWP hire safety checklist, so you can enjoy safer, more efficient and successful working at heights jobs!
1. Choose the Right EWP for the Job
Every job is different, and so is every EWP. Picking the right machine for your site is the first step in keeping everyone safe.
Some of the factors to take into consideration include:
- Is the job indoors or outdoors? If its indoors, what is the access to the building like? You want to hire a machine that can fit into the building, yet still be able to work at the height you require.
- Height and reach: The job needs to be within the capabilities of the machine. We recommend hiring an EWP that can comfortably reach the required height, rather than one that is pushed to the maximum limit.
- Terrain and weight capacities: Check whether the ground is stable and what kind of load you’ll need to lift. This includes people, tools and materials.
If you’re unsure which EWP is right, chat to our team at Performance Tower Hire. We know the local conditions and understand Queensland worksites. We’ve also got a wide range of EWPs for hire, and will help match the right machine to your task.
2. Choose the Right Hire Company
Not all hire companies are created equal. A well-maintained, modern fleet can make the difference between a safe job and a risky one.
Below are some basic requirements of EWP hire companies. These are boxes that should be ticked – it’s a bit of a red flag if they’re not.
- Has an up-to-date service history of each machine, with evidence of regular inspections.
- Gives pre-hire safety and operational briefings.
- Responsive in communications and have a support team on hand in case something goes wrong on site.
- Up to speed with Queensland safety regulations and can advise on licensing and compliance.
3. Make Sure Your Operators Are Qualified
In Queensland, operator licensing and training requirements are clearly defined:
- EWP under 11 metres: You don’t need a High Risk Work (HRW) Licence, but you do need training or a Verification of Competency (VOC) that’s relevant to the machine. Site induction and supervision are still essential.
- EWP over 11 metres: A High Risk Work Licence (WP Class) is mandatory. Operators must also be familiar with the specific type of machine they’re using.
It’s the hirer’s responsibility to make sure everyone using the EWP is appropriately qualified. That includes checking:
- Current licences and VOCs.
- Recent refresher training.
- Site inductions and supervision arrangements.
If you don’t have qualified operators on your team, Performance Tower Hire offers wet hire. This means you get a fully qualified and experienced operator along with your machine hire.
4. Conduct a Comprehensive Pre-Start Checklist
Before operating any EWP, a thorough pre-start inspection is non-negotiable. This should be done daily, ideally at the start of each shift.
Here’s what to check for:
Visual Checks
- Fluid leaks, rust or corrosion.
- Check tyres for wear or damage. Note tyre pressure too.
- Inspect guardrails, gates and harness anchor points.
- Make sure decals and warning labels are intact and readable.
Functional Checks
- Test all controls (ground and platform) to make sure they respond correctly.
- Check the brake and steering.
- Are all the lights working? What about alarms and switches?
- Put the platform through its full range of motion to make sure everything is in order.
Documentation
- Check the logbook to ensure recent inspections were all in order.
- Make sure servicing has been completed regularly on the machine.
- Review your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for the day.
Environment
- What are the ground conditions like? Are there steep slopes, wet soil or hidden obstacles?
- Check that no overhead hazards such as electricity cabling will impact your job.
- Check the weather conditions for the upcoming time period – adverse weather can affect the safe operation of your elevated work platform.
Emergency Preparedness
- Find the emergency buttons on the machine and double-check your team is familiar with them.
- Test emergency lowering controls from the ground and the basket.
- Review your site’s rescue plan. Your team needs to know who’s responsible for what and how to respond.
If anything doesn’t look or feel right, report it to the hire company immediately and don’t use the machine.
5. Set Up a Safe Work Zone
There needs to be clear boundaries around your work area. Workers or passers by in the vicinity should be aware that risky work is taking place there.
- Establish exclusion zones to keep pedestrians and vehicles out.
- Post clear signage warning others that EWP work is in progress.
- Maintain safe clearances from powerlines.
- Assign a spotter if needed, especially in busy areas.
You want clear communication between operators and ground crew during a working at heights job. This is key to avoiding accidents.
6. Monitor Weather and Site Conditions
Queensland weather can turn quickly, so keep an eye on conditions throughout the day.
- Wind: Sitting in a basket high up in the air can be pretty hair-raising when the wind picks up. EWPs have a wind rating, make sure you’re operating in wind levels the machine is comfortable with.
- Storms: Is there lightning around? Stop work immediately.
- Rain: You don’t want to be working in the rain. Platforms get slippers and communication becomes harder.
If weather conditions deteriorate, lower the platform, secure the machine, and wait it out. It’s always best to err on the side of caution.
7. Emergency Planning and Communication
No matter how meticulously you’ve planned, accidents and emergencies can still happen. You want to be prepared for them.
- Your trained personnel on site need to be clear on how to lower the EWP in an emergency.
- Keep radios or phones on hand for clear communication.
- Brief everyone at the start of the day so they know the procedure if something goes wrong.
At Performance Tower Hire, we can provide advice on best-practice emergency planning and procedures. Just check in with our team when you hire an EWP from us.
8. Returning the Machine Safely
Once the job’s done, it’s important to return the machine in the same condition you hired it. A well-looked-after machine is safer for the next hire and avoids unnecessary repair fees.
- Refuel or recharge if required.
- Clean down the platform if it’s muddy or dirty.
- Report any issues, faults or damage.
Contact Performance Tower Hire for Your EWP Hire
Staying safe when hiring an EWP for working at heights isn’t complicated; it just requires consistency and commitment. It’s about being prepared, choosing the right equipment and having an experienced and knowledgeable team.
At Performance Tower Hire, we offer impeccably maintained EWPs, expert guidance, and fast local support to worksites across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Whether you’re on a small maintenance job or a major construction project, our team will help you choose the right machine and work safely from day one.
Get in touch with Performance Tower Hire today to book your next EWP hire.
EWP Hire Safety FAQs
Do I need a licence to operate an EWP in Queensland?
For platforms under 11m, formal licensing isn’t required, but you do need relevant training or a VOC. For EWPs over 11m, a WP class High Risk Work Licence is mandatory.
What happens if it rains during the hire period?
If the weather turns bad, lower the platform, secure the machine and wait until conditions improve. Never operate in storms or high winds.
Can I move the machine between worksites?
Yes, but you’ll need to let Performance Tower Hire know so they can advise on transport and site-specific considerations.
How far in advance should I book an EWP?
For larger jobs, booking early is best to lock in availability. Smaller machines can often be organised quickly, but demand can spike during busy periods.
What support does Performance Tower Hire offer during the hire?
If you experience any issues, PTH’s local team can provide fast technical support, troubleshooting, or a replacement machine where needed.
Hiring an EWP in Brisbane or around South East Queensland? You want to land on the right machine for the job at hand on the first go. That’s why the Performance Tower Hire team is always available to answer your questions and guide you. But before you get in touch about your project, there are a few key questions to ask yourself that will help us all.
Asking these before each EWP hire can save you money and help keep your team efficient and safe while working at heights.
1. What Job Am I Doing?
Different jobs require different features of an elevated work platform. What job will you be doing? Trimming trees, painting a building, repairing overhead electrical cables? Have a think about the job you’re doing and what features you need from your platform.
- Cherry pickers offer reach and flexibility, allowing the user to move up and across.
- Truck-mounted EWPs are great for jobs that require regular movement and enhanced mobility.
- Boom lifts allow you to access hard-to-reach areas, extending vertically and horizontally. Very useful if you need to reach over an obstacle to get to your job site.
2. What Height is the Job at?
The height you’re working at is obviously a huge factor. Once you have a grasp of that, there are a couple of things to think about with regards to the EWP itself:
- Platform height (how far the platform itself reaches)
- Working height (your reach from the platform, which is usually platform height plus two metres)
- Horizontal reach, if you need to extend outwards as well as up on your EWP.
Overestimating or underestimating height can lead to hiring the wrong equipment, which is a surefire way to delay your project. Our team will guide you through your job and help you land on the exact machine you need!
3. What’s the Ground Like at My Site?
This one gets missed a lot. Is the surface flat and stable? Muddy, grassy or gravel?
Rough terrain is going to require an EWP to match, one with the stability and clearance to tackle the landscape you’re working on. Using the wrong machine on rough terrain can be a serious safety hazard.
4. Wet Hire or Dry Hire?
Most EWPs require a licensed operator, especially if they exceed certain height thresholds. If you or your team don’t have the right licence or certification, wet hire (equipment + operator) might be the best option.
We offer both wet and dry hire at Performance Tower Hire. If you don’t have the right qualifications or don’t have the time capacity to operate the machinery, we’ll provide an experienced operator to get the job done efficiently and safely.
5. What’s the Project Timespan?
Have a clear idea of your timeline. Whether it’s a one-day job or a month-long project, knowing your hire period helps with:
- Availability (some machines get booked out fast)
- Accurate quotes
- Planning transport and setup
Knowing your timeframe allows us to figure out the most cost-effective hire option for you.
6. What Safety Features Do I Need When Hiring an EWP?
Safety is everything when working at heights. It’s our number one focus here at Performance Tower Hire, and we’re always happy to talk about the EWP safety features we offer. Ask us about:
- Guardrails and harness anchor points
- Emergency descent systems
- Non-slip surfaces
- Up-to-date service and inspection records
We’re happy to give you walkthroughs of our EWPs for hire and guide you through safe operating procedures.
7. Can the EWP Get Onto My Site?
This consideration often gets overlooked no matter what industry is hiring the EWP. Make sure:
- There’s enough space for delivery and setup
- Access gates or entries are wide enough
- Weight limits on driveways or floors are accounted for
- Overhead obstructions like tree branches or power lines won’t get in the way
Even things like slope or turning space can make a difference in whether a machine can be safely manoeuvred into position.
8. Should I go for an Electric or Diesel EWP?
There are both electric EWPs and diesel EWPs available. The nature of your job determines which type would be best for you.
Indoor work that requires you to be a bit more unobtrusive would be better suited to an electric EWP. Remote outdoor sites suit a diesel machine.
9. What’s the Plan if Things Go Wrong?
Not all jobs run perfectly to plan. That’s why it’s important to ask:
- Is there emergency support available?
- What happens if the machine breaks down?
- How quickly can a replacement be delivered?
At Performance Tower Hire, we pride ourselves on responsive support. If anything goes wrong, we’re onto it fast.
10. What Does the Quote Include?
Last but not least, check what you’re actually paying for. Ask if the quote includes:
- Delivery and pick-up
- Fuel (for diesel machines)
- Insurance
- Cleaning or damage charges
The Performance Tower Hire team willl make sure there are no surprises at the end of your hire.
Contact the Brisbane EWP Hire Professionals
If you need a quality, well-maintained and safe elevated work platform for your project, Performance Tower Hire is here for you. We have a fleet of machines that includes cherry pickers, truck-mounted EWP platforms, boom lifts and bucket trucks.
Our equipment is all meticulously maintained to ensure reliable and safe operations. We have a crew of experienced operators available for your wet hire, or if you’re self-operating we can organise dry hire.
Get in touch today and let’s talk about your next working at heights project!
