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. 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!