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.

Wet hire is when you rent a piece of equipment along with a trained and licensed operator to run it. It’s a common practice across construction, electrical, signage, and civil works industries and comes with multiple benefits that save your business time, money and hassle.

Before we look at why so many businesses across Brisbane choose wet hire for their EWPs like cherry pickers and boom lifts, let’s spell out exactly what it entails.

What is Wet Hire?

When hiring an EWP, you get to choose between wet hire and dry hire. 

With dry hire, you get the machine alone, meaning you’re responsible for its operation by a licensed professional. If you have the right team on site to do this, it can be a good idea. There are a few things to think about, though, including licensing and learning curve delays. 

Wet hire, as we stated above, means an experienced operator is hired along with the machine. They’re familiar with the equipment and how to operate it in a safe manner. If time is tight or you have a complicated job to get done, this could be a good option for you. 

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of wet hire agreements when you have a working at heights job to complete. 

Advantages of Wet Hire Agreements

When you’re faced with choosing between wet hire and dry hire, here are some of the reasons you may decide to opt for wet hire. 

Comes with a Licensed Operator

This is the big one.

When you choose wet hire, the machine comes with a licensed operator who knows exactly how to use it. You don’t need to scramble to find a qualified operator or take the risk of trusting your job to an inexperienced team member. 

All our wet hire operators at Performance Tower Hire are fully licensed, trained, and experienced with the specific equipment they’re running. They’re more than ticketed; they’re competent and confident and will get the job done right the first time.

Wet Hire is Efficient

If you hire an EWP without an operator and your team isn’t familiar with it, time will be wasted as they learn how it handles. You don’t want to rush working at heights if you’re not confident in the machine. As always, safety is paramount. 

Because your wet hire operator is familiar with their machine they can just dive straight into the work that needs to be done. Setup is fast, operations are smooth and there will be less delays. When your job gets finished faster and to a high standard, you’re saving money. 

No Maintenance Headaches

Another massive bonus of wet hire is that there are no maintenance worries. At Performance Tower Hire all our EWPs for hire are regularly serviced and kept in excellent condition. You’ll never have to worry about them letting you down on the job. 

Our machines are thoroughly checked and serviced before every job, and any issues that arise on-site are taken care of by us. Reliable machines are safe machines. 

Insured and Compliant

Using your own team to operate hired equipment comes with risks, especially if they’re not properly trained or licensed. If thats the case and something does go wrong, you could be in for a messy insurance claim. 

Those risks don’t exist with wet hire. Your licensed operator is compliant with all the legal and licensing regulations, and because they are expert at handling the EWP you hire, there’s less chance of something going wrong. 

Everything is above board –  you get peace of mind and the job gets done. 

High-Quality Equipment

When you wet hire with a reputable provider like Performance Tower Hire, you’re getting access to well-maintained, high-quality gear. We buy quality EWPs, and we look after them so they can serve you well on your working at heights job. Your EWP safety is our utmost concern. 

Our fleet includes EWP trucks, cherry pickers and boom lifts that are regularly serviced, inspected, and upgraded to stay at the top of their game. You’re not getting old, worn-out machinery. That means better performance, more reliability and fewer site delays.

No Distractions – Just the Job at Hand

An underrated benefit of wet hire is that the operator is there for one reason: to operate the machine.

They’re not checking emails, answering site queries or getting pulled off to do other jobs. They’re focused on running the machine and getting the job done. 

On busy sites with multiple distractions, that single-minded focus is gold. 

Performance Tower Hire – Brisbane Wet Hire Experts

When it comes to wet hire in Brisbane, Performance Tower Hire has you covered.

We’ve been supporting tradies, project managers and business owners across South East Queensland for years. Our EWPs for hire are top quality, our team is friendly and reliable and our operators are world-class. 

Whether you need a cherry picker for a signage job or a bucket truck for lighting maintenance, we’ve got the equipment and the experience to help you get the job done.

Our wet hire service means you can get straight to work. Give us a call now and we’ll walk you through the EWPs we have available, and figure out the right one for the job at hand. Chat soon!

Hiring EWP equipment can make or break a project’s progress. It doesn’t matter if you’re working on power lines, cutting back trees near traffic, or putting up a sign; choosing the right elevated work platform setup makes a difference. 

One of the big decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go with wet hire or dry hire. Pick the wrong one and you could waste time or blow the budget. Pick the right one and things go a lot smoother!

Performance Tower Hire offers both wet and dry hire across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Not sure which way to go? Not even sure what the two terms refer to? Let’s run through it all for you. 

What Is Wet Hire and Dry Hire?

Wet Hire Explained

With wet hire, you’re getting the gear and a qualified and licensed operator to run it. They handle setup, operation, and make sure everything’s done safely. For a lot of crews, that takes a load off, especially when the job’s tricky or there’s more risk involved.

Benefits of wet hire include:

• An operator is included in the hire package.
• Peace of mind knowing you’ve got a licensed EWP operator.
• Less responsibility for maintenance and liability.
• Faster completion of tasks thanks to wet hire efficiency advantages.

Dry Hire Explained

Dry hire, on the other hand, is the machine only. You provide your own operator, who must be licensed and competent to operate the equipment. This option can work well if you’ve already got trained staff on the payroll.

Key points about dry hire:

• Lower upfront cost compared to wet hire.
• More control over how the machine is used.
• You’re the one in charge of safety checks and keeping the machine in good shape while it’s on hire.
• If your operator doesn’t know what they’re doing, or isn’t licensed, it can cause problems fast.

Not sure what cherry pickers are made for? We’ve broken it down here.

Wet Hire vs Dry Hire: Key Differences at a Glance

Here’s a simple comparison of the two options:

Feature	Wet Hire	Dry Hire
Operator	Included (licensed & insured)	Client provides their own
Cost	Higher upfront, less risk	Lower upfront, more risk
Efficiency	High – faster turnaround	Depends on operator’s skill
Safety	Hire company manages	Client is responsible
Best for	Complex, high-exposure jobs	Routine, straightforward tasks

 

Advantages of Wet Hire

Choosing EWP wet hire can be a smart move when the stakes are high. Here’s why:

Expertise and Safety

Wet hire gives you access to a skilled professional. A licensed operator knows how to handle equipment safely, even in tight or hazardous spaces. If you’re working near live power or traffic, having that extra layer of expertise is vital.

For more insight on safe practices, see how to be safe when using a cherry picker.

Saving Time on Site

Every delay costs money. With wet hire, the operator arrives ready to go. There’s no waiting for staff training or troubleshooting unfamiliar controls. Jobs finish quicker, which often offsets the higher upfront cost.

Reduced Risk and Liability

When you book wet hire, the hire company handles operator insurance coverage, maintenance, and setup. That means fewer surprises in your hire agreement terms and less exposure to legal or financial headaches.

Advantages of Dry Hire

Dry hiring works well if you already have qualified staff available.

Lower Cost for Skilled Teams

With dry hire, you’re paying for the machine only. If your operators are already licensed and on the payroll, this can keep costs down.

More Control

Some businesses prefer to handle equipment their own way. Dry hire gives you that flexibility. You set the pace, assign staff, and manage schedules without relying on an external operator.

Ideal for Routine Jobs

Putting up signs, doing basic maintenance, or working somewhere low-risk? Dry hire could suffice, especially if you have licensed operators on your team. Just keep in mind that dry hire responsibilities include safe operation and any downtime caused by errors.

For licensing requirements, see whether you need a licence to operate a cherry picker.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Wet or Dry Hire

How do you decide between wet and dry hire? Ask yourself these questions:

How complex is the job?

High-risk or technical projects usually lean toward wet hire. Got power lines, traffic, or rough ground to deal with? A skilled operator can handle it safely and keep things moving.

Do I have licensed operators in-house?

No licence? No experience? Then, dry hire could land you in trouble with safety, the law, or just wasted hours on-site.

What’s my budget?

Dry hire might seem cheaper upfront, but if things go wrong, it can end up costing more. Wet hire can help you avoid stuff like downtime or damage that sets you back.

What’s in the hire agreement?

Before you sign, find out who’s covering what, repairs, insurance, and liability. Sort it early so there’s no mess later.

How important is efficiency?

Wet hire often speeds things up because the operator is familiar with the machine inside and out. Dry hiring works if your team already has the skills and time to complete the job.

When Wet Hire Works Best

Wet hire shines in industries where safety and precision can’t be compromised:

• Arboriculture: Tree trimming around powerlines.
• Electrical work: Tasks near live wires.
• Construction: High-rise jobs requiring advanced maneuvering.
• Telecommunications: Working in areas with limited access or heavy equipment demands.

When Dry Hire Works Best

Dry hire is usually the better option for:

• Signage installation where the work is straightforward.
• Routine building maintenance with minimal risks.
• Companies with in-house teams that already have trained, licensed operators.

Wet Hire vs Dry Hire: Cost Considerations

• Wet hire: Wet hire’s not the cheapest, but it can save you from breakdowns, downtime, and dealing with insurance drama. Plus, you’ve got someone who knows how to run the gear properly.
• Dry hire: Dry hire might look cheaper at first, but costs can pile up fast. You’ll be the one paying for the operator, extra insurance, and any damage if something goes wrong.

Price isn’t the only thing to weigh up. Wet hire might cost more upfront, but it could save you big if it helps avoid delays or accidents. But if you’ve already got trained operators on the crew, dry hire might still make more sense.

Conclusion

The choice between wet hire and dry hire depends on your team’s skills, your budget, and the complexity of the project. Wet hire delivers speed, safety, and less responsibility on your shoulders. Dry hire gives you flexibility and cost savings if you’ve already got the right staff.

At Performance Tower Hire, we offer both options across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Whether you need a licensed operator with your cherry picker or just the equipment, our team can guide you through the best choice for your project.

Ready to book or need advice? Get in touch today, and let’s keep your worksite running smoothly.

FAQs About Wet Hire and Dry Hire

Why include an operator in a hire arrangement?

Because they bring skill, safety knowledge, and liability coverage.

Why might it be cheaper to hire equipment only?

You avoid paying for operator wages, but you take on more responsibility.

Why is operator expertise critical when using a cherry picker?

Because EWPs can be dangerous without proper training and licensing.

Why could wet hire save time on-site?

Operators are experienced and can set up and complete jobs more efficiently.

Why is a dry hire riskier without proper licensing?

Letting someone unlicensed run the thing? That’s how stuff gets broken, and how you end up paying for it.

Why should a business assess in-house capabilities before choosing?

So you don’t end up hiring equipment that your staff can’t legally or safely operate.

Why do wet hires typically cost more upfront?

You’re paying for the machine plus a trained operator, along with insurance.

Why might wet hire be safer in complex or high-exposure tasks?

Experienced operators know how to handle risky sites without making a mess of things.

Why would someone prefer dry hire for simple jobs?

It’s cost-effective if the work is low-risk and your staff are already licensed.

Why is clarity in hire agreements essential?

That way, you’re not left guessing about who’s paying for what if something goes sideways.