If you’re an Australian business and rely on an elevated work platform (EWP) to get the job done, you know how important regular servicing is. There are a number of different milestones to hit with the maintenance of your machine, but the biggest one is undoubtedly the major EWP 10-year service.
Due when your machine hits ten years from its manufacture/compliance date, this major inspection is a legal requirement in Australia. If you want to stay on the right side of the law and keep operating your EWP after its 10th birthday, this mandatory service is something you simply have to get done.
Today we’re going to talk about what it is, why it’s mandatory and how Altequip can help with all your EWP servicing, including the 10-year major inspection. Let’s take a look.
What is the 10-Year Major Inspection?
The major EWP 10-year service is a comprehensive inspection and overhaul of your EWP. It’s a big one, designed to hit the reset button and prepare your machine for the next five years of service. To do this, it digs deep to identify fatigue, corrosion and structural wear that may not show up during regular servicing. This may involve dismantling the platform to inspect parts critical to the safe and effective use of the machine.
Whether your EWP has been used daily or spent a few years sitting on the sidelines, the 10-year inspection is still required.
Why is it Mandatory?
Safe workplaces are a priority in Australia, no matter your industry. When it comes to working at heights, there are inherent risks with the nature of the job that need to be mitigated. Australian Standard AS 2550.10 and WHS regulations help to do that, with one of their requirements being that all boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers need a major inspection at ten years and then every 5 years thereafter.
While the ultimate goal is safety, the 10-year major inspection can also identify issues that, once solved, will give your EWP an extended lifespan. Peace of mind and financial benefits accompany the pivotal one of keeping your team and property safe.
What Does a EWP 10-Year Service Involve?
First off, the major EWP service needs to be performed by a qualified and trained technician, like the Altequip EWP servicing department. Once successfully completed and passed, they can issue you with a compliance plate and your Major Inspection certification. You can also expect a thoroughly documented report about what they inspected, any discoveries made and any rectifications performed.
Here’s what the service will usually involve:
- Your EWP will be stripped down, cleaned, and examined from top to bottom.
- Structural components will be tested using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to check for hidden flaws.
- Key parts like pins, bushes, and high-stress bolts will be checked and replaced if necessary.
- Hydraulic hoses, valves, and cylinders will be checked and, if needed, replaced.
- Electrical systems will be tested and inspected for safety and performance.
- Corrosion will be treated, and the machine may be repainted and rust-proofed.
- Once rebuilt the platform goes through full-function testing to make sure everything works like new.
When is Your EWP Due?
The clock starts ticking from the date of manufacture/compliance, not necessarily from when you bought it or started using it. You’ll usually find this date on the compliance plate or in the machine’s logbook. After this initial 10-year period, this service will then fall due every five years thereafter.
If your EWP is close to ten years old or has exceeded that timeframe, it’s time to act. Machines that haven’t had their major inspection by the deadline can’t legally be used.
The Risks of Skipping It
If you get your EWP serviced regularly and you’re in tune with its age and maintenance requirements, you’ll know when it’s time for the ten-year inspection. Your EWP mechanic will probably send you a timely reminder too.
When the time rolls round, it’s best to get it done ASAP. You want to do everything you can to keep your workplace and team safe, and this is an important step in doing so. You could also expose your business to regulatory fines and insurance issues if you’re operating a non-compliant EWP.
Your machine will still operate, but do you need that extra stress?
How Altequip Can Help
At Altequip, we know EWPs inside and out. Our team is fully equipped to carry out 10-year major inspections to manufacturer standards, using genuine parts and industry best practices.
We handle the full process, from the initial strip-down and testing, right through to reassembly and certification. We’ll keep you in the loop the whole way and give you a clear timeline, so you can plan around the downtime.
If you need help working out when your EWP is due for its 10-year inspection, give us a call. We’ll take a look at the machine’s history and advise you on the next steps. When it comes to safety and compliance, we are here to support you in ensuring your EWP meets high standards! Get in touch today.
