EWP Wind Speed Limits for Safe Operation
Working at height comes with risks, and understanding your Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is paramount for ensuring the safety of yourself and your team. One crucial aspect that is often overlooked, but vital for safety, is your EWP’s wind speed rating.
Are your EWP’s certified to perform safely in the wind speed conditions you encounter in your operations?
This is a question every EWP operator must be able to answer confidently. For the majority of MEWPs in the New Zealand market, including Waimea’s specialist builds, the standard wind speed rating sits at 12.5 metres per second (approximately 45km/hr). This is a significant amount of wind, but it’s still possible for operators to experience even higher wind speeds, particularly in certain geographical locations and specific tasks, such as emergency power restoration during a storm. In these cases, a rating of 12.5m/s is not enough and operating your EWP beyond its certified wind rating is a serious safety hazard.
In these high windspeeds, it’s a serious safety concern due to several key factors like loss of stability and difficulty in control that could lead to serious accidents. A good way to keep aware of the wind speed you are operating in is to measure the windspeed on your worksite using a handheld anemometer, an indispensable tool for a lineman.
Adhering to the New Zealand Government Standards
Knowing your EWP’s wind speed rating isn’t just a safety recommendation, it’s a legal requirement. All MEWPs have to comply with stringent safety standards, and in New Zealand, the relevant Government standard is AS/NZS 1418.10:2011 A1. This standard outlines the requirements for the design, manufacture, testing, and operation of elevating work platforms. Understanding and adhering to this standard is non-negotiable for anyone working with or managing MEWPs.
Verifying Your EWP’s Wind Rating
So, how do you know the specific wind rating of your MEWP? The answer lies right on your equipment. Look on the wording of the cert plate on the truck. This plate contains critical information about your EWP, including its SWL (safe working load) and its certified wind speed rating. Familiarize yourself with this plate and ensure the information is readily accessible and understood by all operators.
For further information and resources on safe MEWP operation, we highly recommend visiting Ewpa.org.nz, the Elevated Work Platform Association of New Zealand. This organization plays a vital role in promoting safety and best practices within the industry.
Enhanced Wind Ratings for Linelift EWPs
While the standard 12.5 m/s rating is common, owners of a Waimea built EWP have a significant advantage as at Waimea Group we have the expertise to calculate the exact wind speed capabilities our builds are capable of and through a certified, case-by-case assessment, we can potentially provide you with a certification for a higher wind speed rating.
This enhanced rating can dramatically increase your ability to operate safely in high wind conditions. For instance, the DHT150AS model can be certified to operate in wind speeds of up to 90km/hr. This provides a considerable benefit for operators and businesses needing to work safely and efficiently in environments where higher winds are a factor.
Click here to watch this short video where Allister Moore demonstrates the importance of knowing your EWP’s wind speed rating.
Ready for Enhanced Performance in Windy Conditions? Contact us today to find out if your EWP can be rated for higher wind speeds.
