What is ewp in electrical?

The Electrical Work Plan (EWP) is a written document containing policies designed to protect individuals in Postal Service facilities from serious injuries and incidents that could result from electrical hazards.

Who can test EWPs?

For an EWP test to be considered valid it must be completed by a competent person. The definition of a competent person depends on the inspection. For example, an employee with appropriate training may be the competent person for a pre-operation inspection, whereas a professionally trained engineer is the competent person for a major inspection. In all cases, a competent person refers to one with the appropriate training and skills to perform the task.

Read our blog: EWP Testing Pre-Test Guidelines

The five inspections

According to Australian Standard 2550.10-2006, there are five inspections that an EWP should regularly receive. Inspections will be detailed in a logbook and inspectors will regularly verify that the EWP has been maintained to the correct schedule.

To be completed by the machine operator at the commencement of each work shift. Should include visual and functional testing.

To be completed quarterly or every 90 days. Control functions, emergency and safety devices will all be checked. Connection mechanisms and moving parts will be checked and maintained.

The frequency will depend on the working environment and frequency of use however, every 12 months is typical. This is a detailed inspection which includes dismantling some parts of the machine. A written report will also be provided.

This inspection is carried out within 5-year intervals. It is meant to ensure all critical components of the machine are inspected and tested.

Beginning at the first 10 years of service for the machine, and continuing each 10 years thereafter, are major inspections. During this inspection, an EWP may be stripped down, cleaned, tested and maintained before being rebuilt.

Specialised testing of EWPs

If your EWP is more specialised than the standard machine, such as insulated, it may require further inspections. Mobile Test ‘n’ Cal have extensive experience in electrical testing of EWPs which ensures they are properly insulated. Tests that we perform include:

Let us talk about our Elevated work platform also known as an EWP, cherry picker, boom lift or bucket truck.

What is an EWP?

An EWP is a mobile machine (device) that is intended to move persons, tools, and material to working positions and consists of at least a work platform with controls, an extending structure, and chassis.

RJ Fowler Electrical/Central Coast Overheads and Undergrounds have a truck mounted EWP that can reach 11m.

What do we use our EWP for?

Across the Central Coast our Accredited Service Providers use the EWP to complete level 2 electrical service work. This includes stringing overhead service mains, connecting point of attachments, connecting temporary builders’ services, retention power lines, re stringing fallen power lines and replacing cross arms on your private pole.

The EWP allows us to safely complete all your level 2 electrical work quickly and safely across the entire Central Coast.

Our qualified electricians use this to install and repair flood lighting and carpark lighting.

What testing does our EWP require so we can operate safely?

Our licenced Level 2 Electricians use the EWP to connect power to the supply network. They are often working with live power so its important that the EWP is voltage tested every 6 months. This testing must be completed by an accredited and certified testing company.

Visual testing of the EWP cannot confirm the required level of protection so electrical testing at regular intervals is needed to verify if the insulation is providing adequate protection to our valued electricians. How is this tested? Its tested by sending electrical volts through the machine!

And happy to say that our EWP is tested and complies with AS/NZs1418.10.2011. That is a PASS for us!

On top of the regular voltage testing, the EWP needs to be re-certified by an engineer at different intervals of the unit’s life span. For our level 2 electricians to operate this and comply with standards, our EWP has just been through its 10year recertification. This is where a major inspection is carried out and and safety upgrades are made in accordance with

AS2550.10-2006 (cranes, hoists, and winches – safe work part 10: Mobile Elevating Work Platform)

AS2550.1 (Cranes, hoists, and winches – Safe use Part 1: General Requirements)

AS1418.10.2011 (Cranes, hoist, and winches – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms)

What does this mean?? It means that our Level 2 electricians can safely use the EWP as it has successfully completed all requirements for its 10-year major inspection and undergone vigorous and comprehensive servicing with all major components inspected, repaired, or replaced where appropriate. Thanks to the awesome team at Scott’s Hydraulic Services located in Kempsey, we are happy to say that our Level 2 electricians will be safe completing all your level 2 service works as our EWP meets the requirements and is in a safe and serviceable condition.

Compliance certificates and documentation

No matter what level 2 electrical work we are undertaking or what jobsite we are on, RJ Fowler Electrical/Central Coast Overhead & Undergrounds will always have documentation of our equipment and our licenced electricians can produce this to you at any time. This is a requirement when operating the EWP. So not only do we complete Hazard assessments before starting any work, but we also have equipment maintenance checks and all the required compliance certificates and documentation for the EWP.