In the evolving landscape of construction and maintenance industries, Elevated Work Platform (EWP) training emerges not just as a skill but as a pivotal safety and efficiency cornerstone. While the spotlight often shines on the operators managing these towering platforms, the ripple effect of comprehensive EWP training extends far beyond, touching various roles within an organisation. Fire and Safety Australia (FSA) is leading this transformative journey, now offering EWP training in all states and territories with HRWL courses available in Western Australia and Yellow Card courses in New South Wales, with ambitious plans to expand all course offerings across every state and territory in Australia.
EWP Training: A Multifaceted Approach
At FSA, we understand the multifaceted nature of EWP operations and the diverse needs of our learners. That’s why we’ve meticulously designed three distinct streams of EWP training: the High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL), EWP Standard, and EWPA – Yellow Card Accreditation. Each stream caters to specific roles and requirements, ensuring participants gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their respective domains.
- High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) This stream is for workers who operate machinery with booms over 11m and are required to hold a High-Risk Work Licence. Its comprehensive training focuses on operational skills and emphasises critical safety protocols and risk management strategies, with licencing issued by the State / Territory WorkSafe Regulator.
- EWP Standard is Ideal for those seeking a broad understanding of EWP operations for machinery with a boom lift under 11m. This training includes safety measures, maintenance checks, and operational techniques. This stream suits a variety of roles, from operators to project supervisors.
- EWPA – Yellow Card Accreditation Accredited through the Elevated Work Platform Association, which is a peak representative body specialising in EWP training in Australia, this training provides an added layer of safety, skill and accreditation for participants.
For more on EWPA Accreditation, check out https://www.ewpa.com.au/
Beyond Operators: The Wider Impact of EWP Training
EWP Training: Not Just for Operators
The significance of EWP training transcends the operators. Project managers, safety officers, and even administrative staff benefit from understanding the nuances of safe EWP operations. For project managers, this knowledge facilitates better planning and resource allocation. Safety officers gain the insights needed to develop more effective safety protocols, whilst administrative personnel can appreciate the complexities of EWP operations, leading to more informed decision-making processes.
Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Way in EWP Operations
EWP training also plays a crucial role in championing diversity within the workplace. At FSA, we’re proud to support and highlight the achievements of women in EWP operations. By providing an inclusive training environment, we’re not just educating; we’re empowering women to break barriers and excel in previously male-dominated fields. This enriches the workforce with diverse perspectives and encourages a culture of equality and respect.
5 Essential Reasons to Be EWP Qualified
- Enhanced Safety Awareness Enhanced safety protocols and risk assessment form the core of EWP training, crucial for preventing workplace accidents.
- Compliance with Regulations EWP certification ensures compliance with national safety standards, avoiding legal issues and fines.
- Increased Job Opportunities Certification opens up diverse job opportunities in sectors that require EWP operations, enhancing employability.
- Higher Earning Potential Qualified EWP operators often access higher-paying jobs, making certification an investment in one’s financial future.
- Professional Development and Career Advancement The EWP qualification is a step forward in professional growth and is essential for advancing to higher-level positions within the industry.
Looking Ahead: FSA’s Vision for Nationwide EWP Training
With our current offerings in Western Australia and New South Wales, FSA is on a mission to democratise EWP training across Australia. We aim to make top-tier EWP education accessible to every individual and organisation in all our training centres, fostering a safer, more efficient, and inclusive industry. Whether you aim to enhance your operational skills, ensure your projects’ safety, or champion workplace diversity, FSA’s EWP training is your gateway to achieving these objectives. By choosing FSA, you’re not just enrolling in a training programme; you’re embracing a future where every role is empowered and every workplace is safer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What is an EWP Yellow Card?
Answer: An EWP Yellow Card is a certification accredited through the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA). It signifies that individuals have undergone specific training and demonstrated proficiency in operating elevated work platforms (EWPs). This accreditation adds an extra layer of safety, skill, and recognition to participants in the EWP industry.
The Yellow Card Training Program has been designed for people needing to develop the skills and knowledge required to operate Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs, commonly known as EWPs). The course will provide training in safely using various types of elevated work platforms, including boom-type MEWPs with boom lengths under 11 metres. Participants may complete singular or multiple modules, depending on the type of EWP they will be operating.
Question: What is the difference between doing a HRWL course and an EWPA Yellow Card course?
Answer: The main difference lies in the scope and focus of the training. A High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) course is designed for workers operating machinery with booms over 11m and emphasises comprehensive training on operational skills, safety protocols, and risk management strategies. On the other hand, an EWPA Yellow Card course, accredited through the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA), provides training tailored explicitly to operating elevated work platforms (EWPs) with a boom length of under 11 meters, focusing on safety, skill, and accreditation for participants within the industry.
Question: What is the standard accreditation course offered by Fire and Safety Australia (FSA), compared to HRWL and EWPA Yellow Card courses?
Answer: FSA’s standard accreditation course is the EWP under 11-meter Standard training. Unlike the HRWL course, which focuses on machinery with booms over 11m, and the EWPA Yellow Card course, which provides additional accreditation through the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA), the EWP Standard course is ideal for those seeking a broad understanding of EWP operations for machinery with a boom lift under 11m. This training encompasses safety measures, maintenance checks, and operational techniques suitable for various roles, from operators to project supervisors.
With FSA under 11 meter EWP training, students can either complete our Operate Elevating Work Platform Under 11-meter course and receive RIIHAN301E or Operate elevating work platform and TLID3035 Operate a boom-type elevating work platform (this unit is only achieved if the student uses a Boom type EWP for training and assessment), or they can complete our Operate Elevating Work Platform Under 11 meter – Yellow Card course and receive EWPA accreditation of “Yellow Card, RIIHAN301E Operate elevating work platform and TLID3035 Operate a boom-type elevating work platform (this unit is only achieved if student use a Boom type EWP for training and assessment).
