Boom-Type EWP Scope of Work and Boom Length Determination
What the WP licence covers
A boom-type elevating work platform (EWP) is a device that supports a work platform on a boom, so the platform can be raised, lowered and positioned while people stand in it. The boom may be telescoping, articulated, or a combination of both. The licence class is determined by the boom length, not by the platform height, the working height, or the machine's brand or weight.
The boom length rule
Boom length is the maximum length of the boom assembly measured along its axis, from the centre of the boom pivot pin to the platform attachment point, with the boom fully extended where it telescopes. Do not measure along the ground, do not use the manufacturer's advertised working height, and do not add the platform depth. If the calculated length exceeds 11 metres, the operator needs the WP licence. Machines at or below 11 metres fall outside this class.
Traps in questions
- Working height vs boom length. A machine with a 10 m boom may give a 12 m working height - it is still outside the WP class. Height reached is a distractor.
- Platform height is measured from the ground to the platform floor; it is not the boom length.
- Articulated booms are measured along the total boom path, segment by segment, not as a straight-line distance between the base and the platform.
- Attachments such as jibs or extensions that form part of the boom count toward the length.
- The licence covers the class of plant, not a specific model; a WP holder may operate any boom-type EWP above 11 m within the licence conditions.
Worked example
An articulated boom has a lower section of 6.2 m from the pivot pin to the knuckle, and an upper section of 5.5 m from the knuckle to the platform attachment. Total boom length = 6.2 + 5.5 = 11.7 m. Because this exceeds 11 m, the operator must hold a WP licence. If the same machine had a 4.5 m upper section (total 10.7 m), no WP licence would be required for boom length alone - though other duties may still apply.