Elevating Work Platform (EWP) Training

Scissor lift, boom lift, cherry picker, vertical mast and aerial work platform course

$88 +GST per person ($101.20)

Pay via Afterpay 4 x $22.00

Elevating Work Platform (EWP) Training

Scissor lift, boom lift, cherry picker, vertical mast and aerial work platform course

EWP training is required by WorkSafe for all operators, and it must be refreshed every three years to get an EWP licence or EWP operator's certificate.

After completing this course, you will have an operator's certificate and ID card that meet WorkSafe's requirements for demonstrating competence using an EWP.

After completing this course, a trainee will be able to:

  • Assess a worksite or working area for hazards
  • Choose the right EWP for the job
  • Perform an effective pre-start check on an EWP
  • Safely operate the EWP for the job
  • Understand the legislative requirements
  • Identify and report damage, faults and wear and tear on an EWP
  • Safely shut down and store an EWP.

All EWP types are covered (scissor lift, boom lift, cherry picker, truck-mounted and vertical lift), so whatever machine you use, this course will be relevant for you.

Unit standards

This course contains the same information as unit standards 23960, 23961, 23962, 23963, 23964 and 23966. It is not a unit standard course, though, as unit standards are optional. This is a competency-based course used by hundreds of companies throughout New Zealand.

Why is this course cheaper than a classroom-based course?

This online course doesn't include the cost of a trainer or classroom, EWP hire, or lodging unit standards. It's self-service - you can manage everything yourself - and it meets the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. This is why we can provide the same level of training, but for a fraction of the cost.

  • What is an EWP course?

    An EWP course teaches trainees how to assess worksite hazards, choose the right EWP for the job, perform a pre-start check, and safely operate it to complete the job in line with the Good Practice Guidelines published by WorkSafe. It contains video-based modules with questions to ensure the information is understood. Courses can be competency-based (non unit standard) or can award unit standards; either is acceptable.

  • What legislation controls EWP training and refreshers in New Zealand?

    It's a requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 and the Good Practice Guide to ensure that EWP operators are trained and competent.

    Section 9 (Duty to provide information, supervision, training, and instruction) explains the PCBU's obligations.

    It is recommended that training is completed every 3 years or sooner. On completion of this course, a training record will be written that will automatically remind you in 3 years.

  • Who must do EWP training in New Zealand?

    EWP operators in any industry must do this course to ensure competence. It is also advisable that supervisors and managers who need to understand best-practice operation complete this training.

    Examples of industries where EWPs are used

    • Building and construction - tradespeople in commercial, residential, industrial and civil developments
    • Logistics, warehousing and distribution - stock picking and facility maintenance
    • EWP technicians and mechanics - servicing EWPs
    • Infrastructure, utilities and telecommunications - using truck-mounted boom lifts for maintaining power lines, public lighting, cell towers and overhead cabling
    • Facilities management and commercial maintenance - servicing the inside and outside of commercial and retail premises, factories and manufacturing plants
    • Horticulture and arboriculture - tree trimming and fruit harvesting
    • Entertainment, film and television - rigging studio lighting, positioning cameras and setting up concert installations
    • Advertising and signage - putting up billboards and commercial store facades.

  • Do you need to do a practical assessment with an EWP course?

    It is recommended that you conduct a practical assessment at the end of this course. This is done at your workplace by your supervisor using your own equipment. We provide you with a detailed checklist, and it meets the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe. 

    This complies with health and safety legislation under the PCBU's requirement to supply information, supervision, training and instruction.

    We can also provide verification of competency services for groups of EWP trainees at your location. Please call 0800 637 000 for more information.

  • What are our clients saying?

    "I did feel that I got good value from the course with it [being] clear and easy to follow. I would recommend this to others as it was a course that could be completed at any stage and when I had time to do so which made it easier to fit with my busy schedule."
    Hamish Ewen, Holmes Construction
     
    "The course was simple for the staff member to follow and answer.  It covered all the content of an in-person course but at a fraction of the price. The course is perfect for someone experienced and competent in using the equipment who requires a “current licence” to meet client site requirements."
    Fleur, Central Roofing Company.
     
    "Being able to chip away at it over a week I think helped it sink in more than sitting a whole day in a class"
    [Trainee name withheld]
     
    "...it was beneficial and [he] got good value"
    Kris Harrison, Petspiration
     
    "DT's course gave me a very thorough understanding of EWPs and what to look for during my health & safety site visits.  We will be using it as a refresher course for our EWP operators when their cards need renewing."   
    Lizz Lowans, [company name withheld]
     
    "We recently purchased scissor lifts at both sites, so the training has been beneficial for all the key users. We will continue with training at both sites."
    Nathan [company name withheld]

  • Is it possible (and legal) for EWP training to be done online?

    The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe's Mobile Elevating Work Platforms Best Practice Guidelines are very clear: You can conduct training however you want, as long as it covers the items under section 6.1 General Training in the Best Practice Guidelines, and section 6.2 Getting to know your MEWP. It recommends working at heights training, too (section 6.4), and explains this must be repeated every three years (section 6.3). Training can be delivered by any means (in person, video, written materials, etc), as long as the material is delivered by a competent person and meets the standard.

    The HSWA 2015 says that you must follow these guidelines or do it a better way, and the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 puts the duty to provide information, supervision, training and instruction on the PCBU.

    Training which is delivered in-house using the equipment usually used, in the environment it's usually used in, performing the tasks it's usually used to complete is a better method of verification of competency.

  • What are the advantages of online EWP training?

    • Easy scheduling - you can access the course when you want, rather than having to book weeks in advance and taking a whole day off-site
    • Video-based learning to demonstrate best practice, with interactive tasks to help reinforce the knowledge, and questions to ensure the trainee has understood it
    • Better learning - many studies have shown that e-learning in small bites gives a 20-60% better retention rate
    • More efficient - no distractions or interruptions like you could have in a classroom scenario
    • Consistent - it's delivered the same way every time (nothing is forgotten)
    • Learn at your own pace - if the trainee doesn't understand the material the first time, it can be watched again and again
    • Easy management and reporting - managers and supervisors can track training progress.
    • The course is divided into easy-to-follow modules that take just a few minutes each. Trainees have access to the course materials for 6 months.
    • After successfully completing the course, the trainee can download an operator's certificate and ID card.
    • Six months' access to the course materials
    • Free set up and support

  • Do experienced EWP operators still need to do EWP training?

    Yes. To comply with recommendations and industry best practice, training should be refreshed every 3 years. This helps remind operators of best practices, remove inadvertent bad habits, and learn any changes to technology and regulations.

  • Can a new operator use this EWP course to become competent in EWP operation?

    New operators can use this course to learn the theory, but they must have supervised practice with someone who is competent. We have included a practical assessment checklist that should be completed to ensure competence. Once this is successfully completed, it can be submitted to generate the operator's certificate.

  • Does this course award unit standards, and are they compulsory?

    Unit standards are not compulsory for EWP operation.  The Best Practice Guidelines say they are one way of demonstrating competency, but are optional.

    Unit standards increase the course cost and, while they are one way of demonstrating competency, they are not always the best way. Online learning plus assessments specific to the operator's job requirements can be a more effective way.

    The course contains the same information as a unit standard course for 23960, 23961, 23962, 23963, 23964 and 23966. It also meets the requirements of AS2550.10: Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Safe Use – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms. 

     

  • Do you need to do a separate working at height course when you do this EWP course?

    This course is a self-contained EWP course. If you stay on the EWP while working at height, you do not need to do separate working at height training.

    If you use the EWP to access other areas at height (e.g. a roof or platform), then you must do working at height training, which you can find here.

    If you only ride in an EWP that is operated by another person, then working at height training is recommended, especially if you are using a harness.

  • What documents come with this EWP course?

    A practical assessment checklist which includes a pre-start check and job safety analysis sheet, a separate alternative job safety analysis sheet, 2 examples of specification sheets to use with the course, EWP study guide, MEWP Best Practice Guidelines (WorkSafe), Hazard Assessment Checklist (WorkSafe), sample pre-start inspection (WorkSafe), sample rescue plan.

  • What other words describe EWP training?

    EWPs, also called MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms) and AWPs (aerial work platforms), go by multiple names. Training is often called scissor lift training, boom lift training, knuckle boom training, EWP ticket, scissor lift certification, cherry picker training, bucket truck training, aerial lift training, scissor lift licence and boom lift licence.

    EWPs are sometimes known under brand names, e.g. Aichi for truck-mounted boom lifts.

  • What language and literacy support is available in this EWP course?

    • Video subtitles/captions are available for all videos except in interactive modules - see above for the list. Choose the language in the video.
    • Questions: 76 languages are available - check the language option at the top of the page (note that written answers must be in English).
    • Question audio: play audio of every question in English
    • Documents: English
    • Some captions are AI-generated and, as such, may have occasional errors.

  • What machinery does this course cover?

    Self-propelled scissor lifts and boom lifts, vertical mast lifts, trailer-mounted cherry pickers, truck-mounted aerial work platforms. We show a range of machines, primarily from Genie, JLG and Snorkel. The general safety rules around EWPs are mostly the same regardless of the make and model. We highlight the differences where relevant.

  • Requirements and prerequisites

    • You will need one course licence per person taking the course - you can't use one licence for multiple operators
    • You will need a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access to take the theory training.
    • You must take a practical assessment at the end of this course. A responsible person in your company (e.g. a manager, supervisor or experienced EWP operator) can follow the guide in the practical assessment module and conduct the practical assessment.
    • Using an external assessor will incur an additional cost. The practical assessment is detailed which makes the practical assessment very straightforward. Contact us if you need more information.

$88 +GST per person ($101.20)

Pay via Afterpay 4 x $22.00

 

Certificate of Completion

 

Approximately 2.5-3 hours

 

Full access for 6 months

 

Study guide included

 

Downloadable certificate, ID card, practical assessment checklist + more

 

Subtitles available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malayalam, Maori, Punjabi, Portuguese, Russian, Samoan, Sinhala, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Tongan, Vietnamese

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Course provided by DT Driver Training

DT Driver Training is NZ's largest provider of vehicle and machine training. Founded in 2010, it provides courses for light and heavy vehicle drivers, materials handling equipment, construction equipment, dangerous goods and more. It is part of TR Driver Training.

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Elevating Work Platform (EWP) Training

Scissor lift, boom lift, cherry picker, vertical mast and aerial work platform course

$88 +GST per person ($101.20)

Pay via Afterpay 4 x $22.00
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