Squirrel Operating Requirements

W.A. WorkSafe Regulations affecting Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) Boom & Scissor Lift style

When was the new regulation effective?

3rd October 2003 for everyone including: Employers, Main contractor, Self-employed persons, a person having control of the work place or a person having control of the access to the work place

Can I use Generic Manuals (documents)?

No, unless the specific manual has current written approval from safety authorities. Crendon Machinery can supply you with an up-to-date maintenance procedure.  If this followed and fully documented WorkSafe Western Australia do not require an owner to do more.

What is the cost of Crendon Machinery's maintenance procedure documentation?

This is available free in PDF form if you have a Squirrel. Contact Crendon with the model and serial number of the machine.

The maintenance procedure should be performed every 1,000 or yearly, depending on working conditions. This can be undertaken by any competent person.

Can Crendon Machinery perform this maintenance?

Yes.  Crendon Machinery has experienced, competent tradespeople to undertake this work at their factory in Donnybrook.  The cost involved in this will vary, depending on the mechaical conditions found. If no mechanical problems are found and all safety features are functioning this can take as little as 4 hours work.  Before any major work is performed, the owner will be contacted. 

What do I have to do if I do not have a current manual?

Comply with AS 2550.10. For EWPs older than 10 years the major costs are:

• Non-destructive testing

• Strip-down of components
• Up-grading to latest manufacturing standards AS1418.10

What is the cost?

Industry estimates vary between $8,000 and $15,000 + GST to fully comply for boom EWPs (for Scissor Lift EWPs it may be more). This would vary depending on condition, model & age of EWP. With this cost it is not a viable proposition for older small EWPs since it is has to be done again every five years.

How often do I have to do this?

After 10 years of service and every five years thereafter

Who can carry out this major 10 year maintenance?

• A competent person for the major visual inspection

• For non-destructive examination; Qualified Technician with experience

What parts have to be non-destructive tested?

• Wheel rims, axles, spindles, wheel hubs, wheel & hub bolts etc

• Frame, cylinder attachment areas, lifting & tie down brackets
• Brake components
• Hydraulic cylinders including, rods, piston, retaining nuts & barrels
• Cage platform
• Slew components & areas
• Boom, stabilizer bar, pins & attachment areas
• Safety harness anchor point
• Boom prop & attachment areas
• With Scissor Lift EWPs there are additional components, not listed here

Does this new regulation also apply to picking platforms (Scissor Lift EWPs)
Yes, if the platform is elevated by power (hydraulic or otherwise). But there is no two year delay so, to not commit an offence, the above work must be carried out prior to 3rd October 2003 if it has completed 10 years of service and every five years there after.

What is the maximum speed and slope limitations of an EWP

Maximum 1km/h, 2º side slope and 5º forward & backward slope, unless the km/h and or degree of slope is specifically stated in the manufacturer’s / designer’s documents.

Can I use my existing old Squirrel Manuals (documents)?

No, the old documents are not sufficient for this new regulation. New Squirrel manuals can be obtained from Crendon Machinery.

What parts have to be Upgraded?

If your Squirrel has chain drives, there are numerous areas which require upgrading. Unfortunately, the cost of this is high and is not viable on old small EWPs. AS 1418.10 standards are up dated periodically. If your Squirrel is fitted with planetary wheel hub drives, obtain a current maintenance procedure from Crendon Machinery.

Can I sell a EWP older than 10 year old?

Crendon Machinery have been advised in writing by Worksafe that the seller is responsible for the above work prior to sale - from 3rd October 2003.

Should the operator wear a safety harness?

Yes on boom EWPs. A safety harness complying with AS 1891. This has been a requirement since 1994

Should the operator perform a daily pre-operational check?

Yes. Operators shall ensure that pre-operational inspections are carried out at the beginning of each shift and documented entered into the Squirrel pre-operational Check-list logbook. This can be obtained from Crendon Machinery.

What other maintenance is required?

There is a maintenance procedure which is clearly outlined in the New Squirrel Maintenance Check-list. The maintenance requirements are split into 100 hour intervals with only minor maintenance checks at this level leading to more comprehensive maintenance checks every 1,000 hours. This can be obtained from Crendon Machinery.

What operator training is required?

There is an Operator Induction procedure which is clearly outlined in the New Squirrel Operator Induction Check-list. This is split in to two areas, an Operator Questionnaire Check-list and an Operator Demonstration Check-list. This can be obtained from Crendon Machinery.

Other Squirrel Models - Click on the picture to go to that page
Squirrel 355 SD  3.5m	Squirrel 505 SD 5.0m	Squirrel 536 LB SD     5.3m	Squirrel 656 LB SD 6.5m	Squirrel 806 LB SD       8m	Squirrel 655 SD   6.5m	Squirrel 80 5 SD   8.0m
Squirrel 657 2B 6.5m & 807 2B 8.0m	Squirrel  Foot Controls	Squirrel Options	Hire Squirrels 3.5m, 5m, 5.3m, 6.5m, 8m	Other Squirrels	Squirrel Trailer	Operating Requirements

Disclaimer : The pictures and information are a guide only.  Specifications are subject to change without notice and without liability expressed or implied.