An EWP, or Elevating Work Platform, is equipment used to position workers, tools and materials safely at height.
EWPs are widely used across construction, maintenance, warehousing and industrial projects in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich. The main types include scissor lifts, boom lifts and manlifts, each suited to different access requirements.
Choosing the right EWP depends on working height, horizontal reach, site access, ground conditions, platform capacity and the operating environment.
All Access Hire provides access equipment across South East Queensland, backed by more than 10 years of industry experience and 50,000+ hires.
What Does EWP Mean?
EWP stands for Elevating Work Platform.
It is a broad category of equipment designed to raise workers to an elevated position. Common types include:
- Scissor lifts
- Articulated boom lifts
- Telescopic boom lifts
- Vertical mast lifts
- Manlifts
- Trailer-mounted platforms
The term MEWP, or Mobile Elevating Work Platform, is also used in Australian standards and technical documentation.
A scissor lift and a boom lift are therefore both types of EWP.
Main Types of EWP
Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift raises its platform vertically.
Scissor lifts suit jobs where workers can position the machine directly below the work area, including electrical installation, ceiling work, warehouse maintenance and commercial fit-outs.
Electric models are commonly used indoors, while rough-terrain scissor lifts are available for suitable outdoor sites.
Boom Lifts
A boom lift provides vertical height and horizontal outreach.
Articulated boom lifts can reach up and over obstacles, making them useful around buildings, structures, landscaping and fixed equipment.
Telescopic boom lifts provide more direct horizontal reach and are commonly used on open construction and industrial sites.
A boom lift is generally more suitable when the machine cannot be positioned directly beneath the work area.
Manlifts
Manlifts provide compact access for restricted work areas.
They are commonly used in warehouses, shopping centres, commercial buildings and maintenance areas where machine width and maneuverability are important.
Scissor Lift vs Boom Lift vs Manlift
How to Choose the Right EWP
Check the Required Height and Reach
Start with the actual work position.
If the machine can sit directly below it, a scissor lift may be sufficient. If workers need to reach over an awning, structure, machinery or landscaping, a boom lift may be required.
Also check whether the equipment specification refers to platform height or working height, as they are different measurements.
Check Site Access
Measure the narrowest point the EWP must pass through, including doorways, gates and corridors.
Also check overhead clearance, turning space and the machine’s stowed width and height. These measurements can determine whether an EWP can reach the work area at all.
Check Ground Conditions
For outdoor work, assess slopes, soft ground, compacted fill, trenches, pits and changes in level.
A rough-terrain or 4WD EWP still needs to operate within the manufacturer’s ground and slope limits.
Choose the Right Power Source
Electric EWPs are commonly selected for enclosed or noise-sensitive areas because they produce no exhaust emissions at the point of use.
Diesel EWPs suit many outdoor and rough-terrain applications.
Hybrid EWPs can provide greater flexibility when a project involves different operating environments.
Check Platform Capacity
Platform capacity must account for workers, tools and materials.
Always check the rated capacity of the specific machine rather than estimating capacity from platform size.
EWP Licensing in Queensland
In Queensland, operators require a WP High Risk Work Licence when operating a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more.
The requirement is based on boom length, not the machine’s advertised working height.
Scissor lifts do not require this specific High Risk Work Licence. Operators must still have the training and competency required to use the equipment safely.
WorkSafe Queensland provides official guidance on high risk work licensing and training.
Choosing the Right EWP for Your Job
The right EWP should provide the required height and reach while remaining suitable for the site’s access, ground conditions and operating environment.
All Access Hire provides boom lift hire, scissor lift hire and manlifts across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and South East Queensland.
With 50,000+ hires and more than 10 years of industry experience, All Access Hire can help match the right platform to your project.
Contact All Access Hire to discuss your site requirements.