AS 2550.10-2006 (2009) PDF

Full title and description

AS 2550.10-2006 (with Amendment 1:2009) — Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms. This Australian Standard specifies requirements for the safe use and operation of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including classifications of MEWPs and operational controls intended to reduce risk during selection, planning and operation.

Abstract

This part of AS 2550 provides guidance and mandatory requirements for the safe use of MEWPs (Types 1, 2 and 3), covering planning, selection, travel and control arrangements, operator competence and precautions for hazards such as wind and proximity to electrical conductors. It complements the general requirements in AS 2550.1 while taking precedence where specific MEWP provisions differ.

General information

• Status: Superseded by a later edition (AS 2550.10:2025) but historically in force with Amendment 1:2009; remains a reference for earlier practices.
• Publication date: Second edition published 12 June 2006; Amendment 1 issued in 2009 (Amdt 1:2009).
• Publisher: Standards Australia.
• ICS / categories: Falls under industrial safety and lifting equipment categories (cranes, hoists and winches — safe use); typically grouped within occupational safety and mechanical handling classifications.
• Edition / version: 2nd edition (2006) with Amendment 1 (2009).
• Number of pages: 48 pages (2006 edition).

Scope

Specifies requirements for the safe use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) — types 1, 2 and 3 — including travel modes, control locations, planning, selection and operator/auxiliary personnel requirements. Excludes specific requirements for working within the no‑go zone near live electrical conductors and firefighting equipment operations (other jurisdictional or supply authority requirements may apply).

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of MEWPs into Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 and guidance on permitted travel modes.
• Planning and risk management for MEWP operations, including site assessment and selection of appropriate equipment and controls.
• Operator competence, instruction and supervisory responsibilities for safe use.
• Requirements for controls, emergency lowering/rescue procedures and precautions for environmental hazards (wind, overhead obstructions, electromagnetic interference).
• Interaction with other parts of AS 2550 (general requirements) and precedence where Part 10 gives specific MEWP provisions.

Typical use and users

Used by employers, site safety officers, equipment owners/operators, plant managers, training providers and inspectors to establish safe work systems for MEWP selection and operation on construction, maintenance, industrial and facilities sites. Also referenced by compliance authorities and insurers when assessing operational practices.

Related standards

Closely related to other AS 2550 parts (notably AS 2550.1 — general safe use requirements) and to manufacturing standards and operator training standards for MEWPs (for example, later editions of AS/NZS standards and international standards governing operator training and MEWP design). The operating standard was revised and consolidated in AS 2550.10:2025.

Keywords

AS 2550.10; mobile elevating work platform; MEWP; elevated work platform; safe use; operator training; travel modes; Type 1; Type 2; Type 3; Standards Australia; amendment 2009.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 2550.10-2006 is the part of the AS 2550 series that sets out requirements for the safe use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). It is the 2006 (second) edition and was issued with Amendment 1 in 2009.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers MEWP types (1, 2 and 3), permitted travel modes, planning and risk assessment, operator and auxiliary personnel responsibilities, controls and emergency procedures, and precautions for environmental hazards; it excludes certain live‑electrical proximity requirements and firefighting equipment operation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Employers, site supervisors, equipment operators, safety managers, inspection bodies, training organisations and regulators use the standard to establish and assess safe MEWP practices.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2006 edition (with 2009 amendment) has been superseded by a later edition, AS 2550.10:2025; organisations should refer to the 2025 edition for current mandatory and recommended practices while the 2006 text remains a historical reference.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 10 of the AS 2550 series (Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use). The series contains multiple parts addressing different crane and lifting equipment types and general requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mobile elevating work platform, MEWP, elevated work platform, safe use, operator, Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, AS 2550.10, Standards Australia, amendment 2009.