Cherry Picker Operation

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the necessary safety protocols for the operation of cherry pickers in various work environments. It is essential for workers and supervisors involved in high-risk tasks at heights, ensuring compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations. The document addresses critical hazards, such as falls from height and electrical contacts, providing guidance on risk management and safe practices to prevent injuries and fatalities.

• Fall from height – serious injury or fatality
• Tip-over from outrigger failure or overloading – serious injury or fatality
• Contact with overhead electrical lines – electrocution
• Entrapment between the platform and overhead structure
• Platform or boom failure – fall from height
• Wind loading causing instability
• Ground surface failure under outriggers

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth) – Part 5.1 High Risk Work
• AS/NZS 1891.1 – Industrial fall-arrest systems
• AS 2550.10 – Mobile elevating work platforms – Safe use
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (2022)
• Cherry Picker Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)