What is the purpose of load limits for an EWP?

The purpose of load limits for an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) is primarily to prevent overloading and ensure safety. Load limits are established based on the EWP's design and structural integrity, which means that exceeding these limits can compromise the stability and safety of the platform. This is important because overloading an EWP can lead to tipping, structural failure, or equipment malfunction, posing significant risks to operators and nearby personnel.

By adhering to load limits, operators can ensure that the platform operates within its safe operational parameters, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents or failures during use. This safety measure helps protect both the workers on the platform and those in the vicinity by maintaining a safe working environment.

While maximizing efficiency, limiting operational costs, and improving maneuverability are valid considerations in the operation of EWPs, they do not align with the primary objective of load limits, which is to maintain safety through adherence to defined load capacities.