Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is a recommended control measure to protect pedestrians near an EWP?

1. Cones

2. Barriers

3. Flaggers

4. Traffic lights

The correct answer is: Barriers

Using barriers is a recommended control measure to protect pedestrians near an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) because they create a physical separation between the area where the EWP is operating and the pedestrian pathways. Barriers serve to effectively prevent accidental entry by pedestrians into potentially hazardous zones where they might be exposed to falling objects or moving machinery. Additionally, barriers can be visually striking and easy to recognize, which helps to alert pedestrians to avoid those areas. By providing a solid boundary, barriers not only protect individuals from unintended exposure to operational risks but also help to maintain a safer working environment overall. While cones, flaggers, and traffic lights also play roles in enhancing safety, they may not offer the same level of physical protection as barriers. Cones can be moved or may not be highly visible in all conditions, flaggers rely on human presence and communication, and traffic lights are not typically used in the same context as barriers for protecting pedestrians around an EWP. Thus, barriers are particularly effective in creating a secure perimeter around the work area.