--- title: "Acoustic Emission Testing: Keeping Fibreglass Booms on EWPs Safe and Compliant" description: The essentials of Acoustic Emission Testing for fibreglass booms. image: https://deg.nz/hubfs/20230613_090554.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://deg.nz/insights/acoustic-emission-testing-keeping-fibreglass-booms-on-ewps-safe-and-compliant#main-content) [![DEG-primary logo-white-RGB - Copy](https://deg.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20images/DEG-primary%20logo-white-RGB%20-%20Copy.png?width=125&height=55&name=DEG-primary%20logo-white-RGB%20-%20Copy.png "DEG-primary logo-white-RGB - Copy")](https://deg.nz) Services Consulting Engineering Survey & Inspection Calibration & Compliance Industries Energy & Utilities Manufacturing & Processing Fabrication & Construction Marine & Ports Civil Infrastructure Safety & Quality Approach (Scale) Accreditations & Quality Safety & Compliance Resources Insights Compliance Updates Technical Guidance Case Studies About About DEG Our History Leadership Team Careers Contact Us Services [Consulting Engineering](https://deg.nz/consulting-engineering) [Survey & Inspection](https://deg.nz/survey-inspection) [Calibration & Compliance](https://deg.nz/calibration-compliance) Industries [Energy & Utilities](https://deg.nz/energy-utilities) [Manufacturing & Processing](https://deg.nz/manufacturing-processing) [Fabrication & Construction](https://deg.nz/fabrication-construction) [Marine & Ports](https://deg.nz/marine-ports) [Civil Infrastructure](https://deg.nz/civil-infrastructure) Safety & Quality [Approach (Scale)](https://deg.nz/our-approach) [Accreditations & Quality](https://deg.nz/accreditations-quality) [Safety & Compliance](https://deg.nz/safety-compliance) Resources [Insights](https://deg.nz/insights) [Compliance Updates](https://deg.nz/compliance-updates) [Technical Guidance](https://deg.nz/technical-guidance) [Case Studies](https://deg.nz/case-studies) About [About DEG](https://deg.nz/about) [Our History](https://deg.nz/our-history) [Leadership Team](https://deg.nz/leadership-team) [Careers](https://deg.nz/careers) [Contact Us](https://deg.nz/contact-us) ![](https://deg.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/20230613_090554.jpg?width=4624&height=2604&name=20230613_090554.jpg) #wedothingstogether #wedoallthingssafely #wedothingsright # Acoustic Emission Testing: Keeping Fibreglass Booms on EWPs Safe and Compliant ![DEG](https://deg.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Red%20D-1.png?width=48&height=48&name=Red%20D-1.png) DEG August 17, 2025 When working at height, safety is paramount—especially when using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). For machines fitted with fibreglass booms, a specialised check known as an **Acoustic Emission Test (AET)** is required to ensure structural integrity and ongoing compliance. ![The essentials of Acoustic Emission Testing for fibreglass booms](https://deg.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/ae.png?width=1024&height=1536&name=ae.png) ### What Is Acoustic Emission Testing? Acoustic Emission Testing is a **non-destructive testing method** used to assess the condition of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) booms. These booms are commonly found on MEWPs used in electrical, industrial, and utility sectors due to their insulating properties. The test involves applying and withdrawing a load over **pre-determined cycles**, while sensitive equipment monitors for acoustic signals—tiny stress-related sounds that can indicate **cracks, fibre breaks, or delamination** within the boom. These signals aren’t audible to the human ear but can reveal serious internal faults. ### Meeting AS/NZS 4748 Requirements In Aotearoa New Zealand, Acoustic Emission Testing must comply with **AS/NZS 4748: Acoustic Emission Testing of Fibreglass Insulated Booms on Elevating Work Platforms**. This joint Australian/New Zealand standard sets out the procedures, equipment specifications, and competency requirements for conducting the test correctly. Testing to this standard ensures: - The boom remains **electrically insulated and structurally sound** - The platform is **safe to operate in high-risk environments** - Your organisation meets **legal and industry obligations** ### Why It’s Important Over time, fibreglass booms are exposed to **UV light, mechanical stress, and environmental wear**. Even minor internal damage can lead to serious failure if not picked up early. Acoustic Emission Testing provides a proactive way to detect these issues before they become safety risks. ### Who Should Carry It Out? Only **qualified and competent professionals** with the right equipment and expertise should perform AET. The process requires precision, technical skill, and a thorough understanding of both the material and the standard. --- **In summary**, Acoustic Emission Testing is a critical part of maintaining MEWP safety and compliance. 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