What is this standard about?
This European standard specifies technical safety requirements and measures for all types and sizes of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) intended to move persons to positions where they are carrying out work from work platform (WPs).
Who is this standard for?
There are more than 60,000 MEWPs in operation in the UK. They are typically used in:
- Building construction and maintenance
- Telecommunications
- Tree surgery
- Highways maintenance
- Sign erection
- Film and TV programme production
This standard will be important to anyone responsible for the safe use and operation of MEWPs, including:
- Premises owners
- Employers
- Managers
- Operators
- Trainers
Why should we use this standard?
This standard covers the structural design calculations and stability criteria, construction, safety examinations and tests before MEWPs are first put into service. It identifies hazards arising from the use of MEWPs and describes ways to avoid or reduce these hazards. It also provides specific requirements on information for use, such as instruction handbooks and marking.
Note: the standard specifies there are defined access positions at ground level or on the chassis to get on and off the platforms and assumes that those operating MEWPs are adequately trained.
What's changed since the last update?
The standard has been systematically reviewed by experts to ensure its continued market relevance and now includes significant technical changes including:
- New safety use requirements and risk management guidelines
- Amendments to loads and forces
- Amendments to the masse of the components of MEWPs relating to dead weight
- Updating of the maximum breaking distance of MEWPs type 2 and 3
