Aerial Platform Safety Regulations in Europe

The EN 280 standard is the primary European standard governing the design, manufacture, and use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). This standard sets out detailed requirements for stability, structural integrity, safety devices, and marking.

Key safety requirements include overload protection systems, emergency lowering mechanisms, safe working load indicators, and operator controls that default to the off position. Regular inspections and maintenance are also mandated.

Operators must be properly trained and certified. The standard also requires thorough examination by competent persons at regular intervals, typically every 6 or 12 months depending on the jurisdiction.