Work platforms at the airport: Use, regulations and practical requirements

Summary

Work platforms enable maintenance, repair and cleaning of aircraft, buildings and technical equipment – safely and precisely.They are indispensable for a wide range of tasks on the airport grounds, from the terminal to the runway.

Depending on the application, different stages are used:Truck-mounted platforms for flexible work on the apron, scissor lifts for facade work, and articulated telescopic platforms for hard-to-reach areas. External service providers also benefit from targeted rental options – tailored to the project and site.

Introduction to the high-altitude access routes at the airport

Why aerial work platforms are indispensable in airport operations

Airports are highly complex infrastructures where numerous trades work simultaneously. Safe and efficient access to heights is essential for maintenance, repair, inspection, and cleaning. Aerial work platforms provide precisely this: they create access to aircraft surfaces, hangar roofs, terminal facades, and technical installations throughout the airport environment.

Unlike traditional construction sites, airports operate on a tightly scheduled schedule. Any delay can impact fleet planning, safety, and passenger flow. Therefore, aerial work platforms must be flexible, reliable, and precisely suited to the specific requirements of aviation.

What aerial work platforms do daily at the airport

Aerial work platforms are used in airport operations for numerous tasks: from routine aircraft inspections and facade work to the maintenance of navigation systems. Access to areas that, due to height, reach, or obstacles, can only be safely reached with aerial work platforms is particularly important.

The installation and maintenance of communication, lighting, and guidance systems also require precise access at height. Aerial work platforms ensure that these safety-critical systems remain operational at all times.

Legal framework and standards for work platforms at the airport

DGUV, EN standards and operator obligations

There are clear rules and obligations for the use of aerial work platforms. The most important regulations are:

DGUV Rule 100-500 (Chapter 2.10): Regulates the safe use of mobile elevating work platforms, including requirements for operators, inspections and PPE requirements.

Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV): Obliges the operator to conduct risk assessments, regular inspections and training of employees.

DIN EN 280-1: Specifies safety-related requirements for the construction, calculation and stability of mobile elevating work platforms.

DIN EN 1915: Specific requirements for equipment in the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) area – particularly relevant for airport operations.

DGUV Principle 308-008: Binding basis for the training and commissioning of operators.

Duties for operators in the airport security area

For work in safety areas, operators need:

– Reliability check (ZÜP) according to § 7 LuftSiG
– Airport pass for apron and security zones
– Complete instruction and commissioning according to DGUV regulations

Without these permissions, access to the secure area is not possible.

Technical requirements for work platforms in airport operations

Special features in hangars: Electric stages are mandatory

Strict regulations apply in aircraft hangars: exhaust emissions are prohibited, which is why only electric work platforms may be used there. They are quiet, emission-free, and ideally suited for smooth hangar floors.

Diesel aircraft are only permitted to enter hangars in exceptional cases and with special exhaust extraction systems – a procedure that is hardly practical and poses safety risks.

Ground pressure and load-bearing capacity of aprons and halls

The load-bearing capacity of the ground is essential. Work platforms can generate ground pressures of up to 180 N/cm² . Therefore, subsoil tests must be carried out on hall floors, apron areas, and concrete slabs.

Shims are mandatory if:

– supports are used
– the surface is not consistently load-bearing
– Access via shafts, covers or service channels

Here you can calculate the load-bearing capacity online .

FOD prevention: An airport-specific safety factor

Foreign object debris (FOD) is one of the greatest hazards to aircraft. Aerial work platforms must be regularly cleaned and inspected before being used on the apron.

Typical sources of FOD (Forward Object Damage) are loose screws, cable ties, or tool parts. These must not be located on the basket or the chassis.

Types of work platforms and their areas of application at airports

Truck-mounted work platforms on the apron

Thanks to their high mobility and reach , truck-mounted aerial work platforms are ideal for use around the apron. They can quickly move from gate to gate and provide access at height for signage, cameras, light masts, and terminal exteriors.

Scissor lifts: Perfect for terminal facades

Scissor lifts are a stable choice for cleaning, renovation, or maintenance work on facades. Their large platform offers space for several people and tools – ideal for extended use.

Articulated telescopic platforms: Flexible for aircraft and infrastructure

Articulated telescopic platforms are the all-rounders of airport technology: They overcome obstacles and reach complex areas on aircraft, radar towers, and terminal roofs. Their reach enables precise access even to hard-to-reach areas.

Tracked platforms and special equipment

Tracked platforms are suitable for sensitive surfaces or long distances between buildings. Their low weight protects hall floors and technical installations.

Unusual and specialized deployment locations

Docking systems for aircraft maintenance

Aircraft maintenance is often performed using contour-conforming docking systems. These offer:

– Foam protection against paint damage
– Height adjustment for adaptation to aircraft types such as A320 and B737
– Access points up to 10 m high or more on wide-body aircraft

Standard work platforms are used as a supplement where dock systems are insufficient or too inflexible.

Typical working heights on aircraft types

The following working heights are relevant for planning:

– Cockpit A320/B737: 3.4–4.2 m
– Hull centerline: 4.9–6.6 m
– Wide-body aircraft (e.g. A380): Access up to over 10 m
– Engine maintenance: variable, depending on the engine dock

Maintenance of radar towers and lighting systems

Airports have numerous special structures. These include:

– Radar towers
– Approach lighting along runways
– Communication antennas and weather stations

Stages with a large reach and precise positioning are needed here.

Behind the scenes: Technology, security and processes

Risk assessment as a duty

A risk assessment is required before every airport operation. It includes:

– Subsurface assessment
– Weather and wind load
– Transport routes and apron movements
– Rescue concept
– PPE obligations

Especially on the apron, movements must be precisely coordinated, as numerous trades work in parallel.

Safety zones around aircraft

A minimum distance of 2 meters must be maintained around aircraft. Stricter regulations may apply depending on the airline or airport.

Night and bad weather work

Most maintenance work takes place at night. Therefore, work platforms must be equipped with sufficient lighting, reflective surfaces, and stable bases.

Economic aspects of rent

Typical rental costs

The following guidelines apply to medium working heights:

Additional costs include transport and machinery breakdown insurance.

Rent aerial work platforms for airport projects

Why most trades rent their stages

Since projects at airports are rarely identical, external service providers predominantly rely on rental equipment. This allows for maximum flexibility, guarantees inspected machines, and reduces costs for equipment storage, maintenance, and transport.

Digital access control and GPS tracking

Modern rental equipment from BIBERGER features digital access controls . This ensures that only authorized personnel operate the platform. Especially at airports, where various trades work simultaneously, this significantly increases safety.

BIBERGER aerial work platforms are in use at airports throughout Europe.

Conclusion: Efficiency, safety, and precision working together

Aerial work platforms are an indispensable part of airport infrastructure. Whether for hangars, terminals, or the apron, access to heights must function reliably, be operated in accordance with standards, and meet the highest safety requirements. With suitable technology, clear procedures, and trained operators, even complex projects can be implemented safely and efficiently.

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.