What You Need to Know
Anyone who wants to safely operate or rent work platforms cannot ignore the applicable EN standards. They regulate everything – from design and operation to rescue in an emergency. But which standard applies to which platform? What is mandatory, what is supplementary – and what does that mean in practice? This guide provides clarity. Clearly explained, with practical relevance, and up-to-date for 2025.
Which standard regulates what?
Overview of the most important EN and ISO standards
This table shows you which standards you as an operator, tenant or decision-maker really need to know – with practical relevance and concrete relevance.
| standard | Applies to | What is regulated? | Obligation to apply / relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 280-1 | Mobile aerial work platforms (e.g. telescopic, scissor, truck-mounted platforms) | Construction, stability, safety devices | Mandatory (EU) |
| EN 1495 | Mast-guided climbing platforms (e.g. for building construction/facade work) | Construction, guidance systems, safety during vertical movement | Device dependent |
| ISO 16368 | International mobile work platforms | Safety requirements worldwide, equivalent to EN 280 | State of the art |
| EN ISO 13849-1 | All stages with safety control | Control technology, performance level for emergency stop, limitation | Mandatory (EU) |
| EN ISO 14120 | Stages with fixed protective coverings or moving parts | Separating guards, minimum requirements | Mandatory (EU) |
| DGUV 308-008 | Germany: Operators and operators | Operator training, operational specifications, operational responsibility | Mandatory (DE) |
| ISO 18893 | Mobile work platforms in operation | Inspection, maintenance, safe use – international standard | State of the art |
Other relevant standards for special cases and special applications
In addition to the well-known main standards, there are a number of other EN standards that are relevant for specific work environments, industries, or special cases. While they don't apply to traditional construction site or hall use with standard platforms, they can be crucial in individual cases. A closer look is particularly worthwhile for vehicle-mounted platforms, scaffolding, or suspended personnel access equipment.
| standard | Applies to | Special feature / practical relevance |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1493 | Vehicle lifts | Relevance, for example, for truck work platforms in workshop environments or chassis test benches |
| EN 1004 | Mobile scaffolding | Standard for mobile work platforms made of scaffolding systems – e.g. for interior fittings or event technology |
| EN 1808 | Hanging personnel lifting equipment | Typical for facade work with rope technology, e.g. gondola systems on high-rise buildings |
| Special standards for rescue | Fire service, height rescue | Special specifications for combined rescue systems or PPE applications in emergencies |
| Digital requirements (future) | Operating instructions, training | Increasingly required: digital documentation, interactive instructions, app-based training |
These standards aren't mandatory for traditional rental or construction site use, but they should definitely be considered for special applications – especially if you work across industries, modify equipment, or conduct preparations in the workshop. Comprehensive planning in these areas increases safety and significantly reduces future liability risks.
Why EN standards are relevant for you
Whether you rent, operate, or manufacture a work platform, as soon as you put the equipment into operation, you bear responsibility – for people, technology, and legal compliance. EN standards form the basis for this. They are not just theory, but ensure, in a very practical way, that a platform remains stable in an emergency, that emergency lowering systems function, and that no one is endangered.
At the same time, they serve as the basis for CE marking for manufacturers and lessors. Those who design and test according to harmonized standards such as EN 280-1 automatically comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC – a central component of every approval and every rental agreement.
The standards in detail
EN 280-1: Core standard for all mobile work platforms
EN 280-1:2022 is the backbone of safety for mobile work platforms—that is, for virtually all the equipment you use in everyday life: telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts, or crawler platforms. The standard specifies in detail how a platform must be designed to prevent it from tipping over at full reach, failing under load, and allowing it to be lowered in a controlled manner even in an emergency.
Particularly relevant: Since its 2022 revision, the standard contains new definitions for travel positions and stricter requirements for load measurement and collision protection. Anyone renting or operating platforms should always be familiar with the current version and, if in doubt, inquire whether the equipment has actually been tested to comply with the standard.
EN 1495 – Mast-mounted climbing work platforms: For special applications
This standard only applies to you if you work with vertically guided work platforms on masts – for example, on facades, in bridge construction, or on high-rise buildings. Unlike mobile platforms, these systems are fixed or anchored to structures and behave completely differently mechanically.
It is important to distinguish between these and construction hoists: EN 1495 only regulates platforms for the transport of people – not the transport of materials.
ISO 16368 & ISO 18893: Working safely worldwide
Many manufacturers and rental companies rely on international standards, especially when equipment is exported or used in mixed rental fleets. ISO 16368 is the global equivalent of EN 280 and regulates safety requirements and testing procedures at the international level.
In addition, ISO 18893 describes how mobile work platforms are operated, maintained and inspected safely – ideal as a basis for internal instructions, operating manuals or training in the company.
EN ISO 13849-1: Safety functions correctly implemented
This standard is often underestimated, yet it is central to any platform with safety controls : emergency stop, load moment monitoring, travel limitation, or collision protection. EN ISO 13849-1 evaluates such functions according to a Performance Level (PL) from "a" (low) to "e" (high).
In practice, this means that a control system may only be used in the CE process if it demonstrates the necessary reliability. For operators, this means that anyone who installs additional safety features (e.g., retrofitting sensors) must ensure that the system logic is also assessed in accordance with the standards.
Protection, distance, access: What matters around the stage
Not only the basket must be safe – everything around it must be safe, too. As soon as people stand on platforms or are at risk from moving parts, several standards apply simultaneously:
- EN ISO 14120: regulates guards – such as fixed grilles or covers
- EN ISO 13854: defines minimum distances to avoid crushing points
- EN ISO 13857: ensures that no one can accidentally reach into danger areas
Especially on tight construction sites, industrial applications or special constructions, you should take a close look here – even if the platform “looks safe” at first glance.
Ergonomics & Access: When it comes to people
In addition to technology, people are also the focus of standardization. EN 614-1 defines basic ergonomic principles – for example, where controls should be located, how access should be designed, and how visibility should be checked.
The EN ISO 14122 series complements this with fixed access points – such as platforms, stairs, or walkways on stationary systems. This is particularly relevant when platforms are mounted on machines or integrated into production lines.
EN 13000 & EN 12077-2: Special case crane function
Some truck-mounted work platforms or telescopic systems also have a crane function. In this case, EN 280 is no longer sufficient. In these cases , EN 13000 for mobile cranes also applies. It regulates design and safety elements such as load diagrams, slewing behavior, and boom control.
It is supplemented by EN 12077-2 , which deals specifically with limiting and safety devices – e.g. load moment limiters or overload warning devices.
Practice in Germany: DGUV & Machinery Directive
For users in Germany, two additional sets of rules are mandatory:
- DGUV Principle 308-008: regulates the training of operators
- DGUV 208-019: transfers the requirements of EN 280 to use in the company
In addition, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC serves as the overarching framework for all standards. Compliance with harmonized standards grants a presumption of CE conformity , meaning no additional proof is required.
Which standard is no longer valid today?
Some older standards have since been withdrawn and replaced with modernized versions. Anyone still working with old manuals or older leases should check whether the references are still up-to-date:
| Old standard | Replaced by | Valid since |
|---|---|---|
| DIN EN 280:2016-04 | EN 280-1:2022 | 2022 |
| EN 349 | EN ISO 13854 | 2019 |
| EN 953 | EN ISO 14120 | 2016 |
Conclusion: What you need to consider as an operator, tenant or decision-maker
The most important standard for your everyday life is and remains EN 280-1 . It regulates whether a stage is safely constructed—and thus whether you are even allowed to use it. It is supplemented by safety, ergonomic, and national regulations.
If you operate equipment yourself, you should also pay attention to the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) regulations . If you're exporting or renting equipment abroad, it's worth checking the ISO or ANSI standards to avoid any unpleasant surprises during the approval process.
Sources & further information
-
DIN / EN standards:
Overview and current versions of EN 280 , EN 1004 and EN ISO 13849-1, among others, from the German Institute for Standardization (DIN).
→ DIN – Standards search: Mobile elevating work platform / EN 280 -
DGUV basics:
DGUV Principle 308-008 ( training and commissioning of operators ) and DGUV Information 208-019 ( safe use of mobile elevating work platforms ).
→ DGUV 308-008 (PDF) | DGUV 208-019 (PDF) -
Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC):
European basis for the design and operation of machinery, including mobile elevating work platforms.
→ EU Directive text (EUR-Lex) | BAuA Guidelines (PDF)
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