ISO 18893:2024

Overview

ISO 18893:2024 - "Mobile elevating work platforms - Safety principles, inspection, maintenance and operation" provides internationally recognized requirements for the safe selection, inspection, maintenance, repair, training and operation of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). Applicable to both new and in-service MEWPs, the standard covers MEWP classifications (group and type) and aims to eliminate or reduce accidents, injuries and property damage, clarify responsibilities, enable compliance verification and guide regulators.

Key topics and requirements

The standard addresses practical safety controls and lifecycle activities for MEWPs, including:

• Scope and objectives - Requirements for selection, inspection, training, maintenance, repair and operation to reduce risk and support regulatory development.
• General requirements - Basic safety principles, safe use planning, operator and service manuals, record retention, and rules for manufacturer or owner modifications.
• Maintenance - Preventive maintenance programs, maintenance inspections (pre-delivery, pre-start, frequent and annual inspections), training of maintenance personnel, safe repair practices and use of replacement parts.
• Qualification and training - Authorization to operate, user conformance evaluations, retraining, assessment of personnel, occupant awareness, supervisor training and familiarization.
• Operation and risk management - Pre-operation checks, site risk assessment stages, rescue-from-height planning (including rescue using another MEWP), procedures for system failures and emergency response.
• Operational safety specifics - Weather, ground and slope considerations, travel and transport, stability-enhancing means, load distribution, fall protection, electrocution hazards, battery charging/fuelling, hazardous locations, and reporting of safety issues.
• Documentation and compliance - Manufacturer safety bulletins, inspection records and review processes to verify compliance.

Practical applications

ISO 18893:2024 is designed for stakeholders involved with MEWPs:

• Operators and occupants - For safe daily operation, pre-start checks, and occupant responsibilities.
• Owners, fleet managers and employers - To implement preventive maintenance, inspection schedules, training programs and record-keeping.
• Maintenance personnel and dealers - For standardized maintenance, safe repair practices and use of approved replacement parts.
• Manufacturers - To align manuals, service information and modification controls with safety expectations.
• Regulators and safety authorities - As a technical basis for local rules, inspection schemes and certification requirements.

Keywords: ISO 18893:2024, mobile elevating work platforms, MEWPs, safety principles, inspection, maintenance, operation, training, risk assessment, rescue plan.

Related standards

ISO 18893 complements design and certification standards for MEWPs and broader machinery safety regulations. Organizations should implement ISO 18893 alongside applicable national laws and equipment design standards to ensure comprehensive MEWP safety and compliance.