Construction News

Fri March 29 2024

Related Information

New standard means more training for platform operators

11 Aug 14 All operators of mobile elevating work platforms will need training in the implications of a new European standard that comes into force next year, a leading manufacturer has warned.

Genie says its platforms will all comply with the new standard ahead of the implementation date
Genie says its platforms will all comply with the new standard ahead of the implementation date

The new EN280:2013 standard was published in July 2013 and after a transition period it comes into force at the end of January 2015. It requires all self-propelled mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) to disable the drive function when in an elevated work position if chassis inclination that exceeds the operating specifications. In other words, it will no longer be possible to drive an extended platform onto a slope that has the potential to create an overturn.

“Customers will ultimately need training regarding the new operational characteristics of the equipment,” said Brad Allen, vice president, marketing, product management and engineering at Terex Aerial Work Platforms.

Terex said that its Genie scissor lifts already have this functionality but it would now also become standard on its boom lifts too.

“We are communicating this information early so our customers can be prepared,” Mr Allen added. “The changes to the booms will be simple and easy to understand and use.”

On Genie boom lifts an alarm will sound when chassis inclination limits are breached. If the work platform is elevated when this happens, the audible alarm will be accompanied by a visual indicator on the platform controls indicating that the drive functions in one or both directions have been disabled.  The operator will then need to assess the slope the equipment is on and follow the step-by-step instructions provided both on the machine and in the operator’s manual to lower the work platform before moving the equipment to a safe, level surface.

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

MPU
MPU

Click here to view latest construction news »