GUIDELINES ON REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY DEVICES ON MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (MEWPS)

TO BE APPLIED BEFORE THE PUBLICATION OF AS1418-10 (2010)

VERSION AS OF 27 MAY 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to set out the interim requirements for safety devices on new or imported Mobile Elevating
Work Platforms (MEWPs) used in Australia.

Background

The Australian Standard for EWPs (AS1418-10) was recently reviewed and requirements for safety devices were included to
bring the relevant Australian requirements in line with European requirements under EN280. Unfortunately there is a delay
in the publication of the revised AS1418-10. At the same time, the requirements for safety devices under EN280 are also
being reviewed. Consequently, it is not possible at this point in time, to rely on any of these two standards to determine the
requirements on safety devices for new MEWPs in Australia.

The Australian Regulators’ Committee on High Risk Plant consulted extensively with industry (particularly the Elevating Work
Platform Association of Australia Inc (EWPA) and agreed that a document setting out the interim requirements for safety
devices on MEWPs should be developed and published by the Regulators’ Committee. The document will be reviewed
when either AS1418-10 has been published or the review on EN280 has been finalised.

This document is set out as follows:

 Part A – Requirements for safety devices on MEWPs

 Part B – Implementation phases on safety devices for MEWPs in Australia
 Part C - Alternative methods to achieve design registration

Part A – Requirements for safety devices on MEWPs

The Safety Related Parts of control systems of MEWPs must be designed in accordance with the requirements of either
AS4024 or IEC62061 or ISO13849. In addition MEWPs are required, as a minimum, to be fitted with those safety devices
specified in Table 1 that would be required to gain CE certification.

The overall objective is that each of the safety-related parts achieves a similar level of safety performance so that the
contribution of the safety-related parts of the control system provides the required reduction in risk. Therefore the reliability
and structure within the safety-related parts of the control system have both to be considered.

For the purpose of emergency retrieval intended to be performed by the operator or ground personnel, it shall only be
possible to override a safety device listed in Table 1 in a safe manner by using a separate device of the same category or
better. This requirement does not apply for specific maintenance and repair procedures intended to be performed by trained
technicians.

Application

These requirements as far as they relate to the reliability of safety devices for various safety functions (as listed in Table 1)
take precedence over the requirements specified in the primary standard used in the design.

Verification of the functional requirements for safety devices:

The functional requirements of safety devices define how the safety device must operate and does not relate to the reliability
level.

The functional requirements shall meet or exceed the requirements specified in Table 1 and shall be verified by design
review and functional test. Such tests shall be documented in a test report(s).

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TABLE 1 – Description of Safety Function/Device of the MEWP and required reliability levels

Paragraph Description of Safety Function/Device of the MEWP 1 Variation to the functional requirements 2 Category of SIL of Performance Notes
no. in EN 954-1 or IEC62061 Level (PL) of
En280 AS4024 ISO13849-1
5.3.1 Prevents a Type 1 MEWP from travelling when work _ 1 1 c (b-c)
platform is out of the transport position
5.3.2 Level indicator (e.g. spirit level) to indicate whether the On Group A MEWPs of type 2 and 3, whilst travelling out of the 1 1 c(b-c)
inclination of the MEWP chassis is within the limits permitted lowered travel position, the device shall prevent motion that
by the manufacturer. On MEWPs of Type 3, reaching the would further reduce stability when the chassis has reached the
extreme limits of inclination shall be indicated by an acoustic maximum allowable inclination.
audible alarm at the work platform
5.3.8.1 Prevents work platform from operating outside permitted Not required for totally manually operated MEWPs that have a 1 1 c(b-c)
positions unless the stabilisers are set in accordance with the work platform floor height less than 5 metres.
operating instructions For type 1 MEWPs equipped with systems that lock or control
oscillating axles to maintain stability the device shall prevent
deployment of the extending structure until the oscillating axle(s)
are locked or controlled.
On Type 2 and 3 MEWPs, with systems other than
mechanical/hydraulic locking mechanisms, that lock or control
the oscillating axle, safety devices shall be fitted to the locking
or controlling mechanism.
5.3.8.2 Prevents MEWPs (which are designed to operate in a limited 3 2(1-2) d
range without stabilisers) from operating outside that range
without stabilisers
5.3.10 Interlocks powered stabilisers in the required extended 3 1(1-2) d
position, unless the MEWP is in transport mode or within a
limited and “stable” range
5.3.16 Limits the speed of travel of the MEWP with manned work 1 1 c(b-c)
platform out of the lowered travel position on MEWPs of Type
2 and Type 3
5.4.1.2 Load sensing system to alarm and stop the work platform If the load sensing system was triggered during normal 3 2(1-2) d 3
when certain rated load situations have been exceeded movement of the work platform, the possibility of normal
movement may remain.
For group A MEWPs in general, the load-sensing system need
not be activated until the work platform is elevated more than
1 m or 10 % of lift height, whichever is the greater, above the
lowest position. If an overload condition is sensed at or above
this height, further elevation shall be prevented
5.4.1.3.3 Control system to limit the work platform to the working 3 2(1-2) d
envelope, when the envelope is not limited exclusively by
mechanical stops.
5.4.1.4 Moment sensing system to provide visual warning when 3 2(1-2) d 3
overturning moment is reached and prevents further
movements, except those that reduce the overturning moment

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5.4.3 Prevents movement of tilting chassis or superstructure unless 1 1 c(b-c)
the work platform is in its access position
5.4.4 Time delay interlocks and alarm on the lowering movement of For Group A MEWPs, motion (lowering) alarms shall sound over at least the 1 1 b(b-c) 3
the MEWP structure to prevent crushing of fingers or body last 2000 mm of lowering to warn persons in the vicinity of a lowering
platform. A time delay interlock is not required.
parts.
5.5.1.3 Automatically prevents inadvertent movements of the work 2 1 c
platform in the event of a failure of a chain or belt system in
the drive system of the MEWP.
5.5.2.7 Prevents movement of the work platform in the event of a .
1 1 b(b-c)
slack rope condition (applicable for MEWPs with work
platforms that are raised and lowered by means of a wire
rope). Not required if a slack rope condition cannot develop.
5.5.3.7 Prevents movement of work platform in the event of a slack 1 1 c(b-c)
chain condition (applicable for MEWPs with work platforms
that are raised and lowered by means of a chain) Not
required if a slack chain condition cannot develop.
5.5.5.2 Overspeed device on rack and pinion drives to lower the work 1 1 c(b-c)
platform (plus rated load) at a safe rate (≤1 g deceleration)
5.6.1 Platform levelling system that limits the variation of the work 3 (1, in the 2(1-2),(1) d, c(b-c)
platform (basket) inclination to a maximum of +/- 5 degrees. case of
The levelling system must incorporate a safety device that master slave
prevents the inclination of the platform (basket) exceeding a systems)
further 5 degrees inclination if failure occurs within the
system.
5.6.3 Prevents operation of the MEWP until the platform gate is 2 1 c
closed and fastened (locked) in position, (if gates are not
designed to automatically close and lock). Outward opening
gates are not permitted
5.7.4 Interlocks controls so that control of MEWP can only be done 1 1 c(b-c)
at one pre-selected station.
5.10.2 Prevents unintended movement of load holding cylinders, in 1 1 c(b-c)
the event of failure of a hose or pipe.
Notes:
1. For details of the application and functional requirements of these devices –refer to En280
2. For the purpose of this guideline the variations listed are permissible.
3. These devices are required to be fitted by 1 March 2011 for uninsulated MEWPs and 1 March 2012 for insulated MEWPs – See Part B
4. The contents of this Table have been taken from EN280+A2-2009 clause 5.11. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Australian Regulators’ Committee on High Risk Plant and the Table revised by
the Committee, the requirements in this table will be adhered to.
5. The variations in range have been included in parenthesis in the above Table. There is actually no exact equivalence between the three parameters (i.e. EN954-1 or AS4024, SIL of IEC60261
and Performance Level (PL) of ISO13849-1), as it depends upon the circuit design and configuration

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Verification of the specified reliability levels for safety devices:

For the purpose of Australian design verification, compliance with the reliability levels specified in Table 1 for each device
can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

1. CE Certification and EC Type examination certificate issued by an EC Notified Body and separate verification relating
to the variations listed in Table 1. For equipment imported into Australia, the CE Certification and EC Type
examination certificate must specifically refer to EN280 and include some form of verifiable link to positively identify
the imported plant as the same plant items referred to in the certifications. E.g. a letter from the Notified Body to say
that they have sighted the specific models that are imported into Australia.

2. An EC declaration of conformity issued by the manufacturer and provision of the EC Homologation file and supporting
documentation demonstrating compliance with the above requirements. The design verifier has to examine the
manufacturer’s technical documentation and ensure that there is sufficient proof that the manufacturer’s declaration of
conformity is adequately supported.

3. Validation according to the requirements specified in AS4024, EN954-1, IEC62061 or ISO 13849.2 as applicable.
(Note: These standards only cover the safety control systems and have very little to do with other design aspects of
the plant e.g. stability/strength etc.)

For the purpose of Design verification or validation the verifier must satisfy the requirements for design verifiers specified in
the relevant OH&S Plant Regulations.

Design Verification to AS1418.10

For new designs or modified designs conformity can be demonstrated in one of the following ways: (See Part C)

1. CE Certification and EC Type examination certificate issued by an EC notified body, and separate verification relating
to the variations listed in Table 1. The certification issued by the EC notified body must specifically refer to EN280.

2. Design verification against AS1418.10 and validation of the requirements for safety devices according to AS4024,
EN954-1, IEC62061 or ISO 13849.2 as applicable.

Part C provides illustration of alternative design verification processes.

NOTE: For the purpose of Design verification or validation the verifier must satisfy the requirements for design verifiers
specified in the relevant OH&S Plant regulations.

Part B – Implementation phases on safety devices for MEWPs in Australia

These requirements apply no later than the following:

 All relevant safety devices listed in Table 1, other than those relating to load sensing, moment sensing, lowering
interlocks on scissor type MEWPS and travel function Interlocks are to be fitted to all MEWPs imported into or
manufactured in Australia after 1 June 2010

 Safety devices associated with load sensing and moment sensing are to be fitted to:

o Uninsulated MEWPs imported into or manufactured in Australia after 1 March 2011

o Insulated MEWPs imported into or manufactured in Australia after 1 March 2012.

Dates are valid based on assumption that the National Regulators’ Committee for High Risk Plant confirms (in writing and at
public forums) the position regarding safety system requirements in May 2010

Note: Solutions for load sensing and moment sensing can be provided in a number of ways and are specified in En280
Table 3.

Machine Identification:

All MEWPs that comply with these requirements must display the following information in a clear and visible area on a
durable plate or label. This identification marking requirement will not be required once AS1418-10 and EN280 are finalised
(then this guideline will no longer be needed)

This MEWP meets the requirements of the Guideline published by the

National Regulators’ Committee on High Risk Plant dated 27 May 2010.
Manufacturer.______Serial No.__________Date_______

Where:
Manufacturer is the name of the organisation holding the relevant supporting documentation.
Serial Number is the Serial number of the MEWP.
Date is the date of fixing of the plate to the MEWP.

NOTE: This statement maybe incorporated in the machine identification plate.

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PART C - Alternative methods to achieve design registration

Combination of Australian Harmonised OH&S

Regulations

Australian Design Registration Process using the Australian Design Registration Process using the
CE conformity to EN280 route Australian Standards AS1418-10 (Int) 2004) route.

CE Type compliance certificate issued by EC Notified Body Verification of:

accepted as a verification of general safety system integrity o structure, functions and safety features in AS1418-10
(Int) 2004; and
Verification of Australian Variation of functions and additional o safety control systems outlined in guideline published by
safety features as described in AS1418-10 (Int) - 2004 Australian Regulators’ Committee on High Risk Plant

CE Type compliance certificate issued by EC Verification of compliance with AS1418-10 (Int) -

Notifying Body 2004 conducted by 3rd party verifier.

As part of the EC Type-Examination process, the As part of AS1418-10 verification process, the Technical
Technical File relating to the machine under scrutiny File relating to the machine under scrutiny must by
must be verified by an approved body. verified by 3rd party verifier

Technical File Contents required by EC Notified Body: Technical File Contents supplied to verifier

Main technical description including performance capability, power Main technical description including performance capability, power
supply, dimensions and weight. supply, dimensions and weight.

Overall drawings with main dimensions. Detail drawings of load Overall drawings with main dimensions. Detail drawings of load
carrying parts and components. Electrical/Hydraulic/Pneumatic carrying parts and components.
Schematics. Schedule of all drawings related to the type tested. Electrical/Hydraulic/Pneumatic Schematics. Schedule of all
drawings related to the type tested.
Structural and Stability calculations to verify conformity with
Essential Health and Safety requirements. Structural and Stability calculations to verify conformity with
AS1418-10 (Int) 2004 requirements.
Copies of reports of tests carried out to validate conformity with
requirements including stability, structural and functional tests. Copies of reports of tests carried out to validate conformity with
requirements including stability, structural and functional tests.
Certificates related to compliance of bought-out components and
parts. Where appropriate certificates demonstrating acceptability of Certificates related to compliance of bought-out components and
manufacturing processes e.g. welding. parts. Where appropriate certificates demonstrating acceptability of
manufacturing processes e.g. welding.
A report which records how essential Health and Safety
Requirements have been addressed or developed considering the A report which records how essential OH&S Requirements have
following documents submitted as a part of the TCF: been addressed. A description of the methods adopted to eliminate
 The general hazard analysis spreadsheet hazards presented by the machine.
 Individual hazard analyses for other safety functions
 Risk assessment specifically addressing applicable items A comprehensive list of all standards used in the design,
listed in EN280 section 5.11 manufacture and testing of the machine.
 Safety system schematic for each such applicable item
 Safety block diagram for each such applicable item Manual or Manuals containing instructions regarding machine
 Information for these items as applicable (number of operation and maintenance.
machines, time in use, total claims, claims classified as
dangerous failures, summary and calculation document) A description of internal quality assurance and control measures
 Parts Analysis operated to ensure consistency with the Type-Examined example.
 Safety function validation plan
 Safety related software control plan
 Electrical and hydraulic controls system schematic
 Summary spreadsheet of each applicable safety function,
giving overview description of safety system operation and
showing or linking to reliability data demonstrating
compliance to the required category
 Noise test report

A comprehensive list of all standards used in the design,

manufacture and testing of the machine.

Certificates confirming compliance with any other applicable

directive e.g. Electromagnetic Compatibility.

Manual or Manuals containing instructions regarding machine

operation and maintenance.

A description of internal quality assurance and control measures

operated to ensure consistency with the Type-Examined example.