Important amendment to DIN EN 280: Manual control now mandatory for MEWPs - retrofitting required

The DIN EN 280 standard, which applies to mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), has undergone an important safety amendment. With immediate effect, all manufacturers of MEWPs are obliged to integrate a manual control system as an emergency safety device. This measure is crucial to minimise risks if the main control fails or is not accessible in an emergency.

General requirements of DIN EN 280

DIN EN 280 specifies the safety and design requirements for mobile elevating work platforms. Some of the most important general requirements include

Load capacity and stability: every MEWP must be designed to remain stable and safe under the maximum load conditions. This includes load capacity calculations and measures against the risk of tipping.

Emergency lowering devices: Machines must be fitted with emergency lowering devices to enable the platform to be lowered safely in the event of a power or system failure. A new requirement has been added that a manual control must be available as an emergency safety device.

Operator platforms: It is required that FHAB platforms are equipped with guardrails and access guarding to prevent operators from falling. In addition, all controls must be clearly labelled and easily accessible.

Weather and environmental influences: MEWPs must be built to operate safely in various environmental conditions such as wind, rain and extreme temperatures.

What does this mean for manufacturers and operators?

In addition to the mandatory installation of manual controls on new aerial work platforms, the change also affects existing machines that need to be retrofitted.

This is where Herga comes into play: our hand controls are perfectly tailored to these new requirements. They offer a robust and reliable solution that has been specially developed for industrial applications. Whether you need to upgrade existing machines or equip your new FHAB with the latest safety technology, Herga has the right safety and hand control solutions for you.

What are the benefits of Herga products?

The introduction of manual control as an emergency safety device is a significant step towards greater safety in the working environment. It enables better control in critical situations and significantly reduces the risk of injury to operators and third parties.

Herga's manual controls not only provide the necessary safety function in emergencies, but are also extremely user-friendly and durable. With our wide range of customised solutions, we ensure that your aerial work platforms comply with the latest regulations while ensuring smooth operation.

We will be happy to advise you on retrofitting and technical implementation. Take the opportunity to equip your access platforms with high-quality manual controls from Herga and maximise your safety standards.