Overview
ISO 16368:2010 - Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) - Design, calculations, safety requirements and test methods - is an international standard that defines safety requirements, preventive measures and verification methods for MEWPs intended to move persons to working positions. It covers structural design calculations, stability criteria, construction, safety examinations and test methods to be applied before a MEWP is first put into service. The standard also identifies hazards associated with MEWP use and describes methods to eliminate or reduce those hazards.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and exclusions: Applies to all types and sizes of MEWPs (scissor, boom, telescopic, articulating) but excludes permanently installed lifts, fire-fighting appliances, mast-climbing platforms (see ISO 16369), certain insulating aerial devices and other specified equipment.
- Design and calculations: Structural design rules, finite element analysis guidance and detailed stability calculations (including dynamic factors) to prevent overturning.
- Chassis, stabilizers and extending structures: Requirements for chassis strength, stabilizer design and extendible booms, ladders or scissor mechanisms.
- Drive and control systems: Specifications for wire‑rope, chain and hydraulic drive systems; requirements for manual, cableless and platform-mounted controls (see Annex G).
- Safety systems and devices: Load-sensing, fall-arrest/restraint provisions, emergency stops, interlocks and other protective measures.
- Verification and testing: Procedures for examinations, type tests and pre‑market release tests plus kerb, wind and dynamic testing considerations (Annexes A–E).
- Information for use: Instruction handbook and marking requirements for safe operation, along with a list of significant hazards (Annex H).
- Normative references: Cross-references to related standards (electrical, acoustic, signage and testing procedures).
Applications and users
ISO 16368 is used by:
- MEWP designers and manufacturers for compliant product design and documentation
- Structural and safety engineers performing design calculations and FEA
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies carrying out type and pre‑market tests
- Fleet managers, rental companies and maintenance personnel implementing inspection and safety regimes
- Regulators and procurement teams specifying safety and performance requirements
Practical uses include design verification, stability assessments, selection of appropriate drive/control systems, and preparation of operator manuals and markings.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 16368, mobile elevating work platforms, MEWP safety, design calculations, stability criteria, test methods.
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