Mobile elevating work platforms in Germany: training, authorisation and inspection
Scissor lift, articulated boom or truck-mounted platform: who may operate mobile elevating work platforms in Germany, what training and written authorisation look like, when fall protection is needed and which checks are due daily and annually.
Last updated on 6 min readAMS Go editorial team
Key points at a glance
- Only people who are at least 18, instructed and competent and have been authorised in writing by the employer may operate mobile elevating work platforms independently (DGUV Rule 100-500, Chapter 2.10, Section 2.1).
- Training is described in DGUV Principle 308-008: theory and practice, usually at least one day, with a written and practical final examination; under TRBS 1116, such a qualification is regarded as sufficient.
- After set-up and every working day, the operator carries out a visual and functional check; at intervals of no more than one year a competent person inspects the platform, and the result is recorded (DGUV Principle 308-002, Section 14 BetrSichV).
- In boom-type platforms, the catapult effect can throw people out of the basket – the DGUV recommends fall protection attached to the marked anchor points with a connection of no more than 1.80 m; in scissor lifts it is usually not needed.
Who may operate a mobile elevating work platform?
A mobile elevating work platform (Hubarbeitsbühne, MEWP) may only be operated independently by someone who is at least 18, has been instructed in its operation, has proven their competence to the employer and has been expressly authorised – for MEWPs in writing. This is set out in DGUV Rule 100-500, Chapter 2.10 “Operating lifting platforms”, Section 2.1. In practice, competence is proven by training under DGUV Principle 308-008.
The legal background is the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health: work equipment with special hazards may only be used by authorised employees (Section 12 (3) BetrSichV), and TRBS 1116 explicitly lists MEWPs among them. The risk is real: according to DGUV Information 208-019, the labour inspectorates reported an average of five fatal accidents involving operators per year over 20 years. An analysis by the BGHM (the institution for the wood and metal sector) shows operator error, such as improper outrigger set-up, as the leading cause.
Types: group A, group B and type
DIN EN 280 classifies mobile elevating work platforms into two groups by lifting structure and three types by travel. This is more than a formality: training, authorisation and protective measures depend on the type.
Group A
MeaningThe centre of the platform always stays within the tipping lines
ExamplesScissor lifts, personnel lifts
Group B
MeaningAll others – the platform can be far outside the chassis
ExamplesArticulated and telescopic booms, truck-mounted and trailer platforms
Type 1
MeaningTravel only in the transport position
ExamplesTrailer and truck-mounted platforms, personnel lifts with outriggers
Type 2
MeaningTravel with raised platform, controlled from the chassis
Examplesmay be combined with type 3
Type 3
MeaningTravel with raised platform, controlled from the platform
ExamplesSelf-propelled scissor, articulated and telescopic platforms
The certificate under DGUV Principle 308-008 is issued for the types used in training. If someone is to operate a different type, supplementary training is intended. The authorisation, too, applies only to the equipment, tasks and areas for which it was issued (TRBS 1116).
Training under DGUV Principle 308-008
The Principle describes training in theory and practice that usually lasts at least one day and ends with an examination: written, for example with no more than 25 multiple-choice questions, and practical as a test drive. Participants receive a certificate of attendance and result. Content includes:
- legal basis and the operator's responsibility
- types and limits of use: wind, ground, slope, permitted basket load, reach diagram
- taking over and transporting the machine, including load securing
- stable set-up: outriggers, spreader plates, ground bearing capacity
- daily visual and functional check
- operating the emergency lowering system and showing others how to use it
- selecting and correctly putting on fall protection equipment
Under TRBS 1116, the employer can assume the qualification is sufficient if the operator has been trained under DGUV Principle 308-008. Young people under 18 may only operate MEWPs as part of their vocational training, under expert supervision and trained in line with this Principle.
Training matrix in AMS GoSee training under DGUV Principle 308-008, authorisation and annual instruction for every operator in the matrix and get automatic reminders before they are due.Fall protection in the basket
In boom-type platforms, the so-called whip or catapult effect can throw people out of the basket – for example when the machine drives through a pothole or over a kerb, snags on a tree crown or steel structure and breaks free, or is hit by a vehicle. Whether fall protection must be worn follows from the risk assessment and the operating manual; most German accident insurance institutions recommend tying off in all boom-type platforms. For its use, the DGUV (Fachbereich AKTUELL FBHL-002) sets these conditions:
- use only the marked anchor points in the basket, no more than 750 mm above the platform floor
- shortest possible connection to the front attachment point of the full body harness, adjustable length no more than 1.80 m
- equipment tested and approved for use in MEWPs (DIN 19427)
- fall protection does not entitle anyone to climb onto the guardrail or leave the raised platform
- a second person nearby who can operate the emergency lowering system, and a rescue plan
In scissor lifts the catapult effect hardly occurs; fall protection is usually not needed there unless the manufacturer or the risk assessment requires it. Where it is used, the operator checks it for damage before each use, a competent person inspects it at least once a year, and instruction includes practical exercises.
Inspections: daily, annual, extraordinary
Visual and functional check: tyres, structure, basket and gate, outriggers, hydraulics, emergency stop, emergency lowering, controls
WhoOperator
Whenafter set-up, before use and every working day
Periodic inspection
WhoCompetent person or person qualified to carry out inspections
Whenat least once a year (DGUV Principle 308-002)
Extraordinary inspection
WhoPerson qualified to carry out inspections
Whenafter accidents, longer periods out of use or other exceptional events (Section 14 (3) BetrSichV)
Inspection after design changes or major repairs to load-bearing parts
WhoExpert (Sachverständiger)
Whenbefore returning to service
For lifting people, the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health expressly requires the load-carrying device – on a MEWP, the platform – to be checked for proper condition every working day (Annex 1 No. 2.4). Defects that endanger safety mean the platform stays out of service. The DGUV recommends documenting the daily check, including any defects found.
Inspection results are recorded and kept at least until the next inspection (Section 14 (7) BetrSichV), usually in the inspection log under DGUV Principle 308-003. On construction sites and for hired machines, proof of the last inspection – at least as a copy – belongs with the platform. The inspection label shows the next date; whether defects were remedied is only shown in the inspection report. Looking at it is therefore part of taking over the machine.
Checklist: MEWPs in your company
- MEWPs assessed in the risk assessment, suitable type selected
- Operators at least 18 years old and fit
- Training under DGUV Principle 308-008 proven for the types used
- Familiarisation with the specific model documented, also for hired platforms
- Written authorisation issued, stating types and tasks
- Instruction before first use and at least annually documented
- Operating instructions drawn up, rule on fall protection in boom-type platforms defined
- Rescue plan and second person familiar with emergency lowering organised
- Daily visual and functional check introduced
- Annual inspection scheduled, proof of inspection kept with the platform
Free templates for this guide
As PDF and Excel, free – to use in your own company.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to operate a MEWP in Germany?
There is no official state licence for MEWPs. What is required is training with an examination, usually under DGUV Principle 308-008, and written authorisation from the employer. Anyone driving a truck-mounted or trailer platform on public roads also needs the appropriate driving licence.
How long is MEWP training valid?
DGUV Principle 308-008 does not specify a period of validity. Under TRBS 1116, the employer decides in the risk assessment whether and when the qualification is refreshed or reviewed. Independently of this, instruction is required at least once a year.
From what age may you operate a MEWP?
Independently from the age of 18 (DGUV Rule 100-500, Chapter 2.10). Younger people may only operate MEWPs as part of their vocational training, under expert supervision and trained under DGUV Principle 308-008.
Do you have to wear a harness in a MEWP?
In boom-type platforms – articulated, telescopic, truck-mounted and trailer platforms – most German accident insurance institutions recommend fall protection because the catapult effect can throw people out of the basket; it becomes mandatory through the risk assessment, the operating manual or the operating instructions. In scissor lifts it is usually not needed unless the manufacturer or the risk assessment requires it.
This guide gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
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