What is BS 8460:2025 - Safe use of MEWPs about?
BS 8460 is the British Standard that provides recommendations and guidance for the selection, hiring, positioning, maintenance, and thorough examination of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). It also covers the safe use of MEWPs, including the selection and training of operators and other personnel, and guidance to assist in the selection of competent persons.
Please note, the standard does not cover equipment for delivering persons and materials to fixed landing levels (such as lifts or hoists), nor does it apply to mast climbing work platforms, fire-fighting appliances, non-integrated working platforms on forklifts, lifting tables, suspended access equipment, building maintenance units, construction hoists, transport platforms, wind turbine and tower crane access lifts, belt and chain conveyors, capstan winches, or hoists powered by direct drive internal combustion engines.
Who is BS 8460:2025 - Safe use of MEWPs for?
BS 8460 is intended for a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Owners and users of MEWPs.
- Contractors (especially in building construction and maintenance).
- Training organizations.
- Operators and delivery drivers.
- The rental industry (including hirers).
- Demonstrators.
- Tree surgeons.
- Highways maintenance professionals.
Essentially, anyone involved in the use, management, or training related to MEWPs across various industries.
What does BS 8460:2025 - Safe use of MEWPs cover?
BS 8460 covers:
- Guidance on non-integrated working platforms (NIWPs).
- Revised guidance on avoiding trapping and crushing, aligning with updated industry guidance.
- Expanded guidance on loading/unloading, including safe systems of work for these activities.
- Guidance on the safe use of partially deployed stabilisers/outriggers.
- Guidance for mobile personnel elevating platforms (MPEPs).
- Consideration of implications from EN 280-2 throughout the document.
- Guidance on the use of MEWPs over or near water.
It is focused on best practice for the safe use of MEWPs, aligning with the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Why should you use BS 8460:2025 - Safe use of MEWPs?
- BS 8460:2025 provides clear, up-to-date recommendations for every stage of MEWP use, from selection and hiring to operator training and maintenance. This ensures everyone follows best practice, reducing confusion and helping organizations meet legal and safety obligations.
- This 2025 revision aligns BS 8460 with the latest editions of EN 280-1 and EN 280-2, ensuring your procedures are current and compliant. By following BS 8460:2025, you’re aligning with the latest industry requirements.
- BS 8460:2025 expands and updates guidance on avoiding trapping and crushing, and introduces detailed safe systems of work for loading and unloading. This directly addresses common causes of serious incidents, helping you protect your workforce.
- BS 8460:2025 includes new practical guidance for high-risk scenarios, such as using MEWPs over water or with partially deployed stabilisers.
- Adopting BS 8460:2025 demonstrates a commitment to industry best practice and safety.
What's changed?
BS 8460:2025 is the latest version of this standard and supersedes BS 8460:2017 which will be withdrawn.
Key changes in this revision include:
- New guidance on non-integrated working platforms (NIWPs).
- Updated guidance on avoiding trapping and crushing, in line with revised industry guidance.
- Expanded guidance on loading/unloading, including safe systems of work.
- New guidance on the safe use of partially deployed stabilisers/outriggers.
- Guidance for MPEPs.
- Consideration of EN 280-2 throughout the document.
- Guidance on the use of MEWPs over or near water.
These updates ensure the BS 8460:2025 reflects current best practice and aligns with the latest editions of related standards.
