The new STN EN 280: key changes for operators of aerial work platforms

STN EN 280 is the European design and safety standard for mobile aerial work platforms. Anyone operating aerial work platforms, whether owned or rented, holds a document with a direct impact on operator obligations, risk assessment and the permissible use of the machines.

In 2022, the previous single standard was split into two separate parts: STN EN 280-1:2022 covers calculation, stability, construction, safety and tests. STN EN 280-2:2022 deals with additional safety requirements for load handling devices on aerial work platforms. In addition, the draft standard prEN 280-1:2024 has been available since November 2024, bringing further clarifications - not yet ratified, but already setting the direction for manufacturers and test bodies.

This article explains which changes are relevant for daily operation and what operators need to consider when selecting and using rental machines from Luibl Rental.

The old STN EN 280:2016 was the single standard for all mobile aerial work platforms. The split into two parts from 2022 has practical reasons: aerial work platforms operated with load handling devices (e.g. a basket on a telehandler or suspended loads on the boom) have different risk profiles from standard platforms without additional load. STN EN 280-2:2022 addresses precisely this combination and requires additional hazard analyses that manufacturers and operators must demonstrate separately.

For rental practice this means: if a roto telehandler with a personnel basket is used as an aerial work platform, not only STN EN 280-1 but also STN EN 280-2 is relevant. For all machines with this configuration, Luibl Rental provides the corresponding technical data sheets and load charts aligned with both parts of the standard.

New and clarified definitions

Compared with the previous standard (STN EN 280:2016), STN EN 280-1:2022 introduces several new definitions with direct operational relevance:

• Lowered travel position (new, § 3.29): For the first time, the standard defines a reference position from which travelling with a raised platform is permitted under certain conditions. This is relevant for machines that travel in an elevated position, e.g. scissor lifts when passing under obstacles.

• Elevated travel position (new, § 3.31): Complements the lowered travel position as a defined operating state with its own safety requirements.

• Safety function (new, § 3.30): The standard now explicitly distinguishes between safety-related and non-safety-related control functions. This affects the requirements for control electronics and fault monitoring.

• Travelling (clarified, § 3.12): The definition has been narrowed to clearly regulate borderline cases when travelling at working height.

Stricter requirements for load sensing systems (§ 4.4.1.2)

Probably the most practically relevant change concerns the load sensing system. The requirements have been specified considerably compared with the 2016 version. Modern aerial work platforms must continuously measure the actual basket load and compare it with the permissible load moment, taking into account the current outreach, the angle of inclination and the operating state (travelling vs. lifting).

Simple cut-off mechanisms that only react when the rated load is exceeded no longer fully meet the new requirements. The standard requires dynamic load moment control that evaluates several parameters simultaneously. Machines in the Luibl Rental rental fleet approved after 2022 are equipped with appropriately qualified systems.

Travelling in an elevated position: group A and B (§ 4.6.9)

Clause 4.6.9 has been completely reworded to clearly separate the different requirements for machine groups A (travel only permitted in the lowered position) and B (travel in the elevated position permitted under defined conditions).

This is relevant for operators because the permissible travel behaviour of a machine must now be clearly readable from the type plate and the operating manual. Anyone who travels with a group A scissor lift in an elevated position is acting contrary to the standard, regardless of whether a technical interlock prevents it or not.

Obstacle tests (§ 5.1.4.2.2.2)

The requirements for obstacle tests (anti-crush tests) have been clarified. The standard requires machines to stop automatically and initiate a relief movement when the basket or lifting structure comes into contact with an obstacle. This is verified during type testing by defined obstacle tests. For operators this means: this function must be working before use and must not be deactivated, not even in confined work areas where the function is perceived as a nuisance.

Anyone using a roto telehandler with a personnel basket as an aerial work platform operates a combination covered by STN EN 280-2. The standard requires load handling devices attached to the lifting structure or basket to be checked separately for compatibility with the overall system.

The document deals with additional hazards that arise when loads are lifted together with the operators - a constellation that is excluded with classic aerial work platforms but designed in for roto telehandlers in basket mode. Operators must ensure that baskets and load handling devices meet the requirements of STN EN 280-2 and that the manufacturer's documentation confirms this.

For roto telehandlers with a basket attachment, Luibl Rental provides the corresponding conformity documents on request.

The draft prEN 280-1:2024 published in November 2024 continues the changes of the 2022 version and brings further clarifications in the clauses already revised. As it is a draft, it is not yet mandatory, but it indicates the direction in which the standard is developing. Manufacturers who already design according to prEN 280-1:2024 are already compliant with the expected next binding version.

A facade construction company uses two articulating boom lifts from Luibl Rental for glass installation in Passau. With two fitters and tools, the basket is loaded to approx. 280 kg; the working height is 22 metres.

The challenge: on windy working days, the operator must be able to reliably judge whether the current load combined with the wind influence is still within the permissible parameters. Older machines that only monitor the rated load give no differentiated feedback here.

The machines used feature dynamic load moment control according to STN EN 280-1:2022 § 4.4.1.2. The system shows the operator at the basket control panel the current utilisation of the load moment in real time and cuts off the lifting movement before a safety limit is exceeded. On handover by Luibl Rental, this mechanism is demonstrated in practice and documented in the briefing record.

STN EN 280 is a design standard: it is aimed primarily at manufacturers and defines the technical requirements for the machine. Inspections and tests of technical equipment (Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.) check whether the machine in operation still corresponds to its original condition. The two complement each other but do not replace each other.

For operators, this results in a clear chain of obligations:

• When placed on the market, the machine must comply with STN EN 280 in the applicable version (manufacturer's obligation)

• The operator ensures that only machines with valid CE marking and completed inspections and tests are used

• The risk assessment on site must take the machine parameters into account (rated load, wind class, travel group)

• Operators receive a machine-specific briefing that explicitly covers the safety-related functions according to STN EN 280-1

Every machine Luibl Rental delivers carries the CE marking and valid proof of completed inspection and testing. For questions on the conformity of specific models, Luibl Rental provides the manufacturer's documentation on request.

The changes in STN EN 280-1:2022 are not theoretical shifts in the standard. They define specifically which technical systems a machine must have, how these systems are to be tested and which travel rules apply. Anyone operating older machines from their own fleet that were built to STN EN 280:2016 or earlier versions must check whether the operating manual and risk assessment still meet the current requirements.

Renting from Luibl Rental means working with machines from a well-maintained, modern rental fleet. All relevant machine data - CE documentation, load charts, inspection and test records - are provided on handover.

Questions on the conformity of rental machines or on the technical requirements for your project are answered by the Luibl Rental team during service hours, Mon-Fri, 08:00-17:00.

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What is the difference between STN EN 280-1 and STN EN 280-2?

STN EN 280-1:2022 is the main standard and covers calculation, stability, construction, safety and tests of all mobile aerial work platforms. STN EN 280-2:2022 applies additionally to aerial work platforms fitted with load handling devices, e.g. roto telehandlers with a personnel basket when loads are carried at the same time.

Do older aerial work platforms have to be retrofitted?

No. STN EN 280 is a design standard and is aimed at manufacturers. For operators: machines must comply with the standard according to which they were built and approved. There is no obligation to retrofit existing machines. However, the risk assessment must reflect the actual machine characteristics, not the requirements of a newer standard.

What do "group A" and "group B" mean for aerial work platforms?

Group A covers machines that may only travel in the lowered travel position (stowed position). Group B covers machines that may also travel in an elevated position under defined conditions. The classification is stated on the type plate and in the operating manual of the respective machine.

Does STN EN 280 also apply to rented machines?

Yes. As the operator of a rental machine, you have the same obligations as with your own machines. The machine must be CE-compliant and have valid inspections and tests at the time of use. Luibl Rental ensures both on handover.

What changes with the draft standard prEN 280-1:2024?

The draft continues the clarifications of the 2022 version and is not yet binding. Manufacturers who design according to prEN 280-1:2024 are already prepared for the expected next ratified version. For operators, nothing changes in the applicable obligations until the standard is adopted.