ISO 18878:2025
(Main)Mobile elevating work platforms — Operator training
Mobile elevating work platforms — Operator training
This document provides requirements for training material content and the administration of standardized training to operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). It is applicable to MEWPs, as defined in ISO 16368, intended for moving person(s), along with their necessary tools and materials to an elevated work location. NOTE National or other regulations, which could be more stringent, can apply.
Plates-formes élévatrices mobiles de personnel — Formation des opérateurs
L'ISO 18878:2013 fournit des méthodes pour préparer le matériel de formation et pour gérer la formation standard donnée aux opérateurs (conducteurs) des plates-formes élévatrices mobiles de personnel (désignées dans le reste du texte en tant que PEMP). Elle s'applique aux PEMP, telles que définies dans l'ISO 16368, destinées à déplacer des personnes, des outils et des matériaux vers des positions de travail où elles mènent à bien des travaux à partir de la plate-forme de travail.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
ISO 18878
Third edition
Mobile elevating work platforms —
2025-01
Operator training
Plates-formes élévatrices mobiles de personnel — Formation des
opérateurs
Reference number
© ISO 2025
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Safe use of the MEWP . 2
5 Administration of training . 2
5.1 Trainers .2
5.2 Curriculum .2
5.3 Training environment .3
5.4 Proficiency testing .3
5.5 Documentation of training .3
6 Training content . 3
6.1 General .3
6.2 Contents of theory (classroom/online) training .3
6.3 Contents of practical (hands-on) training .4
Annex A (informative) Example of knowledge evaluation sheet . 6
Annex B (informative) Practical knowledge evaluation test for type 1 MEWPs — Example . 7
Annex C (informative) Practical knowledge evaluation test for type 2 MEWPs — Example . 8
Annex D (informative) Practical knowledge evaluation test for type 3 MEWPs — Example .10
Annex E (informative) MEWP operator training certificate of completion — Examples .12
Bibliography . 14
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
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Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
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related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 214, Elevating work platforms.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 18878:2013), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the title was changed to remove the term “(driver)”;
— in the Introduction, reference to TC 214 was removed;
— in the Scope, the opening statement was clarified for accuracy and readability;
— in Clause 3, additional terms were added to support use of these terms throughout the document;
— in Clause 4, text was added to ensure safe use requirements are also used in the training process;
— in Clause 5, the existing language was replaced by the contents of former Clause 7;
— in Clause 6, requirements for familiarization were removed as they are now found in ISO 18893;
— in the annexes, the term "examiner" was replaced by "trainer".
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
This document is one of a group of standards for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), as part of a
programme of work regarding standardization of terminology and general principles for training operators
of elevating work platforms used to raise (elevate), and position personnel (and related work tools and
materials) to a work position where a work task is to be performed. Local jurisdictions can use this document
to develop detailed training requirements particular to the local conditions.
v
International Standard ISO 18878:2025(en)
Mobile elevating work platforms — Operator training
1 Scope
This document provides requirements for training material content and the administration of standardized
training to operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
It is applicable to MEWPs, as defined in ISO 16368, intended for moving person(s), along with their necessary
tools and materials to an elevated work location.
NOTE National or other regulations, which could be more stringent, can apply.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 16368, Mobile elevating work platforms — Design, calculations, safety requirements and test methods
ISO 18893, Mobile elevating work platforms — Safety principles, inspection, maintenance and operation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 16368 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/ .
3.1
operator
person who controls the operation of the MEWP
[SOURCE: ISO 18893:2024, 3.17]
3.2
trainer
qualified person (3.6) who conducts the training (3.4)
3.3
trainee
person receiving training (3.4)
[SOURCE: ISO 7130:2013, 3.3]
3.4
training
instruction to enable the trainee (3.3) to become a qualified person (3.6) regarding the task to be performed,
including knowledge regarding potential hazards
3.5
familiarization
providing the necessary information to a qualified person or trained operator (3.1) regarding the features,
functions, devices, limitations, and operating characteristics, as defined by the manufacturer, in order to
properly utilize a specific model of MEWP
[SOURCE: ISO 18893:2023, 3.8]
3.6
qualified person
person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or by extensive
knowledge, training (3.4) and experience, has successfully demonstrated their ability to solve or resolve
problems related to the subject matter, work, or the project
[SOURCE: ISO 18893:2024, 3.20]
3.7
simulator
system that imitates the experience of operating a MEWP
[SOURCE: ISO 7130:2013, 3.2, modified — to replace earth-moving machine with MEWP.]
3.8
user
person or entity that has care, control, and custody of the MEWP
[SOURCE: ISO 18893:2024, 3.29]
4 Safe use of the MEWP
4.1 This document shall be used in conjunction with ISO 18893, which is focused on safe use of MEWPs in
all its aspects.
4.2 Safe use of a MEWP when training is being administered shall be in conformity with ISO 18893.
5 Administration of training
5.1 Trainers
5.1.1 The trainer shall be a qualified person who has extensive knowledge in the training process, the
subject matter, the delivery of training, and the testing and evaluation of the trainee(s).
5.1.2 The trainer shall be knowledgeable regarding the laws, regulations, safe use practices,
manufacturer's requirements, and recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with MEWPs.
5.1.3 The trainer shall only give instruction on classification(s) of MEWPs for which they are qualified.
5.1.4 The trainer shall also be knowledgeable regarding the application and operation of MEWPs in the
location and environment where the training is being delivered.
5.2 Curriculum
The curriculum for the operator training shall incorporate the topics and subjects listed in Clause 6. The
curriculum shall clearly identify that training covers only the classification for the MEWP(s) included in the
training.
5.3 Training environment
5.3.1 The environment where training occurs shall be free from hazards and supportive to learning.
5.3.2 The theory (classroom) training environment should incorporate proper lighting and acoustics,
room size and capacity to accommodate the number of trainees, heating and air conditioning, presentation
equipment, visibility for all trainees of the presentation, and rest room facilities.
5.3.3 A risk assessment shall be made for each location where practical (hands on) training and testing is
to be given to identify and eliminate or mitigate hazards and risks associated with safe use of the MEWP.
5.3.4 Training given using a simulator (for example, virtual reality), shall not replace the requirement for
hands-on operation of an actual MEWP.
5.4 Proficiency testing
To demonstrate competency, each trainee shall show proficiency in both theory (classroom/online) and
practical (hands-on). Results of the theory (classroom/online) and practical (hands-on) testing shall be
documented. (see Annexes A to E for examples)
5.5 Documentation of training
5.5.1 Upon successful completion of the training programme, proof of training by the trainer or training
entity shall be provided referencing compliance to this document.
5.5.2 Documentation shall be issued with:
a) name of entity providing training;
b) name of trainer delivering the training;
...
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