ISO 18878:2025

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

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Jan-2025
• ICS: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources
• ICS: 53.020.99 - Other lifting equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 214 - Elevating work platforms
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 214 - Elevating work platforms
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 14-Jan-2025
• Due Date: 12-Apr-2025
• Completion Date: 14-Jan-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 18878:2013 - Mobile elevating work platforms - Operator (driver) training
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2023

Overview

ISO 18878:2025 - Mobile elevating work platforms - Operator training - defines requirements for developing and administering standardized operator training for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). Applicable to MEWPs (as defined in ISO 16368) used to move persons, tools and materials to elevated work locations, the standard sets out curriculum content, trainer qualifications, training delivery conditions, proficiency testing and documentation requirements. National or local regulations that are more stringent may also apply.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Applies to MEWPs intended to carry persons and equipment; key terms (operator, trainer, trainee, qualified person, familiarization, simulator) are defined to ensure consistent training language.
• Trainer qualifications: Trainers must be qualified persons with extensive knowledge of MEWP operation, safe-use practices, applicable laws/standards, training delivery and evaluation. Trainers may only instruct on MEWP classifications for which they are qualified.
• Curriculum structure: Training must combine theory (classroom/online) and practical (hands‑on) elements, with clearly identified coverage for the MEWP classification(s) included.
• Theory content (minimum examples): operator responsibilities (see ISO 18893), worksite inspection, MEWP selection, operator’s manual and placards, pre-start inspection, stability factors, hazard recognition/avoidance, control functions, PPE, transport considerations, wind/weather effects, hazardous locations, and manufacturer-specific requirements.
• Practical training: Demonstrated proficiency in walk-around familiarization, identification of major components, pre-start/daily checks, route planning and site inspection, set-up for work, full control operation exercises, and parking/securing the MEWP.
• Training environment & safety: Theory venues should support learning (lighting, acoustics, presentation equipment). Practical sessions require risk assessment of the training site. Simulators (e.g., VR) are informative but do not replace hands-on operation.
• Proficiency testing & documentation: Both theory and practical competency must be demonstrated and recorded. On successful completion, trainees receive documentation referencing ISO 18878 compliance and containing trainer/entity name, trainee name, MEWP classification(s), completion date and validity period (not to exceed 5 years).
• Tools & annexes: Informative annexes provide example knowledge evaluation sheets, practical test examples for MEWP types, and sample certificates.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 18878:2025

• Training providers and academies developing MEWP operator courses and curricula
• Employers/users and safety managers setting internal permit-to-work and authorization processes
• Equipment manufacturers specifying familiarization vs. formal training needs
• Regulators and auditors assessing operator competency and training records
• Trainers and assessors ensuring course content, assessment and documentation meet international expectations

Related standards

• ISO 16368 - MEWP design, safety requirements and test methods (definition reference)
• ISO 18893 - MEWP safety principles, inspection, maintenance and operation (safe-use guidance referenced throughout)

Keywords: ISO 18878, MEWP operator training, mobile elevating work platforms, training curriculum, practical training, theory training, trainer qualifications, proficiency testing, ISO 18893, ISO 16368.

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
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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,
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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)
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www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
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;
c) clear identification of the classification(s) of MEWP covered in training;
d) date of training completion;
e) name of trainee;
f) period of time training is valid (not to exceed 5-years).
6 Training content
6.1 General
6.1.1 Training content shall consist of a combination of theory (classroom/online) training (for example,
lecture, discussion, e-learning, video tape, written material), and practical (hands-on) training (for example,
demonstrations performed by the trainer, practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of
the trainee's proficiency.
6.1.2 The user shall ensure that the training provided is being delivered in such a manner that the trainees
will be capable of understanding.
6.2 Contents of theory (classroom/online) training
Theory (classroom/online) training shall include (as a minimum) the following items:
a) MEWP operator responsibilities as outlined in ISO 18893;

b) how and when to perform a worksite inspection;
c) how to select an appropriate MEWP for the task from the various classifications including available
features/devices and options;
d) the purpose, use and typical content of the operator's manual, placards and safety labels, warnings and
instructions, and applicable safety rules;
e) the location and storage of the operator’s manual, and the importance of keeping it maintained in the
weather-resistant storage compartment on the MEWP when not in use;
f) how to perform a pre-start inspection (see ISO 18893);
g) knowing and understanding factors affecting stability (see ISO 18893);
h) recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with operation (see ISO 18893);
i) understanding of the intended purpose and function of typical MEWP controls, including platform
...