ISO 13638:2003 specifies technical safety requirements and measures for all types and sizes of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) intended to move persons to working positions.
ISO 13638:2003 is applicable to the structural design calculations and stability criteria, construction, safety examinations and security tests before MEWPs are first put into service. It identifies the hazards arising from the use of MEWPs and describes methods for the elimination or reduction of these hazards.
It does not cover the hazards arising from operation by radio and other wireless controls, use in potentially explosive atmospheres, electromagnetic incompatibility, work on live electric systems (see IEC 61057:1991), use of compressed gases for load-bearing components.
ISO 13638:2003 is not applicable to permanently installed personnel-lifting appliances serving defined levels; fire-fighting and fire rescue appliances; unguided work cages suspended from lifting appliances; elevating operator position on rail-dependent storage and retrieval equipment; tail lifts; mast-climbing work platforms; fairground equipment; lifting tables with a lifting height of less than 2 m; builders' hoists for persons and materials; aircraft ground-support equipment; digger derricks; elevating operator positions on industrial trucks); under-bridge inspection and maintenance devices; stock-picking or order-picking type equipment.