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2026年5月14日
Two Sets of Controls on MEWPs – A Safety Must-Have
International standards require MEWPs to have two control sets – platform and ground – with ground controls overriding platform controls.
Two Sets of Controls on MEWPs – A Safety Must-Have
If you’ve ever seen a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) – such as a cherry picker or scissor lift – you might have noticed controls both in the work platform and at ground level. This is not a coincidence; it is a fundamental safety requirement.
Why two sets of controls?
Working at height carries inherent risks. The operator in the platform may become incapacitated (e.g., due to a medical emergency or a falling object), or the platform’s primary controls might malfunction. In such situations, a second person on the ground must be able to safely lower the platform and rescue the worker. That’s why every properly designed MEWP is equipped with two independent control stations:
- Platform controls – for the operator working at height.
- Ground / chassis controls – for a trained ground person.
Ground control must override platform control
To ensure safety, the ground controls are given priority. When the ground control station is activated, it overrides (overrules) any command from the platform. This allows the ground operator to bring the platform down even if the person above is pressing the wrong buttons or is unable to respond.
Emergency lowering control – a separate safeguard
In addition to the normal ground controls, a clearly marked emergency lowering control must be provided. This device works independently of the main power or hydraulic system – often using a manual pump or a mechanical release valve. Even if the engine fails or electricity is cut, a worker on the ground can use the emergency lowering function to bring the platform down safely at a controlled speed.
What do the standards say?
Three major standards around the world have identical or very similar rules:
Standard | Region | Two sets of controls | Ground override | Emergency lowering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EN 280 (EU) | Europe | Yes | Yes | Yes – detailed performance requirements (descent speed ≤1.5× rated speed, response time ≤0.5 s). 2024 update now mandates manual control as an emergency device. |
GB/T 25849-2024 (China) | China | Yes (adopts ISO 16368) | Yes | Yes – functional verification required (e.g., test under power failure). Effective from October 1, 2024. |
ISO 16368:2024 | International | Yes | Yes | Yes – basic safety requirements, updated in 2024. |
Key takeaways
- Any compliant MEWP must have both platform and ground controls.
- The ground controls must override the platform controls.
- An independent emergency lowering device must be available from ground level, clearly marked.
These rules are not optional – they have saved countless lives. Next time you see a MEWP, check for the ground control panel and the bright red emergency lowering handle or button. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that safety in the air starts with control on the ground.