IPAF responds to the HSE and PSMSU on MEWP Emergency Stop Interpretation

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is working with the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and its Product Safety and Market Surveillance Unit (PSMSU) to ensure a shared understanding of emergency stop functionality requirements for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).

Background

In November 2022, IPAF first addressed this issue, providing initial guidance on the safe use of emergency stops on MEWPs. Further clarification was issued in December 2022, and most recently, IPAF published additional guidance on safe methods of isolation for platform controls on MEWPs.

On 23 January 2025, the HSE’s PSMSU issued a letter outlining its interpretation of emergency stop requirements. IPAF, alongside the European Materials Handling Federation (FEM) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), has responded, seeking constructive discussions.

Industry Response

IPAF, in collaboration with the European Materials Handling Federation (FEM) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), has responded to the HSE and PSMSU, seeking a constructive dialogue to clarify any areas of difference in interpretation.

To achieve this, IPAF and the involved organisations have proposed the following steps:

1. A review of the HSE’s letter – The industry has requested that the HSE consider revising its communication to ensure clarity, particularly regarding the interpretation of safety functions and alarms.
2. Urgent technical discussions – IPAF MTC, alongside other representatives, seeks to engage with the HSE and PSMSU in technical discussions during February 2025 to establish a shared understanding of emergency stop requirements.
3. Alignment with existing standards – The industry welcomes collaboration with the HSE to ensure consistency with BS EN 280-1:2022 and ongoing work within the CEN Technical Committee TC98/WG1. This would help ensure alignment with broader regulatory developments, including the Machinery Regulation 2023/1230/EU and relevant safety standards such as BS EN ISO 13849 and BS EN ISO 13850.

IPAF remains committed to improving safety while working collaboratively with regulatory authorities to achieve effective solutions that prioritise safety. Alongside the IPAF MTC Chairman, FEM MEWPs Group President, and AEM MEWPC Chairman, IPAF will continue to engage with the HSE, PSMSU, and industry representatives to reach a safe and practical resolution.

For further information, contact IPAF’s Head of Safety & Technical, Brian Parker (brian.parker@ipaf.org).