ISO 18878-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18878:2025 — Mobile elevating work platforms — Operator training. This International Standard specifies requirements for the content of training materials and for the administration of standardized training programmes directed at operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Abstract

This document provides requirements for training material content and the organisation and delivery of standardized operator training for MEWPs (as defined in ISO 16368). It is intended to ensure consistent, auditable training that covers theoretical knowledge, practical skills, assessment and record keeping; national or other regulations that are more stringent remain applicable.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 14 January 2025
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 03.100.30; 53.020.99
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2025)
• Number of pages: 14

Basic bibliographic and lifecycle details as published by ISO and national standards bodies.

Scope

Applies to MEWPs intended to transport persons (and the tools/materials they need) to an elevated work location. The standard sets out what training programmes should contain and how they should be administered so that operators achieve a defined level of competence. It does not replace national regulatory requirements and allows for workplace‑specific familiarization in addition to the standard curriculum.

Key topics and requirements

• Specification of required training content: theoretical syllabus topics and practical exercises.
• Minimum competence outcomes for operators and criteria for assessments and examinations.
• Administration of training programmes: course records, certification, and retention of training evidence.
• Instructor/trainer qualification and responsibilities, including requirements for practical trainers and assessors.
• Integration with machine classification and definitions from ISO 16368 (MEWP types and categories).
• Requirements for workplace-specific familiarization and risk-based adjustments to course content.
• Recommendations for refresher training intervals and when retraining is required after incidents or changes of equipment.

These topics reflect the standard’s focus on consistent, auditable operator training and programme governance.

Typical use and users

Used by training organisations, equipment manufacturers, employers, safety managers, and accreditation bodies to design, approve and deliver MEWP operator training courses. Employers and training providers use the standard to develop curricula, assessment criteria and record-keeping processes that meet international best practice. Safety regulators and auditing organisations reference it when assessing training programmes.

Related standards

Key related standards and documents include ISO 16368 (definitions and classification of MEWPs), ISO/TC 214 technical reports and national regulations/standards on powered access training and safe use (for example national adaptations or guidance such as UNE standards and industry training schemes). Organisations should align training content with machine-specific manuals and applicable workplace safety regulations.

Keywords

MEWP, mobile elevating work platform, operator training, operator competence, training syllabus, practical assessment, instructor qualifications, certification, ISO 16368, elevating work platforms.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18878:2025 is an International Standard that defines requirements for training materials and the administration of standardized operator training for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the content of theoretical and practical training, assessment and certification practices, instructor qualifications, record keeping and the need for workplace-specific familiarization; it applies to MEWPs as defined in ISO 16368.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Training providers, employers, health & safety managers, equipment manufacturers, accreditation bodies and regulators who design, deliver, approve or audit MEWP operator training programmes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 18878:2025 (Edition 3) was published in January 2025 and supersedes ISO 18878:2013 (the 2013 edition has been withdrawn).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is linked technically to other MEWP standards (notably ISO 16368 for machine definitions and classifications) and is developed under ISO/TC 214 (Elevating work platforms). It is used alongside national regulations and complementary standards for access equipment and workplace safety.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: MEWP, operator training, practical assessment, instructor qualification, certification, elevating work platform, ISO 16368, training syllabus.