IPAF raises concerns over high-risk ‘transport systems’
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is warning against the misuse of transport platforms outside European standards.
According to IPAF, certain construction hoist manufacturers are marketing equipment, described as ‘transport systems’ or other similar terminology, that look like transport platforms, but with operating speeds and passenger capacities that exceed the limits set for a transport platform in the European standard EN 16719.
The EN 16719 standard specifies safety requirements for transport platforms used for the vertical transportation of goods and passengers on construction sites under defined limits, such as a maximum speed of 0.2m/s and a maximum of seven persons, ensuring safe use under these conditions.
In contrast, EN 12159 applies to construction hoists designed to carry passengers and materials, which can operate at higher speeds and greater personnel capacities because they have stringent safety features, including fully enclosed cabins and automatic landing systems.
Each standard ensures equipment is used appropriately according to its intended purpose and risk profile.
IPAF has raised concerns that some suppliers of machines which do not comply with the standards EN 16719 or EN 12159 are claiming that these products have been approved and certified by a third party.
IPAF said this is a dangerous and unacceptable practice, and is urging all relevant stakeholders across the industry to consider the following:
- Safety is being compromised. This practice puts users at significant risk. EN 16719 for transport platforms and EN 12159 for passenger hoists were developed precisely to define safe operating parameters for such equipment. Any machine operating outside the provisions of these standards, particularly in terms of speed and capacity, falls outside what is considered safe practice. The deliberate deviation of these standards does not eliminate risk, it increases it.
- Legal implications. Presenting such equipment as outside the scope of current standards using a third-party certificate does not shield manufacturers, suppliers, rental companies, and duty holders from potential legal consequences. In the event of an accident, the use of a machine not compliant with established European standards could lead to serious legal liability, including criminal prosecution, civil claims, or invalidation of insurance coverage.
- Damage to the reputation of the industry. The improper use and classification of lifting equipment can have serious repercussions for the reputation of the entire construction hoist industry. One serious incident resulting from this type of practice could undermine decades of work to promote safety, responsibility, and professionalism across the sector.
IPAF is calling for all members of the industry, including manufacturers, rental companies, and contractors, to respect and comply with the applicable standards for lifting equipment.
All stakeholders are urged to reject ambiguous or misleading classifications of equipment, and to use transport platforms in accordance with the speed and capacity conditions established by European standards.
Should such practices persist, IPAF said it will pursue formal measures to ensure compliance with the applicable standards. This may include reporting specific cases of non-compliance to the relevant national safety authorities in the countries where misuse of transport platforms outside the scope of EN standards is identified.
Commenting on the issue, Brian Parker, head of safety and technical at IPAF, said: “These improperly labelled ‘transport platforms’ are operating outside the safety limits defined by EN 16719 and EN 12159, putting users at unjustified risk.
“These standards exist for a reason – to ensure that equipment is used safely and appropriately. Any attempt to circumvent them, even using third-party certification as justification, is both dangerous and misleading.
“Industry stakeholders must refuse unsafe practices and stay committed to equipment compliance to protect operators and maintain trust in the sector.”
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