MEWPs Exempt from “Dangerous Goods” Labelling

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) will not have to carry “dangerous goods” labels when amendments to the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) come into affect on the 1st of January 2013. IPAF have confirmed with the VCA (an executive agency within the UK Department for Transport) that the labels are not necessary for powered access platforms such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and cherry pickers despite them being powered by liquid fuels.

The new regulations state that liquid fuels are classified as dangerous goods and therefore machinery with a fuel tank with a capacity of 60 litres or above will be required to carry appropriate labelling. However, MEWPs will remain exempt from the “dangerous goods” stickers since they are covered by exemption 1.1.3.3 (b) which reads as follows:

“1.1.3.3 (b) Fuel contained in the tanks of vehicles or of other means of conveyance (such as boats) which are carried as a load, where it is destined for their propulsion or the operation of any of their equipment. Any fuel cocks between the engine or equipment and the fuel tank shall be closed during carriage unless it is essential for the equipment to remain operational. Where appropriate, the vehicles or other means of conveyance shall be loaded upright and secured against falling.”

In short, MEWPs use their fuel to transport them into position and to move their platform up or down. To fully comply with the exemption, however, fuel cocks must be closed during transportation and the vehicle should be appropriately secured and loaded.