Qualification of operators to DGUV Grundsatz 308-008
How do you operate a scissor or telescopic work platform safely? What matters when setting up, travelling and working at height?
This training covers the design, function and operating limits of the selected mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). You assess set-up conditions and hazard zones, carry out the pre-use check and practise the safe handling of the platform. The qualification comprises theory, practical exercises and a theoretical and practical final examination. It is based on DGUV Grundsatz 308-008 (a code of practice issued by the DGUV, the German Social Accident Insurance institutions and their regulations).
Training is provided for the agreed platform types. A qualification on a scissor lift does not automatically apply to telescopic, articulated telescopic or other MEWPs.
Who should attend
People who will operate scissor lifts, telescopic platforms or articulated telescopic platforms.
Participation requirements
A minimum age of 18 and physical, mental and personal aptitude are required. Exceptions for young people are permitted only within vocational training under qualified supervision. Whether occupational health assessment or a separate aptitude assessment is required is determined by the employer on the basis of the risk assessment.
Company familiarisation and authorisation
The qualification record does not replace familiarisation with the specific MEWP in use and site-specific instruction. Only after this may the employer authorise the operator in writing for the relevant equipment and areas of use.
Annual instruction
Operators must be instructed regularly, and at least once a year, in accordance with § 12 Arbeitsschutzgesetz (the German Occupational Health and Safety Act), § 12 Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (the German Industrial Safety Ordinance) and § 4 DGUV Vorschrift 1. The instruction must take account of the site-specific hazards and the platform types in use, and must be documented.
Content
- Arbeitsschutzgesetz, Betriebssicherheitsverordnung and DGUV Vorschrift 1
- TRBS 1116, DGUV Grundsatz 308-008 and DGUV Information 208-019
- Types, applications and operating limits of MEWPs
- Design, function and safety and emergency control devices
- Operating manual and intended use
- Responsibilities and duties of operators and employers
- Stability, load capacity, working envelope and permissible load
- Ground conditions, outriggers and adequate safety clearance
- Crushing, shearing, fall and impact hazards
- Hazards from electrical installations and overhead power lines
- Wind, weather and other environmental influences
- Protecting the work and traffic area
- Use of PPE against falls from height and anchor points, where required
- Behaviour during malfunctions, emergency lowering and rescue measures
- Theoretical final examination
- Familiarisation with the scissor and telescopic platforms in use
- Visual and function check before starting work
- Safe set-up, outrigging and commissioning
- Travelling, positioning and working with the platform raised
- Observing load, reach and height limits
- Recognising and avoiding typical hazards
- Operating the emergency controls and carrying out emergency lowering
- Safe parking and shutdown
- Practical final examination on the agreed platform types
Frequently asked questions
Does the qualification apply to every MEWP?
No. It applies to the platform types covered by the training and examination. Other types require additional qualification.
What else is required after the examination?
Familiarisation with the specific platform in use, site-specific instruction and written authorisation by the employer follow.
When is PPE against falls from height required?
This depends on the risk assessment, operating manual, platform type and site requirements. Designated anchor points and suitable PPE against falls from height must be used as intended.