1.1 General
This document specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards listed in Clause 4 which can arise during the commissioning, the operation and the maintenance of maintenance or service stairs and platforms when used as intended, including misuse reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer, when carried out in accordance with the specifications given by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. It also takes into account some requirements recognized as essential by authorities, aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturers as well as airlines and handling agencies.
These machines are designed to be used as aircraft ground support equipment with the intended use to serve aircraft in outdoor conditions on the apron. They can also be used indoors at hangars. The use of such equipment for operations not in conjunction with aircraft is not defined as intended use therein. Due to the good operational conditions on the apron, deviations from some clauses of EN 280 were deemed acceptable.
This European Standard applies to:
a) self-propelled fixed or adjustable maintenance or service stairs and elevating platforms;
b) towable maintenance or service stairs and platforms equipped with powered means, e.g. for height adjustment, stabilizers;
designed for aircraft maintenance or service purposes including access to the aircraft.
NOTE 1 Powered will be also understood as manual effort stored in springs or hydraulic accumulators, etc., the dangerous action of which can be produced or can continue after the manual effort has ceased or directly applied manual effort for lifting or lowering loads.
NOTE 2 Those clauses of this standard that can apply can also be used as a guideline for the design of towable maintenance or service stairs and platforms without powered means.
This European Standard does not apply to:
c) maintenance docks either fixed to the ground or moveable only for docking procedure;
d) ground support equipment specif ...