BS 8620:2016

What is this BS 8620 about?  

BS 8620 specifies requirements for an LLWP with one working platform with side protection, for use by one person, with a maximum working platform height not greater than 2.5 m. The maximum working load of the LLWP is 150 kg. 

BS 8620 specifies requirements for materials, design loads, dimensions, strength and stability tests, marking and instruction manuals.  

Note: BS 8620 does not cover:  

• Mobile access and working towers with a height from 2.5 m to 12.0 m (indoors) and from 2.5 m to 8.0 m (outdoors), in accordance with BS EN 1004 
• Prefabricated tower scaffolds, in accordance with BS EN 11396  
• Mobile elevating work platforms, in accordance with BS EN 280  
• Standing step ladders with platforms and mobile ladders with platforms, conforming to BS EN 131 (all parts) 
• Aluminium standing step ladders with platforms, folding trestles and lightweight stagings, in accordance with BS 2037  
• Timber trestles and lightweight stagings, in accordance with BS 1129.  

Who is this BS 8620 for? 

BS 8620 on the specification of LLWPs is useful for: 

• Construction industries 
• Civil engineers 
• Workers, painters, cleaner The individual person who wants to work at LLWPs 
• Workplace 

Why should you use this BS 8620? 

Low-level work platforms (LLWPs), commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits, became extensively used following the implementation of The Work at Height Regulations 2005 [1]. This led to demand for an LLWP with one working platform with side protection for use by one person.  

The majority of LLWPs provide a safe solution to low-level access, BS 8620 aspects of some products that could be improved by adherence to relevant and specific design criteria. 

BS 8620 intended to access platforms with a safe alternative to ladders and aluminium towers which can pose a working at height risk to your workforce. This will help you to access, perfect balance, ensure safety, boosts productivity, offers easy assembly & dismantling, acts a bridge, lasts for a long time. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS 8620:2016 supersedes PAS 250:2012. 

BS 8620 is based on PAS 250 and introduces the following principal changes.  

• A new more consistently available surface has been introduced for the test for resistance to sliding given in Annex D 
• New dimensional requirements for side protection following the identification of potential safety issues have been included