Labor ministry moves to allow certified sensor-based anti-overrun devices on aerial work platforms

South Korea's labor ministry said Friday it has proposed allowing non-contact anti-overrun devices that hold safety certification on aerial work platforms, loosening a standard that currently recognizes only contact-type equipment.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor published the draft amendment to its notice on safety certification of hazardous machinery and equipment, opening a comment period that runs to 6 p.m. on Nov. 13. The change concerns Annex 7 of the notice, which sets manufacturing and safety standards for aerial work platforms.

Under the amendment, manufacturers and importers of aerial work platforms would be able to install a non-contact anti-overrun device that has received safety certification, known in Korea as the S-mark, in addition to the contact-type devices the standard now permits. The ministry gave the reason for the revision as widening the range of certified devices that can be fitted.

Anyone who makes or imports an aerial work platform is already required to obtain safety certification that the equipment meets the standard, under Article 84 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The existing rules on anti-overrun devices date from a revision issued on Sept. 1, 2023, which took effect on Dec. 2 that year and set out the material, number and installation method for the devices. Horizontal types must sense pressure along the entire length of the upper guardrail at a height of at least 5 centimeters, while vertical types require at least 60 centimeters at each of the four corners of the upper guardrail. When both types are installed, at least two vertical units are required.

Organizations and individuals with views on the draft may submit them to the minister, marked for the attention of the head of the industrial safety standards division, by the deadline. Submissions should state whether the writer supports or opposes each item and, in the case of opposition, give specific reasons, along with the writer's name, address and telephone number, or the organization's name and the name of its representative.