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44 Autumn/Winter 2021 W ernerCo is leading the way and taking steps in the tower industry with the roll out of the new EN1004-1 product standards. The changes, which will ensure all mobile access towers comply to create a safer working at height environment, will come into force in November 2021 following a 12-month transition period. The standards will cover what materials, dimensions, design loads, safety and performance requirements mobile access towers should conform to. Under the scope of the changes, towers up to 8m externally and 12m internally will still be covered, but now those under 2.5m will be included in the standard. Including additions and clarifications of existing guidance, the key points of the revision ensure that there is a reduction in the distance between platform levels, more safeguards included on towers including additional windlocks on decks, scope for product innovation and new guidance on wind and gust loads. Sophie Ellam, Product Manager for WernerCo, comments: “We welcome these changes as safety is at the heart of everything we do at WernerCo and whilst most of our towers were already compliant to the new EN1004- 1 standards we are always looking for ways in which we can improve to make our products even safer. “All BoSS products will be put through 3rd party testing to provide additional levels of assurance through official certification to ensure that they comply with this revision. We’re confident that our products not only offer a practical solution but also a safe work at height environment.” The changes will replace any existing standards however, you may continue to use any existing tower products that comply with EN 1004:2004 as long as they are in a suitable condition. WernerCo has created an online guide for all its customers to explain what the changes mean and how they will affect users, it will also explain what users should look for when purchasing new equipment. For information on the changes and BoSS’ EN1004-1 guide visit: www.bossaccesstowers.com/ EN1004 WERNER CO ENTERS NEW HEIGHTS OF TOWER SAFETY