ISO 16653-1:2008 specifies the safety requirements for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) with guardrail systems. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 16368.

It is applicable to such MEWPs designed for applications requiring special access to specific work areas. These MEWPs can be either self-propelled or manually propelled and are used to elevate personnel to a level at which they can place, install or retrieve objects or material on a routine basis. To facilitate operator access to the work area, the retraction of a portion of the MEWP's work platform guardrail system(s) can be necessary.

It is not applicable to powered industrial trucks used to pick and place stock or inventory.