EN 12312-2:2014
(Main)Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 2: Catering vehicles
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards listed in Clause 4 which can arise during the commissioning, the operation and the maintenance of catering vehicles 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.
This European Standard applies to self-propelled catering vehicles, with seated driver, equipped with a liftable van body.
This European Standard may be applied to catering vehicles used for other purposes provided that a suitable risk assessment is carried out to identify additional hazards or limitations in the requirements of this standard for a particular application. Similar vehicles e.g. cleaning equipment, equipment used for the exchange of aircraft seats, are also covered by this European Standard.
This European Standard does not establish requirements for noise and vibration.
NOTE EN 1915–3 and EN 1915–4 provide the general GSE noise and vibration requirements.
This European Standard does not apply to pneumatic systems.
This European Standard does not apply to unmodified automotive parts approved for public vehicles in the EU and EFTA., when used on a catering vehicle for the purpose for which they are designed.
This part of EN 12312 is not applicable to catering vehicles which are manufactured before the date of publi-cation of this standard by CEN.
This part of EN 12312 when used in conjunction with EN 1915 1, EN 1915 2, EN 1915 3 and EN 1915 4 pro-vides the requirements for catering vehicles.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 01-Apr-2014
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Oct-2014
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 274 - Aircraft ground support equipment
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 274/WG 1 - Working Group Revision
- Current Stage
- 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 29-May-2026
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Directive
- Harmonized Standard2006/42/EC - Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)OJ Ref: C, C 054, C 92 OJ Date: 13-Feb-2015
Overview
EN 12312-2:2014 is the CEN (European) Type C standard that defines safety, functional and performance requirements for aircraft ground support equipment (GSE) - specifically catering vehicles. It applies to self‑propelled catering vehicles with a seated driver and a liftable van body used for cabin re‑supply, servicing and loading/unloading catering trolleys on civil aircraft. The standard’s scope covers hazards arising during commissioning, operation and maintenance, and requires manufacturers to address reasonably foreseeable misuse and conduct risk assessments for alternative uses.
Key topics and technical requirements
EN 12312-2:2014 organizes requirements to minimise hazards and to ensure safe operation. Major topics include:
- List of hazards (Annex A) that must be considered in design and maintenance.
- Safety requirements and measures covering general safety, verification and conformity with the Machinery Directive (annex ZA).
- Dimensions and loads: criteria for safe load restraint and handling inside the van body.
- Van body and loading platform: structural, access and interface requirements for safe transhipment between vehicle and aircraft.
- Safeguards against falling and means of access: barriers, handrails, anti‑slip provisions and safe walking areas.
- Lifting device and stability: requirements for platform lifting, stability under load and auto‑levelling considerations.
- Controls, monitoring and emergency operation: control ergonomics, safety interlocks, emergency/manual override.
- Transfer plate, canopy, tail lift and module handling systems: safe bridging, weather protection and trolley transfer systems.
- Refrigeration systems: functional safety where refrigeration is provided in the van body.
- Information for use: mandatory marking, warnings, instructions and verification procedures (testing and documentation).
The standard excludes noise and vibration requirements (see EN 1915‑3 and EN 1915‑4), pneumatic systems and certain unmodified automotive parts approved for public road vehicles. It does not apply to catering vehicles manufactured before its publication date.
Practical applications and users
EN 12312-2:2014 is used by:
- GSE and catering vehicle manufacturers for design, production and type testing.
- Airlines and ground handling companies for procurement, safe operation and maintenance criteria.
- Certification bodies and safety engineers conducting conformity assessments and risk assessments.
- Maintenance organisations for service, retrofits and verifying continued safe operation.
- It may also be applied to similar vehicles (cleaning, seat exchange) after a suitable risk assessment.
Related standards
- EN 1915‑1/2/3/4 (general GSE requirements; noise & vibration)
- EN ISO 12100 (risk assessment)
- EN ISO 13849‑1 / EN ISO 13850 (control system safety, emergency stop)
- Relevant ISO aircraft interface standards (e.g., ISO 7718)
Keywords: EN 12312-2:2014, catering vehicles, aircraft ground support equipment, GSE safety, loading platform, transfer plate, risk assessment, airlines, ground handlers.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Apr-2014
- Effective Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Effective Date
- 11-Mar-2026
- Effective Date
- 11-Mar-2026
- Effective Date
- 11-Mar-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12312-2:2014 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 2: Catering vehicles". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards listed in Clause 4 which can arise during the commissioning, the operation and the maintenance of catering vehicles 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. This European Standard applies to self-propelled catering vehicles, with seated driver, equipped with a liftable van body. This European Standard may be applied to catering vehicles used for other purposes provided that a suitable risk assessment is carried out to identify additional hazards or limitations in the requirements of this standard for a particular application. Similar vehicles e.g. cleaning equipment, equipment used for the exchange of aircraft seats, are also covered by this European Standard. This European Standard does not establish requirements for noise and vibration. NOTE EN 1915–3 and EN 1915–4 provide the general GSE noise and vibration requirements. This European Standard does not apply to pneumatic systems. This European Standard does not apply to unmodified automotive parts approved for public vehicles in the EU and EFTA., when used on a catering vehicle for the purpose for which they are designed. This part of EN 12312 is not applicable to catering vehicles which are manufactured before the date of publi-cation of this standard by CEN. This part of EN 12312 when used in conjunction with EN 1915 1, EN 1915 2, EN 1915 3 and EN 1915 4 pro-vides the requirements for catering vehicles.
This European Standard specifies the technical requirements to minimize the hazards listed in Clause 4 which can arise during the commissioning, the operation and the maintenance of catering vehicles 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. This European Standard applies to self-propelled catering vehicles, with seated driver, equipped with a liftable van body. This European Standard may be applied to catering vehicles used for other purposes provided that a suitable risk assessment is carried out to identify additional hazards or limitations in the requirements of this standard for a particular application. Similar vehicles e.g. cleaning equipment, equipment used for the exchange of aircraft seats, are also covered by this European Standard. This European Standard does not establish requirements for noise and vibration. NOTE EN 1915–3 and EN 1915–4 provide the general GSE noise and vibration requirements. This European Standard does not apply to pneumatic systems. This European Standard does not apply to unmodified automotive parts approved for public vehicles in the EU and EFTA., when used on a catering vehicle for the purpose for which they are designed. This part of EN 12312 is not applicable to catering vehicles which are manufactured before the date of publi-cation of this standard by CEN. This part of EN 12312 when used in conjunction with EN 1915 1, EN 1915 2, EN 1915 3 and EN 1915 4 pro-vides the requirements for catering vehicles.
EN 12312-2:2014 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.100 - Ground service and maintenance equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12312-2:2014 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12312-2:2002+A1:2009, EN ISO 31915-3:2026, ISO 11228-1:2003, ISO 4116:1986, ISO 16004:2005, ISO 7718-1:2009, ISO 7718-2:2009, EN 12195-1:2003, EN ISO 21012:2018, EN 1837:2020, EN 4533-003:2006, EN ISO 13732-1:2008, EN ISO 13849-1:2008, EN 1756-1:2021, EN 1915-3:2004+A1:2009. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12312-2:2014 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2006/42/EC. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 12312-2:2014 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Podporna oprema na tleh za letalski promet - Posebne zahteve - 2. del: Vozila za preskrboLuftfahrt-Bodengeräte - Besondere Anforderungen - Teil 2: Catering-HubfahrzeugeMatériel au sol pour aéronefs - Exigences particulières - Partie 2: Camions commissariatAircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 2: Catering vehicles49.100Oprema za servis in vzdrževanje na tlehGround service and maintenance equipmentICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12312-2:2014SIST EN 12312-2:2014en01-julij-2014SIST EN 12312-2:2014SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 12312-2:2003+A1:20091DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 12312-2
April 2014 ICS 49.100 Supersedes EN 12312-2:2002+A1:2009English Version
Aircraft ground support equipment - Specific requirements - Part 2: Catering vehicles
Matériel au sol pour aéronefs - Exigences particulières - Partie 2: Camions commissariat
Luftfahrt-Bodengeräte - Besondere Anforderungen - Teil 2: Catering-Hubfahrzeuge This European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 February 2014.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 12312-2:2014 ESIST EN 12312-2:2014
List of hazards . 21 Annex B (normative)
Critical area between van body and loading platform . 25 Annex C (informative)
Loading control . 27 C.1 Machinery Directive requirements . 27 C.2 Demonstration of absence of risk of overloading/overturning . 27 Annex ZA (informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC . 28 Bibliography . 29
5 000 N/m2; b) floor plate of the loading platform
3 000 N/m2. With a minimum local single load at the leading edge of the loading platform of 1 000 N, the allowed maximum of sag relative to the platform floor is 20 mm. EN 1915-2:2001+A1:2009, 5.2.2.4 does not apply to these loads. 5.2.5 All areas to be driven on with a trolley shall be designed for a minimum floor contact pressure of 10 N/mm2. No permanent deflection is allowable. 5.3 Van body 5.3.1 The minimum clear height at any point above walking areas shall be not less than 2,0 m. 5.3.2 Parts of the van body front wall not used for loading procedures shall provide protection against falling of persons and loads. 5.3.3 Van sidewalls shall be equipped with protective devices to avoid deterioration by impact from trolleys or loads. 5.3.4 The van body shall be equipped with a load securing system, preventing sliding, rolling, tilting, and dropping of catering equipment, i.e.: a) fixed storage racks; b) attachments for restraint devices. The strength of attachment points shall be calculated according to EN 12195-1. 5.3.5 It shall be possible to store restraint devices when not in use such that they are readily available. The storage facility shall not create risks of tripping and shall protect the devices against damage and dirt. 5.3.6 The interior of the van body shall be fully lined with a smooth, non-moisture absorbent, non-toxic ma-terial, hygienically approved by the authorities for use in vehicles carrying food for human consumption. 5.3.7 The lining material shall be compatible with repeated cleaning with strong detergents and disinfecting agents, as well as suitable for repeated water pressure cleaning and steam cleaning. Joints or appurtenances SIST EN 12312-2:2014
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