Aircraft maintenance has changed dramatically over the past three decades. Modern aircraft are more complex, maintenance schedules are tighter and the pressure to return aircraft to service has never been greater. Recognising these changes, Germany’s statutory accident insurance organisation (DGUV) has completely rewritten its long-standing guidance for aircraft maintenance safety.

The new DGUV Rule 114-607 replaces DGUV Rule 114-007, introducing a modern framework that reflects today’s maintenance environments, technologies and workplace risks. For organisations operating in Germany – and for companies supplying maintenance equipment such as Semmco – the update is a significant development.

Where does the new rule apply?

DGUV Rule 114-607 applies within Germany but there are wider implications outside of Germany also. It has been produced by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) together with industry experts including Lufthansa Technik, Airbus, the German Federal Police, NATO and BG Verkehr. It provides practical guidance for employers carrying out aircraft maintenance under German occupational health and safety legislation.

Although it is not legally binding outside Germany, it is likely to influence engineering best practice across Europe. Many multinational airlines, MRO organisations and aerospace manufacturers operate facilities in Germany while applying consistent safety standards across their wider European networks. As a result, organisations specifying maintenance equipment elsewhere may increasingly look for suppliers whose products support the principles outlined in the new guidance.

What’s changed?

Rather than simply updating the previous document, DGUV has completely rewritten the guidance to reflect modern maintenance operations.

The revised rule includes:

  • Updated guidance based on current technology and working practices.
  • Greater emphasis on employer responsibilities when selecting and training personnel.
  • New chapters covering mental workload and fatigue management.
  • Guidance on occupational health and safety management systems.
  • Expanded advice covering hangar operations, line maintenance, work on docking systems, tank entry and hazardous substances.

One particularly interesting statistic highlighted during the launch of the new rule is that, of approximately 2,100 reportable accidents in German aircraft maintenance during 2024, around

700 resulted from falls. While aviation maintenance involves highly sophisticated technology, one of the industry’s biggest risks remains working safely at height.

What does this mean for maintenance access equipment?

Although DGUV Rule 114-607 is not a specification for ground support equipment, it places considerable emphasis on safe access when working on aircraft. The guidance specifically discusses work carried out on dock systems and during line maintenance, where technicians require safe, stable and ergonomically designed working platforms. It reinforces the importance of selecting equipment that reduces fall risks, supports efficient maintenance procedures and enables technicians to work safely under operational pressure.

For Semmco, this aligns closely with the philosophy behind our aircraft access platforms and maintenance solutions. Safe access has always been fundamental to efficient aircraft maintenance, but the new DGUV guidance places even greater focus on designing maintenance environments that protect engineers without compromising productivity.

What should buyers and specifiers consider?

For airlines, MRO providers and maintenance organisations operating in Germany, procurement decisions are likely to place increased emphasis on equipment that demonstrably supports modern safety management practices. When evaluating maintenance platforms and access equipment, buyers should increasingly consider:

· Fall prevention and operator protection.

· Platform stability and safe working positions.

· Ergonomic design that reduces physical strain.

· Adaptability to different aircraft types and maintenance tasks.

· Compatibility with documented safety procedures and training programmes.

· Long-term support, inspection and maintenance services.

These considerations are already central to many procurement projects, but DGUV Rule 114-607 provides an updated framework that reinforces their importance.

Looking ahead

The publication of DGUV Rule 114-607 reflects a wider shift within aviation maintenance towards integrating safety, human factors and operational efficiency. Rather than viewing safety as a compliance exercise, the guidance encourages organisations to build it into every aspect of maintenance planning and execution.

For Semmco and our customers, the direction of travel is clear. Investment in high-quality maintenance access equipment is no longer simply about enabling engineers to reach the aircraft. It is about helping maintenance teams work more safely, reducing the risk of falls, improving productivity and supporting a culture where safety and operational performance go hand in hand.

As maintenance operations continue to evolve, organisations that proactively align their equipment, processes and training with emerging best practice will be best placed to meet both today’s operational demands and tomorrow’s regulatory expectations.