ISO 11660-1:2008 establishes the general requirements for access to control stations and other areas of cranes as defined in ISO 4306-1, during normal operations, maintenance, inspection, erection, dismantling and emergency. It also deals with guards and restraints in general, concerning the protection of persons on or near the crane with regard to moving parts, falling objects or live parts.

The particular requirements relating to access, guards and restraints for the various types of cranes and lifting appliances are given in ISO 11660-2, ISO 11660-3 and ISO 11660-5.