Bsi bs en 00620 2002 + a1 2010

BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN 620:2002
+A1:2010

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Incorporating
corrigenda
Aprill 2003
and J
J une 2009

Continuous handling
equipment and
systems — Safety and
EMC requirements for
fixed belt conveyors for
bulk materials

ICS 53.040.10

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BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010

National foreword

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This British Standard is the UK implementation of
EN 620:2002+A1:2010. It supersedes BS EN 620:2002 which is
withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is
indicated in the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text
carry the number of the CEN amendment. For example, text altered by
CEN amendment A1 is indicated by !".
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee MHE/9, Continuous mechanical handling equipment.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity
from legal obligations.

This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on 17
May 2002

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Amd. No.

Date

Comments

14439

3 April 2003

Correction of shoulder headings and
typographical error on page 6

30 June 2009

Addition of supersession details in
National foreword

31 March 2011

Implementation of CEN Amendment
A1:2010

Corrigendum No. 1

© BSI 2011

ISBN 978 0 580 70645 5


EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 620:2002+A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

December 2010

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ICS 53.040.10

Supersedes EN 620:2002

English Version

Continuous handling equipment and systems - Safety and EMC
requirements for fixed belt conveyors for bulk materials
Equipements et systèmes de manutention continue Prescriptions de sécurité et de CEM pour les transporteurs
à courroie fixes pour produits en vrac

Stetigförderer und Systeme - Sicherheits- und EMWAnforderungen für ortsfeste Gurtförderer für Schüttgutt

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 november 2001 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 9 November 2010.
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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2010 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Ref. No. EN 620:2002+A1:2010: E


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

Contents

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page
Foreword ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1

Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

2

Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 6

3

Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 8

4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8

List of hazards.............................................................................................................................................. 12
Mechanical hazards ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Electrical hazards ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Thermal hazards .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Hazards due to electromagnetic radiation ................................................................................................ 14
Fire or explosion hazards ........................................................................................................................... 15
Hazards generated by neglected ergonomic principals in machine design ......................................... 15
Hazards arising from failure of energy supply and other functional disorders .................................... 15
Hazards arising during inspection, maintenance and cleaning ............................................................. 15

5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4

5.5
5.6

5.8

Safety and EMC requirements and/or measures ...................................................................................... 16
Measures for protection against mechanical hazards ............................................................................. 16
Measures for protection against electrical hazards ................................................................................. 36
Measures for protection against thermal hazards ................................................................................... 37
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ........................................................................................................ 38
Measures for protection against fire and explosion hazards due to the materials conveyed ............ 39
Measures for protection against hazards generated by neglected ergonomic principles in
machine design (mismatch of machinery with human characteristics and abilities) .......................... 39
Measures for protection against hazards caused by failure of energy supply, and other
functional disorders .................................................................................................................................... 39
Measures for protection against hazards arising during inspection, maintenance and cleaning ...... 42

6

Verification of safety and EMC requirements and/or measures ............................................................. 43

7
7.1
7.2

Information for use ...................................................................................................................................... 46
Instruction handbook .................................................................................................................................. 46
Marking ......................................................................................................................................................... 49

5.7

Annex A (normative) Fire or explosion hazard ...................................................................................................... 50
Annex ZA (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of the EU Directive 2006/42/EC"
" .................................................................................... 52
Annex ZB (informative) !Coverage of Essential Requirements of EU Directives"
"...................................... 54
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................. 55

2


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

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Foreword
This document (EN 620:2002+A1:2010) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN /TC 148, "Continuous
handling equipment and systems - Safety", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by June 2011, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
June 2011.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights.
CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2010-11-09.
This document supersedes EN 620:2002.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).

!For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annexes ZA and ZB, which are integral parts of this
document."
This !standard" forms part of a series of five !standards" the titles of which are given below:


EN 617 "Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for the equipment for
the storage of bulk materials in silos, bunkers, bins and hoppers" ;



EN 618 "Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for equipment for
mechanical handling of bulk materials except fixed belt conveyors” ;



!EN 619" ”Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for equipment
for mechanical handling of unit loads” ;



EN 620 "Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for fixed belt conveyors for bulk material” ;



EN 741 "Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety requirements for systems and their
components for pneumatic handling of bulk materials”.

!deleted text"
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

3


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

Introduction

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This European Standard is a type C Standard as stated in EN 1070:1998.
The products concerned and the extent to which hazards are covered are indicated in the scope of this standard.
While producing this standard it was assumed that:


negotiations occur between the manufacturer and the purchaser concerning particular conditions for the use
and places of use for the machinery related to health and safety;



only suitably trained persons will operate this machinery;



the machinery will be kept in good repair and working order, in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, to retain specified health and safety characteristics throughout its working life;



the place of installation is adequately lit.



the place of installation will allow safe use of the machinery;



by design of the load bearing elements, the safe operation of the system and components is assured for
loading ranging from zero to 100 % of the rated capacities and during testing;



all parts of the machinery without specific requirements, will be:
a)

made from materials of adequate strength and durability and of suitable quality for their intended purpose;

b)

of sound mechanical construction;

c)

designed in accordance with the usual engineering practice and engineering codes, taking account of all
failure modes and incorporating appropriate safety factors.

EN 617, EN 618 and EN 741 need to be considered for a complete continuous handling system (machine).

4


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

1

Scope

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1.1 This European standard deals with the technical requirements to minimise the risks due to the hazards listed
in clause 4, which can arise during operation and maintenance of fixed belt conveyors and systems as defined
in 3.1 to 3.2.4 and designed for continuously conveying loose bulk materials from the loading point(s) to the
unloading point(s). Requirements for electromagnetic compatibility are also covered.
1.2

This standard applies to use in ambient air temperatures of -15° C to + 40° C.

1.3

This standard does not cover:

a)

use in open cast lignite mining or use underground, such as in mines or tunnels;

b)

use in public areas or for man-riding;

c)

floating, dredging and ship mounted equipment;

d)

conveyors requiring a high level of cleanliness for hygiene reasons, e.g. in direct contact with foodstuffs or
pharmaceuticals;

e)

conveyors using a moving belt with other than a continuous rubber or polymeric surface for the conveying
medium;

f)

transportation of the conveyor;

g)

the design of the supporting structure which is not part of a conveyor (see 3.2);

h)

the effects of wind;

i)

hazards resulting from handling specific hazardous materials, (e.g. explosives, radiating material);

j)

hazards resulting from contact with or inhalation of harmful fluids, gases, mists, fumes or dust;

k)

biological and micro-biological (viral or bacterial) hazards;

l)

hazards due to heat radiation from the materials handled;

m) hazards caused by operation in electromagnetic fields outside the range of EN 61000-6-2:1999;
n)

hazards caused by operation subject to special regulations (e.g. explosive atmospheres);

o)

hazards caused by noise;

p)

hazards caused by the use of ionising radiation sources;

q)

hazards caused by hydraulic equipment.

The safety requirements of this standard apply to equipment and systems placed on the market after the date of
publication of this standard.
NOTE
Directive 94/9/EC concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially
explosive atmospheres can be applicable to the type of machine or equipment covered by this European
Standard. The present standard is not intended to provide means of complying with the essential health and
safety requirements of Directive 94/9/EC.

5


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

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!deleted text"
EN 294:1992, Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent danger zones being reached by the upper limbs
EN 349:1993, Safety of machinery — Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body

EN 418:1992, Safety of machinery — Emergency stop equipment — Functional aspects — Principles for design
EN 457:1992, Safety of machinery — Auditory danger signals — General requirements — Design and testing (ISO
7731:1986, modified)
EN 563:1994, Safety of machinery — Temperatures of touchable surfaces — Ergonomics data to establish
temperature limit values for hot surfaces
EN 574:1996, Safety of machinery — Two-hand control devices — Functional aspects — Principles for design
EN 614-1:1995, Safety of machinery — Ergonomic design principles — Part 1: Terminology and general principles
!EN 617", Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for the equipment
for the storage of bulk materials in silos, bunkers, bins and hoppers
!EN 618", Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for equipment for
mechanical handling of bulk material except fixed belt conveyors
!EN 619", Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC requirements for equipment for
mechanical handling of unit loads
!EN 741", Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety requirements for systems and their
components for pneumatic handling of bulk materials
EN 811:1996, Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent danger zones being reached by the lower limbs
EN 842:1996, Safety of machinery — Visual danger signals — General requirements — Design and testing
EN 953:1997, Safety of machinery — Guards — General requirements for the design and construction of fixed and
movable guards
EN 954-1:1996, Safety of machinery — Safety related parts of control systems — Part 1: General principles for
design
EN 1005-1:2001, Safety of machinery — Human physical performance — Part 1: Terms and Definitions
!EN 1005-2, Safety of machinery — Human physical performance — Part 2: Manual handling of machinery and
component parts of machinery"
EN 1005-3:2002, Safety of machinery — Human physical performance — Part 3: Recommended force limits for
machinery operation
EN 1037:1995, Safety of machinery — Prevention of unexpected start-up
EN 1050:1996, Safety of Machinery — Principles for Risk Assessment
EN 1070:1998, Safety of machinery — Terminology
EN 1088:1995, Safety of machinery — Interlocking devices associated with guards — Principles for design and

selection
6


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
EN 1127-1:1997, Explosive Atmospheres — Explosion prevention and protection — Part 1: Basic concepts and
methodology
EN 1760-2:2001, Safety of machinery — Pressure sensitive protective devices — Part 2: General principles for the
design and testing of pressure sensitive edges and pressure sensitive bars

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!EN ISO 12100-1, Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design — Part 1: Basic
terminology, methodology (ISO 12100-1:2003)"
!EN ISO 12100-2:2003, Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design — Part 2:
Technical principles (ISO 12100-2:2003)"
EN ISO 12150-1:2000, Glass in building — Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass — Part 1:
Definition and description
EN ISO 14122-1:2001, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machines and industrial plants —
Part 1: Choice of fixed means of access between two levels
EN ISO 14122-2:2001, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machines and industrial plants —
Part 2: Working platforms and gangways
EN ISO 14122-3:2001, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machines and industrial plants —
Part 3: Stairways, Stepladders and guard-rails
!EN ISO 14122-4, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machinery — Part 4: Fixed ladders
(ISO 14122-4:2004)"
EN ISO 12543:1998, Glass in building — Laminated glass and laminated safety glass
EN 13202:2000, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Temperatures of touchable hot surfaces — Guidance
for establishing surface temperature limit values in production standards with the aid of EN 563

EN 50081-1:1992, Electromagnetic compatibility — Generic emission standard — Part 1: Residential, commercial
and light industry
EN 61000-6-2:1999, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 6-2: Generic standards — Immunity for industrial
environments (IEC 61000-6-2:1999)
EN 60204-1:1997, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines — Part 1: Specification for general
requirements (IEC 60204-1:1997)
!EN 60204-11:2000, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines — Part 11: Requirements for HV
equipment for voltages above 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c. and not exceeding 36 kV (IEC 60204-11:2000)"
EN 60529:1991, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529:1989)
EN 60947-5-1:1997, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and switching
elements — Electromechanical control circuit devices (IEC 60947-5-1:1997)
EN 61310-1:1995, Safety of machinery — Indication, marking and actuation — Part 1: Requirements for visual,
auditory and tactile signals (IEC 61310-1:1995)
EN 61496-1:1997, Safety of machinery — Electro-sensitive protective equipment — Part 1: General requirements
and tests (IEC 61496-1:1997)
ISO 2148:1974, Continuous handling equipment — Nomenclature
ISO 6184-1:1985, Explosion protection systems — Part 1: Determination of explosion indices of combustible dust
in air
IEC 61241-1-1:1999. Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combusible dust — Part 1: Electrical apparatus
protected by enclosures and surface temperature limitation — Specification for apparatus
7


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
CENELEC Report No. R044-001:1999, Safety of machinery — Guidance and recommendations for the avoidance
of hazards due to static electricity

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3

Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European standard, the terms and definitions stated in EN 1070:1998 apply in addition to
those below. Additional terminology for conveyors is given in ISO 2148:1974.
3.1
conveyor system
number of linked conveyors with their ancillary equipment
3.2
belt conveyor
conveyor including its structural components, using a moving belt with a continuous rubber or polymeric surface for
the conveying medium. The belt is usually driven by a pulley at one end, passing over a free-running pulley at the
other end. The upper portion of the belt may be supported by free-running idlers or suitable flat surfaces. The
conveyor may be arranged for horizontal or inclined travel, the angle of slope depending on the character of the
goods conveyed and the type of belt
3.2.1
troughed belt conveyor
belt conveyor where the belt is supported on horizontal centre rollers and inclined side rollers which impart a
transverse curvature to the belt
3.2.2
walled belt conveyor
belt conveyor where the belt has its flat carrying face extended to form side walls of limited height
3.2.3
radial conveyor
belt conveyor which is pivoted at one end and may be mounted on wheels or skids at a point along its length, which
permits movement in a horizontal arc
3.2.4
belt feeder
shortened form of belt conveyor, normally running at slow speed, designed to extract or control the rate of flow of

bulk materials from hoppers

8


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

3.3

Ancillary equipment

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3.3.1
feed hopper
collecting device at the loading point of the conveyor for receiving material
3.3.2
tripper
device usually comprising two or more pulleys, mounted either in a fixed position or on a travelling carriage, for
discharging material at selected points or at any point along the length of a belt conveyor
3.3.3
chute
straight or curved, open topped or enclosed, smooth trough by which materials are directed and fall under gravity

3.4

Other terms and definitions

3.4.1

skirt plate
extension to the feed hopper or independent plate along the length of the conveyor for centralising and/or retaining
material on the belt
3.4.2
take-up device
device for taking up slack and applying tension to the belt
3.4.3
gravity take-up device
vertical weight operated (automatic) take-up device
3.4.4
scraper
cleaning device fixed or flexibly mounted across the width of a belt or pulley of a conveyor, for removing adherent
material
3.4.5
troughing idlers
idler set which supports the belt and maintains it in a troughed form
3.4.6
transition idlers
idler sets supporting the belt over the transition distance. The geometry of the idlers may vary over the transition
distance to give the change from the troughed profile to flat
3.4.7
carrying idler
idler which supports the load carrying side of the belt
3.4.8
return idler
idler which supports the return (empty) side of the belt
3.4.9
drive pulley
pulley that drives the belt

9


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
3.4.10
snub pulley
pulley used to develop the necessary arc of contact (angle of wrap) of the belt on the drive pulley

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3.4.11
bend pulley
pulley used to change the direction of the belt
3.4.12
head pulley
terminal pulley at the head of a conveyor
3.4.13
take-up pulley
moving pulley used in the take-up device
3.4.14
tail pulley
terminal pulley at the tail of a conveyor. This may be a take-up pulley
3.4.15
fixed enclosing guard
fixed guard which prevents access to a danger zone from all sides
3.4.16
fixed distance guard
fixed guard which does not completely enclose a danger zone, but which prevents or reduces access by virtue of
its dimensions and its distance from the danger zone e.g. perimeter fence or tunnel guard

3.4.17
nip guard
fixed guard inserted at a nip point to directly safeguard that point
3.4.18
nip point
dangerous point which occurs on the in-running side at the line of contact between the conveyor belt and rotating
pulley and in certain cases between belt and an idler roller or a fixed part (see Figure 1)

10


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

2

1

3

4

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4

6
4

9

10

3

5

7
8
11
12

13

3

13

16
4

14
3

15

Key
1

Feed hopper

9

Tail pulley

2

Idlers at convex curve (brow) position

10

Tripper discharge pulley

3

Direction of belt travel

11

Take up pulley

4

Transition idler

12

Gravity take-up weight

5

Head pulley

13

Bend pulley

6

Snub pulley

14

Typical tripper

7

Scraper

15

Reversible belt

8

Drive pulley

16

Nip point

Figure 1 – Typical nip points

11


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
3.4.19
transition section
section of a troughed belt conveyor at the head, tail or at an intermediate discharge pulley, where the belt profile
changes between a troughed form and a flat form

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3.4.20
transition distance
length of the conveyor occupied by the transition section
3.4.21
head of conveyor
discharge end of the conveyor
3.4.22
tail of conveyor
loading end of the conveyor
3.4.23
working area
area as intended by the manufacturer, where persons work at, or operate conveyors under normal conditions
(inspection, maintenance and cleaning are excluded)
3.4.24
traffic area

area as intended by the manufacturer, which is accessible or reachable by all persons without opening a guard,
activating a trip device or using additional means

4

List of hazards

This clause contains all the significant hazards and events, as far as they are dealt with in this standard, identified
by risk assessment as significant for this type of machinery and which require action to eliminate or reduce the risk.
Clause 5 deals with these hazards in the same order.
NOTE

4.1

The hazards described below usually occur in combination. e.g. crushing, shearing and drawing-in.

Mechanical hazards

4.1.1

General

Mechanical hazards exist if people may sustain physical injury by direct contact with moving machinery, or
indirectly sustain physical injury by being struck by parts of failed machinery or the materials being conveyed or
discharged.
4.1.2

Crushing and shearing hazards

Fixed conveyors may include a part moving in a vertical or horizontal plane and may be actuated manually or by

power.
Crushing and shearing hazards may be caused by e.g. :


moving parts passing obstructions at gangways or passageways ;



articulated or mobile parts, if movement of the belt continues when power is removed ;



overtravel. e.g. lowering, lifting or travelling ;



counterweight tension devices.

12


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
4.1.3

Cutting or severing hazards

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Cutting or severing hazards may be caused by e.g. :



unprotected sharp edges ;



corners or rough surfaces ;



material conveyed ;



broken window glass in the operators cabin.

4.1.4

Entanglement, drawing-in or trapping hazards

Entanglement, drawing-in and trapping hazards may occur in the following locations e.g. :




at nip points where the belt wraps around pulleys (see Figure 1) such as :


drive pulleys and snub pulleys ;



head pulleys and tail pulleys ;



take-up pulleys ;



tripper discharge pulleys and bend pulleys.

at nip points where the lifting of the belt at carrying and return idlers may be restricted by means other than the
load (see Figure 1) such as :


at convex curves ;



beneath feed hoppers and skirt plates ;



at scrapers or other cleaning devices ;



around transmission parts e.g. gears, couplings, belt drives and chain drives ;



between conveyed material and fixed components of the conveyor.

4.1.5

Hazards arising from ejection of parts (of machinery or handled materials)

Hazards may arise from the ejection of machinery parts or from the ejection of the materials being conveyed e.g. :


parts of machinery fitted above working and traffic areas ;



failure of the conveying belt ;



due to spillage or falling of conveyed material ;



the sliding or collapse of conveyed materials ;



when freeing jammed or blocked conveyed materials.

13

BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
4.1.6

Slip, trip and fall hazards

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Slip, trip and fall hazards may arise e.g. :


under the conveyor in traffic areas ;



around the terminals of the conveyor and where the material is discharged ;



at gangways, walkways and means of access ;



at control stations and working platforms.

4.2

Electrical hazards

4.2.1

Electrical equipment

Hazards may occur as a result of direct or indirect contact with live parts as a result of e.g. :


damage to insulation ;



incorrect isolation or switching ;



material or moisture ingress.

4.2.2

Electrostatic charges

Hazards may be caused by electrostatic charges e.g. :


generated by the movement of the belt.

4.3

Thermal hazards

4.3.1

Hazards arising from contact with parts or materials at high temperatures

Burning or scalding may occur due to contact with e.g. :


hot conveyed materials ;



parts of machines at high temperature.

4.3.2

Hazards arising from hot or cold working environment

Hazards may arise due to the working environment.

4.4

Hazards due to electromagnetic radiation

Hazards may arise due to the effects of electromagnetic radiation e.g. :


14

malfunction of electronic equipment as a result of external radiation.

BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

4.5

Fire or explosion hazards

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Fire or explosion hazards may arise from e.g. :


the materials handled ;



burning of the belt.

4.6

Hazards generated by neglected ergonomic principals in machine design

4.6.1

Unhealthy posture or excessive efforts

Hazards may be generated if ergonomic principals are neglected e.g. :


mismatch of machinery with human characteristics and abilities ;



requirement to make excessive efforts ;



requirements to make large efforts over long periods.

4.6.2

Mental overload or underload

Hazards may be caused by operators who are affected by e.g. :


mental overload due to high levels of concentration needed for long periods ;



mental underload due to long periods in remote locations.

4.7

Hazards arising from failure of energy supply and other functional disorders

4.7.1

Hazards arising from failure of energy supply

Hazards may occur as a result of free running of the conveyor, forwards or backwards, when the energy supply is
cut off.
4.7.2 Hazards arising from failure or malfunction of safety related equipment, controls, or control
systems
Hazards may arise from unexpected start-up or overrun, overspeeding, underspeeding or failing to start or stop in
the correct sequence.
Hazards may arise from failure to operate correctly due to temperature, water ingress or humidity.
Hazards may arise due to unsuitability, malfunction or failure of safety related controls or control systems. e.g. due
to unsuitability for temperature or humidity requirements.

4.8

Hazards arising during inspection, maintenance and cleaning

Hazards may occur during inspection, maintenance and cleaning operations e.g. :


hazards may occur if the equipment can run with safety measures removed (e.g. guards) ;



unsuitable location of control devices and interlocks ;



hazards during cleaning and maintenance.

15

BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

5

Safety and EMC requirements and/or measures

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

For the application of EN 457:1992, EN 842:1996, EN 953:1997, EN 954-1:1996, 5.3, the manufacturer shall carry
out an adequate risk assessment, in accordance with EN 1050:1996, for the requirements thereof where choice is
necessary.
NOTE
standard.

This specific risk assessment is part of the general risk assessment relating to the hazards not covered by this “C”

In addition, the equipment and systems shall be designed according to the principles of !EN ISO 12100-1" and
!EN ISO 12100-2" for hazards relevant but not significant which are not dealt with by this standard.

5.1

Measures for protection against mechanical hazards

5.1.1

General

Mechanical hazards shall be safeguarded by guards, or alternative means specified in this standard.
5.1.1.1

Guard construction

Guards shall be in accordance with EN 953:1997 and may be perforated or of imperforate construction. If of
perforated construction, the safety distances to prevent danger areas being reached shall comply with
EN 294:1992, Table 4.
Where it is possible to step on guards, they shall be able to withstand a force of 1500 N evenly distributed over an
area of 0,2 m x 0,2 m, with a permanent deformation less than 1% of any reference dimension and no contact with
any moving part. After the loading it shall be possible to refit the guard.
NOTE

The design of guards should enable spillage to be cleared without removal of guards.

!Fixed guards shall be fixed by systems that can be opened or removed only with tools.
Their fixing systems shall remain attached to the guards or to the machinery when the guards are removed."
5.1.1.2

Inspection panels

Inspection panels shall be interlocking guards in accordance with 5.1.1.3, in the following cases :
a)

if the panels are intended to be opened more frequently than once every 8 h and expose a mechanical
hazard ; or

b)

if the panels can be opened without the use of a tool and expose a mechanical hazard.

If a panel is intended to be opened during running to allow viewing of a danger zone, an additional fixed guard shall
be provided which prevents danger points from being reached, e.g. made from perforated plate or wire mesh and
complying with the safety distances of EN 294:1992, Table 4.
For inspection panels on totally enclosed conveyors or ancillary equipment, the type of attachment and the type
and direction of opening shall be in accordance with the requirements of EN 953:1997.
5.1.1.3

Interlocking guards

Interlocking guards shall be in accordance with EN 953:1997. They shall be securely fixed in position and shall use
interlocking devices in accordance with EN 1088:1995. Interlocking guards shall not be designed to have sufficient
space to allow any person to enter and be enclosed inside.

16


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
5.1.1.4

Fixed enclosing guards

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Fixed enclosing guards shall be in accordance with EN 953:1997. They shall be securely fixed in position using
captive type fastenings and shall only be capable of being opened or removed with the aid of a tool. If they are
removable, they shall be capable of being removed and replaced without dismantling any other part. Guards shall
be designed so that they cannot remain in the closed position unless they are fastened. Fixed enclosing guards
shall not be designed to have sufficient space to allow any person to enter and be enclosed inside.

5.1.1.4.1

Openings in fixed enclosing guards

Openings in fixed enclosing guards shall conform with EN 294:1992, Tables 3, 4 or 6. Where, for operating
reasons, the opening required for the passage of belt and materials is in excess of that given in EN 294:1992, then
the guard at the opening shall extend for a minimum distance of "a", given in Table 1, from the centre line of the
pulley (see Figure 3). If access to the dangerous parts cannot be prevented by the use of a fixed enclosing guard
then fixed distance guards (see 5.1.1.5) or nip guards (see 5.1.4.2) shall be provided.
NOTE
Examples of typical arrangements for guarding pulleys are shown in Figures 4 and 5 for head pulleys, Figure 6 for
tail pulleys and Figure 2 for gravity take-up devices.

17


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

1

1

2

3

5

6

2

7

2 500 min.

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

4

8
9
10
11
12

Key
1

Distance a (see Table1) min.

2

Direction of belt travel

3

Note If no decking plate exists a guard should be provided

4

Troughed belt

5

Conveyor stringers

6

Walkway level

7

Guard to be extended to protect take-up pulley, unless safe by position

8

Gravity take-up weight

9

Safety beam

10

Floor level

11

Nip point

12

Reach distance to comply with EN 294:1992

Figure 2 – Typical guarding at a gravity take-up device

18


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

1
2

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

3

Key
1

Distance "a" (see Table 1)

2

Direction of belt travel

3

Nip point

Figure 3 – Minimum length of fixed enclosure guards

Table 1 — Minimum distance of edge of fixed enclosure guard
from centre line of pulley, roller or idler

Pulley, roller or idler
diameter
mm

Distance "a"
mm

200

950

315

950

400

950

500

950

630

1000

800

1000

1000

1050

1250

1100

1400

1100

1600

1100

(1800)

1150

(2000)

1150

19


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres

1

4

3

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

2

8

5
4

6

7

Key
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Distance a (see Table 1) min.
Top guard
Minimum to suit material
Direction of belt travel
Material discharge
The under guard or decking plate between the belts may be omitted if the enclosure guard extends below the return belt
Enclosure guarding in this area to comply with EN 294:1992.The material discharge will normally be collected by a transfer chute and/ or
reception skirts which may form part of the safeguard
Nip point

Figure 4 – Principle of safe guarding at head pulley by fixed enclosure guarding

20


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres

1

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

2

3

2
4

5
6

7

1
Key
1
Distance a (see Table 1) min.
2
Direction of belt travel
3
Safety distance as EN 294:1992
4
Conveyor stringers
5
Snub pulley also requires guarding if walkway or head chute does not prevent access
6
Slotted openings safety distance and bars as EN 294:1992
7

Troughed belt

Figure 5 — Typical guards at head pulley and adjacent transition idler set

21


BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

1
2
4

5

7

6

3
12

8

12

2 500 min.

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

3

13

12

11
9

10

Key
1

Guard to extend not less than 300 in direction of travel

7

Gap for removal of spillage to comply with EN 294:1992

2

Conveyor decking plate

8

Floor level

3

Direction of belt travel

9

Guard continued under conveyor to enclose tail and snub pulley

4

Skirt plate

10

Reach distance to comply with EN 294:1992

5

Feed chute

11

Nip point

Guard to extend not less than 1000 from transition idler,

12

Distance a (see Table 1) min.

skirt plate and feed chute in direction of tail end pulley

13

Gap for removal of spillage.

6

Figure 6 — Typical guards at tail end pulley
5.1.1.5

Fixed distance guards

Fixed distance guards shall be in accordance with EN 953:1997, 3.2.2. They shall be securely fixed in position
using captive type fastenings and shall only be capable of being opened or removed with the aid of a tool. The
safety distance provided by fixed distance guards shall conform to EN 294:1992, Table 2.
5.1.2
5.1.2.1

Measures for protection against crushing and shearing hazards
General

Fixed enclosing guards, fixed distance guards or interlocking guards shall be provided to protect operators from
crushing and shearing hazards. Appropriate minimum gaps shall be in accordance with EN 349:1993, Table 1 or
EN 294:1992, Tables 2, 3, 4 or 6.
5.1.2.2

Luffing, slewing and travelling mechanisms

On luffing, slewing and travelling mechanisms a safety device(s) shall be provided which will stop and hold an
articulated or movable part in the required position, when the motive power, including manual power, is removed.
Safety devices shall also be provided to prevent kickback of any manually operated crank.
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BS EN 620:2002+A1:2010
EN 620:2002+A1:2010 (E)
The means for lowering and raising the movable part shall be so located that there is no necessity for the operator
to be under the movable part to carry out the lowering or raising operation.
The range of movement shall be limited by safety devices, e.g. ultimate limit switches in accordance with 5.7.2.2,
mechanical end stops.

Licensed Copy: Wang Bin, ISO/EXCHANGE CHINA STANDARDS, 15/06/2011 03:59, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

5.1.2.3

Take-up devices

At gravity take-up devices the counterweight, and any other equipment which moves when tensioning the conveyor
belt, shall be safeguarded by fixed enclosing guards or fixed distance guards in working and traffic areas. An
example of guarding at a gravity take-up device is shown in Figure 2.
If the space directly under the counterweight of a gravity take-up device is not safeguarded by fixed enclosing
guards or fixed distance guards, then the counterweight shall be fitted with a safety device(s), e.g. brakes,
mechanical locking devices, to control the descent of the weight in the event of failure of the belt, suspension rope,
chain etc. A safety clearance of at least 2,5 m above this traffic area shall be provided.
NOTE
The provision of such a safety clearance would need to be dealt with during negotiations with the purchaser,
see “Foreword”

Take-up devices that are manually adjusted shall be designed to enable their adjustments to be made from outside
the guards. Where the guards have to be removed to make adjustments, interlocking guards shall be provided. An
example of guarding at a manually adjusted take-up device is shown in Figure 6.
Where horizontal take-up devices are designed to operate automatically, fixed distance guards shall be provided,
over the full length of travel, to prevent danger points being reached.
5.1.2.4

Travelling trippers, radial conveyors

In working and traffic areas, to protect persons from crushing and shearing, there shall be a minimum clearance in
accordance with EN 349:1993 between a moving tripper or radial conveyor and any fixed object. Where a minimum
clearance in accordance with EN 349:1993 is not attainable, protection shall be provided by fixed guards.
In working and traffic areas where access to the wheels or rollers is not safeguarded by fixed guards, each wheel
shall be safeguarded by clearing devices, or by trip devices, in accordance with EN 1760-2:2001 or
EN 61496-1:1997, placed at the front and rear of the travelling equipment and arranged to stop dangerous
movement.
In working and traffic areas, when the free space between moving parts of equipment and fixed obstacles is less
than 0,5 m, persons shall be safeguarded by fixed guards, or by trip devices in accordance with EN 1760-2:2001 or
EN 61496-1:1997, arranged to stop dangerous movement.
5.1.2.5

Movable fixed path equipment

Movable equipment, such as loading chutes, feeders etc., whether of power or manual operation, shall be provided
with a safety device(s) enabling it to be stopped and held in the required position, when the motive power, including
manual power, is removed. Safety devices in accordance with 5.7.2.2 shall also be provided to limit the travel of
such equipment, e.g. buffers, latches or limit switches.
5.1.2.6

Control stations

Where the operator is not protected at a control station against the risk of injury, then the movements of the
conveyor or other moving parts of equipment shall be controlled by a two-hand control device(s), (category II of
EN 574:1996) positioned at the control station. The control station shall be a minimum of 0,5 m from the crushing
and shearing hazard.
5.1.3

Measures for protection against cutting or severing hazards

If a control cabin is provided, the glazing shall be made of toughened or laminated safety glass in accordance with
EN ISO 12150-1:2000 or EN ISO 12543:1998 respectively, or any material ensuring equivalent visibility and safety.
The glazing shall be designed to be easily replaced from the inside of the cabin.
23