EN 12574-3:2017

Overview

EN 12574-3:2017 - Stationary waste containers - Part 3: Safety and health requirements (CEN) defines essential safety and health requirements for stationary waste containers (excluding special containers for hazardous waste). It is one part of the EN 12574 series and is intended to ensure safe design, manual handling, maintenance and user information for containers up to 10 000 L compatible with typical refuse collection vehicles.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard is organized by constructional units rather than separate safety/ergonomic/health sections. Important, verifiable requirements include:

• Compatibility and lifting: Containers must be compatible with designated lifting devices and automatically interlock during tilting/emptying; manual carrying during lifting is not permitted (see link to EN 1501 requirements for lifting devices).
• Stability: Must remain stable on an incline of at least 10° in any direction at nominal load.
• Handles:
  • Handles required on wheeled containers for manual positioning.
  • Height range 900–1 400 mm above ground.
  • Minimum handle length 120 mm and clearance around handle 36 mm; permitted cross-sections include ring and U-shaped forms.
• Wheels:
  • Wheels allowed for positioning only when empty.
  • Minimum nominal wheel diameter 200 mm; at least two swivel castors.
  • Design to keep pulling force below 285 N.
  • Wheels/castors must resist static and dynamic stresses (e.g., from RCV pushing).
• Immobilization: Containers must be capable of being immobilized on a 10° slope by design or device.
• Edges & entrapment: No sharp edges; design must prevent head entrapment (child safety) and is subject to testing referenced in EN 12574-2.
• Lids and flaps:
  • Safety clearance of at least 35 mm at front edges; elastic closing strips recommended to avoid crushed fingers.
  • Dome lids must have automatic hold-open mechanisms; assisted lids’ reaction forces on the operator must not exceed 75 N.
• Maintenance, marking and user information:
  • Containers must be easy to clean and maintain.
  • Marking per EN 12574-1 and user instructions must include references to the standard, nominal volume, permissible mass, wheel bearing type, brakes, key dimensions, max ground slope and measured pulling force.

Applications and who uses it

EN 12574-3:2017 is practical for:

• Manufacturers and designers of stationary waste containers (design validation and product safety).
• Municipal procurement and specification writers (to ensure compliance and safe performance).
• Health & safety officers and ergonomists assessing manual positioning risks.
• Testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies (use alongside EN 12574-2 test methods).
• Waste management companies and facility managers specifying containers for public spaces, commercial sites or communal collection points.

Related standards

• EN 12574-1:2017 - Dimensions and design for containers up to 10 000 L.
• EN 12574-2:2017 - Performance requirements and test methods (referenced for testing and verification).
• EN 1501 (all parts) - Refuse collection vehicles and associated lifting devices (safety and interface requirements).

EN 12574-3:2017 clarifies practical, measurable safety rules for stationary waste containers and should be used together with EN 12574-1 and EN 12574-2 when specifying, testing or purchasing containers.