EN 12331:2003

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2004
Stroji za predelavo hrane – Stroji za mletje mesa – Varnostne in higienske zahteve
Food processing machinery - Mincing machines - Safety and hygiene requirements
Nahrungsmittelmaschinen - Wölfe - Sicherheits- und Hygieneanforderungen
Machines pour les produits alimentaires - Hachoirs - Prescriptions relatives a la sécurité
et a l'hygiene
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12331:2003
ICS:
67.260 Tovarne in oprema za Plants and equipment for the
živilsko industrijo food industry
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 12331
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2003
ICS 67.260
English version
Food processing machinery - Mincing machines - Safety and
hygiene requirements
Machines pour les produits alimentaires - Hachoirs - Nahrungsmittelmaschinen - Wölfe - Sicherheits- und
Prescriptions relatives à la sécurité et à l'hygiène Hygieneanforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 September 2003.
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 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 Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12331:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
page
Foreword.3
0 Introduction .4
1 Scope .4
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions.7
4 List of hazards.9
4.1 Mechanical hazards .9
4.2 Electrical hazards .11
4.3 Hazard from loss of stability.11
4.4 Noise hazard.12
4.5 Hazards from use of gases and direct steam .12
4.6 Hazards from non-compliance with ergonomic principles .12
4.7 Hazards from non-compliance with hygiene principles .12
5 Safety requirements and/or measures .12
5.1 General.12
5.2 Mechanical safety .13
5.3 Electrical hazards .23
5.4 Hazards from loss of stability.24
5.5 Noise reduction.25
5.6 Hazards from use of gases (N , CO and steam) .25
2 2
5.7 Ergonomic requirements .25
5.8 Hygiene and cleaning .26
6 Verification of safety requirements and/or measures.30
7 Information for use .31
7.1 Operating instruction .31
7.2 Operator training.32
8 Marking .33
Annex A (normative) Noise test code for mincing machines (grade 2).34
Annex B (normative) Design principles to ensure cleanability of mincing machines.36
Annex C (normative) Common hazards for food processing machines and reduction requirements
applicable to mincing machines.41
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship of this document with EC Directives.43
Bibliography .44
Foreword
This document (EN 12331:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 153 “Food processing
machinery – Safety and hygiene specifications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This standard has been prepared by Working Group 2 "Meat Processing Machinery" of CEN/TC 153.
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 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
June 2004.
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 EC Directive(s).
For relationship with EC Directives, see informative annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
It is one of a series of standards, which have been prepared for machines and equipment for meat processing in
accordance with EN 1672-2 and annex C.
Annexes A, B and C are normative parts.
This European Standard also contains a Bibliography.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
0 Introduction
This standard covers
mincing machines used in shops and preparation rooms,
mincing machines used in kitchens where sausages are prepared,
mincing machines used industrially,
and accessories.
The extent to which hazards are covered is indicated in this standard. For other hazards which are not covered by
this standard, machinery should comply with EN 292 where applicable.
1 Scope
1.1 This European Standard specifies requirements for the design and manufacture of mincing machines
(see Figures 1 and 2) used in a stationary position.
The machines covered by this standard are used for size reduction of fresh or frozen meat, meat products and fish
by cutting in a set of cutting tools.
Mincing machines for domestic uses are not included in this standard. Filling mincers are covered by prEN 12463
"Food processing machinery - Filling machines and auxiliary machines - Safety and hygiene requirements".
This standard applies only to machines that are manufactured after the date of issue of this standard.
Mincing machines in connection with using a hold to run foot switch are not covered by this standard.
1.2 This standard covers the following types:
Mincing machine with tray, feed intake and pusher, diameter < 52 mm on feed intake (see Figure 5)
Mincing machine with tray, feed intake, restrictor plate and pusher, diameter > 52 mm on feed intake
(see Figure 6)
1)
Mincing machine with feed intake hopper and cover, screw conveyor, with or without mixing screw in
feed intake hopper (see Figure 7)
)
Mincing machine with feed intake hopper, with or without cover, screw conveyor, with or without mixing
screw in feed intake hopper, with loading device (continuously or discontinuously)
Mincing machines comprise a machine base, a worm casing with a worm, a feed intake tray or hopper, a screw
conveyor (and sometimes an additional mixing screw in the feed intake hopper), a set of cutting tools, a lock nut, a
loading device, a drive motor and, depending on machine type, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic components.
They will also have various safeguarding devices as examples in clause 5.

)
In this case, the draft standard prEN 13570 „Food processing machinery - Mixers and mixing machines - Safety and hygiene
requirements“ should be taken into consideration
Key
1 LOCK NUT 6 FEED INTAKE 11 FEED INTAKE 15 LOCK NUT
2 HOLE PLATE 7 PUSHER 12 HOPPER 16 PROTECTIVE HOOD
3- BLADE 8 RESTRICTOR PLATE 13 SCREW CONVEYOR 17 WORM
4 WORM 9 TRAY 14 COVER 18 MACHINE RACK
5 WORM CASING 10 ON/OFF SWITCH ON/OFF SWITCH
PROTECTIVE HOOD PROTECTIVE HOOD
Figure 1 — Arrangement of a mincing machine with Figure 2 — Arrangement of a mincing
tray and restrictor plate machine with feed intake hopper, cover
and screw conveyor
Mincing machines may be equipped e.g. with
an extraction claw,
an ejector or extractor,
a protective hood over the discharge outlet,
a cover over the inlet opening of the feed intake hopper,
a transport carriage for the lock nut, the set of cutting tools, the worm and the screw conveyor,
a lifting device for the lock nut, the set of cutting tools, the worm and the screw conveyor,
a loading device.
1.3 Intended use
The fresh or frozen meat, meat product or the fish is fed manually or by means of the loading device into the
mincing machine. The product is fed to the worm either by means of a pusher or a screw conveyor and size
reduced in the set of cutting tools.
It is not intended that mincing machines are cleaned with pressurized water. However, it is to be foreseen that it is
difficult to guarantee that this method will never be used in practice. In order to deal with this eventuality, the
requirements of 5.3.3.2 should apply.
Intended use is defined in 3.12 of EN 292-1:1991.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 292-1:1991, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 1: Basic terminology,
methodology.
EN 292-2, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 2: Technical principles and
specifications.
EN 292-2:1991+ A1:1995, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 2: Technical
principles and specifications.
EN 294:1992, Safety of machinery - Safety distance to prevent danger zones being reached by the upper
limbs.
EN 349, Safety of machinery - Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body.
EN 614-1, Safety of machinery - Ergonomic design principles - Part 1: Terminology and general principles.
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, 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 Safety of machinery - Human physical performance - Part 3: Recommended force limits for machinery
operation.
EN 1070:1998, Safety of machinery – Terminology.
EN 1088:1995, Safety of machinery - Interlocking devices associated with guards - Principles for design and
selection.
EN 1672-2:1997, Food processing machinery - Basic concepts - Part 2: Hygiene requirements.
EN 60204-1:1997, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General requirements (IEC
60204-1:1997).
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529:1989).
EN 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-1: Generic standards - Immunity for residential,
commercial and light-industrial environments (IEC 61000-6-1:1997, modified).
EN 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-2: Generic standards - Immunity for industrial
environments (IEC 61000-6-2:1999, modified).
EN 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-3: Generic standards - Emission standard for
residential, commercial and light-industrial environments (IEC 61000-6-3:1996, modified).
EN 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-4: Generic standards - Emission standard for industrial
environments (IEC 61000-6-4:1997, modified).
EN 61496-1:1997, Safety of machinery – Electro-sensitive protective equipment - Part 1: General requirements
and tests (IEC 61496-1:1997).
EN ISO 4871, Acoustics - Declaration and verification of noise emission values of machinery and equipment (ISO
4871:1996).
EN ISO 11204:1995, Acoustics - Noise emitted by machinery and equipment - Measurement of emission sound
pressure levels at a work station and at other specified positions - Method requiring environmental corrections
(ISO 11204:1995).
EN ISO 11688-1, Acoustics - Recommended practice for the design of low-noise machinery and equipment -Part
1: Planning (ISO/TR 11688-1:1995).
EN ISO 4287, Surface roughness - Parameters, their values and general rules for specifying requirements.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 1070:1998 and the following
apply.
3.1
platform
accessible standing area
3.2
worm
rotating screw-shaped component in the worm casing for meat transport to the set of cutting tools
3.3
step
interlocked standing area
3.4
ejector/extractor
device for detaching the set of cutting tools and the worm
3.5
extraction claw
tool for detaching the set of cutting tools and the worm
3.6
loading device
lift tilt device for the lifting and tilting of transport cars and containers
3.7
container
device for holding products to be processed
3.8
cover
movable device with safety function
3.9
feed intake
housing between the tray and the worm casing
3.10
feed intake hopper
container for holding the products to be processed with safety function
3.11
locking device
device for locking the trolley or container in the load bearing device
3.12
trolley
movable device for holding the products to be processed
3.13
design dimension
sum of dimensions measured from the floor, in the case of steps, intermediate steps or platforms from the standing
place to the hopper edge and from the hopper edge to the first danger point in the feed intake hopper (see Figures
8 and 9)
3.14
cooling mincer
machine with a cooling device for the feed intake and the worm casing
3.15
light barrier/light curtain
optical-electrical safety component
3.16
hole plate
fixed plate with bores
3.17
mixing screw
rotating screw-shaped component in the feed intake hopper above the screw conveyor for mixing the product
3.18
blade
cutting tool with one or several blades
3.19
tray
container for holding the product to be processed
3.20
mechanical bar
movable device with safety function
3.21
worm casing
casing for holding the worm and the set of cutting tools
3.22
cutting chamber
chamber inside the worm casing for holding the set of cutting tools
3.23
set of cutting tools
rough-cutter, blade and hole plate for size reduction of product
3.24
protective grid
movable device on the feed intake hopper mouth
3.25
protective hood
movable device on the discharge outlet
3.26
restrictor plate
stationary non detachable device above the feed intake
3.27
pusher
device used to push the product further in the feed intake
3.28
screw conveyor
rotating screw-shaped component in the feed intake hopper for meat transport to the worm
3.29
transport carriage
movable device for holding the lock nut, set of cutting tools, worm and screw conveyor
3.30
lock nut
device for locking the set of cutting tools in the cutting chamber
3.31
preparation room
room for preparation of sale products
4 List of hazards
4.1 General.
This clause and annex C contain the hazards and hazardous situations which may arise during operation of
mincing machines as far as they are dealt with in this European Standard, identified by a risk assessment
significant for this type of machinery and which require action identified to eliminate or reduce risk.
Before using this standard it is important to carry out a risk assessment of the mincing machine to check that it has
the hazards identified in this clause.
4.2 Mechanical hazards
4.2.1 Mincing machines with feed intake and worm
Zone 1
Rotating screw conveyor at the end of the feed intake (see Figure 3).
Hazards of entanglement, shearing or severing of fingers or hand.
4.2.2 Mincing machines with feed intake hopper and screw conveyor/mixing screw
Zone 2
Rotating screw conveyor or mixing screw in the feed intake hopper (see Figure 4).
Hazards of entanglement, shearing or severing of fingers, hand or forearm.
4.2.3 Discharge outlet on mincing machines
Zone 3
Rotating blade behind the hole plate at the discharge outlet (see Figure 4).
Hazards of shearing of fingers.
Key
1 ZONE 1 4 ZONE 4 7 ZONE  7
2 ZONE 2 5 ZONE 5 8 ZONE  8
3 ZONE 3 6 ZONE 6 9 ZONE  9
10 ZONE 10
Figure 3 — Mincing machine with feed Figure 4 — Mincing machine with feed intake hopper
intake - Danger zones - Danger zones
4.2.4 Installation and removal of worm and set of cutting tools
Zone 4
Worm casing with worm and set of cutting tools at discharge outlet (see Figures 3 and 4).
Hazard of crushing to hands and feet during installation and removal.
4.2.5 Drive mechanism
Zone 5
Drive of worm, screw conveyor and mixing screw (see Figure 4).
Hazards of crushing, shearing or entanglement to fingers or hand.
4.2.6 Machine components e.g. cover over hopper edge
Zone 6
Unintentional shutting and intentional closing of the cover (see Figure 4).
Hazards of crushing to fingers or hand.
4.2.7 Loading device on mincing machines (see Figure 4)
Zone 7
Space below transport carriage or container.
Hazards of trapping or crushing on floor level during descent to the body.
Hazards of impact during uncontrolled descent e.g. in the case of mechanical upsets to the body.
Zone 8
Path of movement of transport carriage and container.
Hazards of impact from moving components to the body.
Hazards of crushing or shearing between moving and stationary components of fingers or hand.
Zone 9
Drive elements and (where used) pulleys, chains or wire ropes.
Hazard of drawing-in, shearing, crushing or entanglement of fingers or hand.
Zone 10
Discharge area.
Hazards of impact or crushing from load-bearing device to finger or hand.
Other mechanical hazards
Hazard of crushing or impact caused by tilting (loss of stability) to the body.
4.3 Electrical hazards
4.3.1 Direct or indirect contact with live parts
Hazard of electric shock to the body.
4.3.2 Electrical components with insufficient safety level
Hazard of mechanical injury to the body due to malfunction.
4.4 Hazard from loss of stability
Hazard of impact or crushing, if the machine or the loading device topples over to the body.
4.5 Noise hazard
Noise can lead to
permanent loss of hearing,
ringing in the ears (tinnitus),
fatigue, stress etc.
4.6 Hazards from use of gases and direct steam
Leakage of gases such as e.g. carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen (N ) or direct steam
2 2
Hazard of suffocation,
Hazard of hot or cold burns.
4.7 Hazards from non-compliance with ergonomic principles
Unhealthy posture or excessive physical effort,
Inadequate consideration of human anatomy of hand/arm or foot/leg during machine design.
Hazard of physical damage.
4.8 Hazards from non-compliance with hygiene principles
Microbial causes
Hazard (spoilage) of foodstuff
Hazard of damage to health of the user through food poisoning
Chemical causes
Hazard (contamination) of foodstuff through residues of cleaning and disinfecting agents
Hazard of damage to health of the consumer through harm
Physical causes
Foreign objects originating from raw materials, machines beings or other sources
Hazard of damage to human health of the consumer trough harm
5 Safety requirements and/or measures
5.1 General
Machinery shall comply with the safety requirements and/or protective measures of this clause. In addition, the
machine shall be designed according to the principles of EN 292 for hazards relevant but not significant, which are
not dealt with by this document (e.g. sharp edges).
NOTE For hazards which are to be reduced by the application of a B-level standard such as EN 294, EN 953, EN 1672-2,
EN 60204-1, etc. the manufacturer should carry out a risk assessment to establish the requirements of the B-standard which are
to be applied. This specific risk assessment should be part of the general risk assessment of the machine.
Where the means of reducing the risk is by the arrangement or positioning of the installed machine, the
manufacturer shall include in the Information for use a reference to the reduction means to be provided, and to any
limiting value of the requirement, and, if appropriate, to the means of verification.
Where the means of reducing the risk is by a safe system of working the machinery, the manufacturer shall include
in the Information of installation, details of the system and of the elements of training required by the operating
personnel.
5.2 Mechanical safety
5.2.1 General
The machines shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the conditions mentioned below.
The interlocking systems of guards shall comply with 4.2.1 of EN 1088:1995 and the safety-related components of
the control system shall comply with EN 954-1:1996.
In addition interlocking systems shall be designed to satisfy all of the following features:
to fulfil hygienic requirements,
to protect against mechanical damages,
to protect against the effects of cleaning and disinfecting materials,
to protect against the effects of cleaning fluids (water),
to protect against tampering by simple methods
be contained in the machine casing and comply with 5.7 of EN 1088:1995.
In the instruction handbook, the manufacturer shall indicate the daily verification of the interlocking device.
5.2.2 Measures at mincing machines with feed intake and worm
Zone 1
Access to the worm in the feed intake shall be protected. This may be achieved e.g. by the following measures
(see Figures 5a, 5b, 5c):
On the feed intake, the distance L between the upper feed intake edge and the worm shall be
L ‡ 100 mm on mincing machines with intake diameter D £ 46 mm
L ‡ 120 mm on mincing machines with intake diameter 46 < D £ 52 mm
(see Figures 5a, 5b, 5c).
5a  Fixed tray                             5b Removable tray                       5c Removable
tray
Figure 5 — Feed intake without restrictor plate - Safety dimensions
On mincing machines with a removable tray, the dimensions specified on the feed intake shall be adhered to even
when the tray has been removed (see Figures 5b and 5c). If the dimensions specified are not complied with, the
tray shall be interlocked.
The interlocking system of the removable tray shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-related components of the
control system shall comply with 6.2.5, category 4 of EN 954-1:1996.
A pusher shall be supplied with the machine (see Figure 1).
On mincing machines with a feed intake with diameter > 52 mm, a restrictor plate shall be provided. Mounting of a
fixed restrictor plate shall be in accordance with 3.22.1 of EN 292-1:1991 (see also 3.2 and 6.4.2 of EN 953:1997).
If the restrictor plate is removable, it shall be provided with an interlocking device. Openings in the restrictor plate
shall have a diameter £ 52 mm.
The interlocking system of the removable restrictor plate shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-related components
of the control system shall comply with 6.2.5, category 4 of EN 954-1:1996.
The dimensions and arrangement of the restrictor plate shall be in accordance with Figures 6a and 6b.
When the mincing machine is running empty, the worm shall come to a standstill within 2 s after removal of, in one
case the removable tray, or in the other case, the removable restrictor plate.
The distance H (tray to lower edge of restrictor plate) shall be £ 40 mm based on an assumed metacarpus diameter
of 40 mm.
The projection Ü (outer edge of restrictor plate to feed intake edge) shall be ‡ 40 mm (see Figure 6a).
The safety distance L results from the dimension L = 230 mm (length of hand to wrist) + dimension x.
Dimension x results from dimensions Ü (projection), distance H (tray to lower edge of restrictor plate) and F ˘
(feed intake diameter) with an assumed forearm and wrist diameter of 40 mm.
Distance H (tray to lower edge of restrictor plate) shall be £ 120 mm, and projection Ü (outer edge of restrictor
plate to feed intake edge) shall be ‡ 40 mm (see Figure 6b).
Key
1 MIDDLE HAND 3 FORE ARM
2 FINGER 4 HAND
H £ 40 mm H  =  40 mm
L  ‡ 120 mm H1 £ 120 mm
Ü ‡ 40 mm L  ‡ 230 mm
D £ 52 mm D  £  52 mm
F  £ 85 mm Ü  ‡ 40 mm
F  £ 200 mm
Figure 6b —Feed intake with restrictor plate -
Figure 6a —Feed intake with restrictor plate -
Safety dimensions
Safety dimensions
5.2.3 Measures at mincing machines with feed intake hopper and screw conveyor
5.2.3.1 General
Zone 2
Access to the danger zones at the screw conveyor in the feed intake hopper shall be prevented or made safe. This
may be achieved by any of the following measures:
Access is prevented by
the design (e.g. closed feed intake hoppers) including a closed loading device for products (e.g. feed screw,
pipeline with pump) (see 5.2.3.2) or
the use of guards (e.g. a cover), see EN 953 (see 5.2.3.3) or
the use of electrosensitive protective devices (e.g. light barrier), see EN 292-2:1991+ A1 (see 5.2.3.4) or
the use of fixed guards (e.g. fence), see EN 953(see 5.2.8.2.4).
Access is made safe by
the use of adequate safety distances, design and additional measures (see 5.2.3.4.2).
5.2.3.2 Design with closed feed intake hopper
The feed intake hopper and the loading device shall be designed to be completely closed (Connection of
machines) or the openings shall comply with Table 4 of EN 294:1992. The disconnection point shall be protected
by an interlocking system.
The interlocking system of the disconnection point shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-related components of the
control system shall comply with 6.2.2, category 1 of EN 954-1:1996.
The manufacturer shall indicate in the instruction handbook that the cover of the hopper opening must not be
walked on.
5.2.3.3 Design with cover over feed intake hopper
At the feed intake hopper, there shall be a cover. The cover shall be interlocked. If the mincing machine is running
empty, the screw conveyor has to come to a standstill within 4 s, after raising the front edge of the cover 50 mm
(opening distance).
The interlocking device of the movable cover shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-related components of the control
system shall comply with 6.2.2, category 1 of EN 954-1:1996.
Openings in the cover shall be designed in accordance with EN 294:1992, Table 4.
Key
1 INTERLOCKED COVER, OPENING DISTANCE
Figure 7 — Mincing machine with feed intake hopper and cover - Safety dimensions
5.2.3.4 Design with light barrier on feed intake hopper
5.2.3.4.1 General
On mincing machines which cannot use an interlocked cover or a light barrier because they would be interrupted by
continuous working, the following measures are necessary:
5.2.3.4.2Safety distances
The design dimension (see 3.13), measured from the floor (standing area) shall be ‡ 2 250 mm. This is only
possible in connection with additional measures 5.2.2.3.2. There the distance from floor to upper edge of
mechanical bar or light barrier shall be H > 1 500 mm. The distance from the standing area, from steps, and
th
platforms up to the hopper edge shall be >1 100 mm (see Figure 10 and 5 paragraph of 5.7).
5.2.3.4.3 Additional measures
With a height of > 1500 mm, a view into the feed intake hopper (e.g. by means of a mirror, fill level indication) shall
be possible.
The outside walls shall be designed (e. g. vertical and smooth) to prevent the operator climbing on the machine.
This also applies to interlocked steps in their folded position.
a) Interlocked step
If danger points in the feed intake hopper can be reached from steps or platforms (not coming up to 2250 mm) the
steps or treads of platforms shall be interlocked. When the mincing machine is running empty, the screw conveyor
shall come to a standstill within 4 s after the interlocking system has been actuated and the step moved into its
protected position.
The interlocking system of the movable step shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-related components of the control
system shall comply with 6.2.2, category 1 of EN 954-1:1996.
The standing area of steps shall have a width ‡ 500 mm and a length ‡ 400 mm and a toe rail of a height of 15 mm.
If the standing area is < 500 mm above ground, an area of a width ‡ 400 mm and a length ‡ 350 mm is sufficient.
The standing area shall be of the non-slip type.
Platforms shall have an accessible area of a width B ‡ 500 mm. The length of the platform shall correspond to the
length of the hopper (see Figures 8 and 9).
Platforms which are located > 500 mm above ground shall be fitted with safety devices to prevent falls.
Intermediate steps, stairs or ladders and grab handles shall be provided if the step-up height to the step or to the
platform is > 500 mm. The standing areas and treads shall be sufficiently large and of the non-slip type and
arranged at identical distances from one another.
The standing area of the intermediate step shall have a width of ‡ 300 mm and a length of ‡ 200 mm. Treads of
ladders shall have a length of ‡ 500 mm and a width of ‡ 80 mm. A ladder shall be arranged at an angle of < 70° to
the horizontal.
Key
1 MECHANICAL TRIP BAR
2 INTERLOCKED STEP
H ‡ 1600 mm
H2 ‡ 1100 mm
H ‡  500 mm with intermediate step
H + D + E  ‡ 2250 mm
1 1
H + H + D + E ‡ 2250 mm
3 2 1 1
Figure 8 — Mincing machine with open feed intake hopper, mechanical trip bar, light barrier
and interlocked step at the operator side - Safety dimensions
b) Mechanical trip bar/light barrier or movable protective grid at hopper edge, running round all sides
At the hopper edge there shall be at all sides a mechanical trip bar, or a light barrier, or a protective grid with a trip
function (see Figures 8 and 9). The design dimension from the standing area (floor or fixed step or fixed platform)
across the upper edge of the protection equipment at the hopper edge up to the next hazard point in the hopper
shall be > 2250 mm.
The dangerous equipment in the hopper shall, if the mincing machines is running empty, come to a standstill within
3 s by using hole plates < 160 mm Ø and 4 s by using hole plates ‡ 160 mm Ø.
The interlocking of the mechanical trip bar or the movable protective grid shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-
related components of the control system shall comply with 6.2.2, category 1 of EN 954-1:1996.
The design of the light barrier shall be in accordance with ESPE type 2 of EN 61496-1:1997.
Key
1 LIGHT BARRIER OR MOVABLE PROTECTIVE GRID 1 PROTECTIVE HOOD
2 PLATFORM FIXED
H ‡ 1600 mm L ‡ 1,8 x D
1 1
H ‡ 1100 mm L ‡ 1,2 x D
2 2
H ‡  500 mm with intermediate step U £ 50 mm
H ‡ 1600 mm
H1 + D + E ‡ 2250 mm
H + D + E ‡ 2250 mm
4 1 1
Figure 9 — Mincing machine with open feed intake Figure 10 — Discharge outlet on
hopper, protective grid and fixed step at the operator mincing machines - Protective hood
side- Safety dimensions
5.2.4 Discharge outlet on mincing machines
5.2.4.1 General
Zone 3
The access to the danger zone on the blade behind the last plate at the outlet side shall be protected or prevented.
This may be achieved by the following measures:
a) The access is prevented by the design of the plate (see 5.2.4.2)
b) The access will be prevented by using a guard, e.g. protective hood (see 5.2.4.3)
5.2.4.2 Design of the plate
The diameter of the holes in the last plate towards the outlet shall be £ 8 mm. The thickness of the last plate shall
be ‡ 5 mm.
The last plate towards the outlet and the worm-housing shall be designed so that only a plate as described above
can be put into the worm-housing at the outlet side.
The manufacturer has to indicate in the instruction handbook, that the last plate towards the outlet is not allowed to
be ground thinner than 5 mm thickness.
5.2.4.3 Design of the protective hood
If it is intended to use plates with holes ‡ 8 mm diameter, a protective hood shall be fitted to the outlet. The
protective hood shall have a projecting length in working direction L ‡ 1,8 x D (D = diameter of the hole plate in
mm) and a lateral projecting length of L ‡ 1,2 x D.
The manufacturer has to indicate in the instruction handbook, that the distance U between the transport carriage or
the container and the protective hood shall be < 50 mm (see Figure 10). The knife shall come to a standstill within 2
s after opening the protective hood by 50 mm at the point of maximum movement. The protective hood shall be
interlocked.
The interlocking of the movable protective hood shall comply with 5.2 and the safety-related components of the
control system shall comply with 6.2.2, category 1 of EN 954-1:1996.
5.2.5 Installation and removal of worm and set of cutting tools
Zone 4
The worm and the set of cutting tools shall be capable of being installed and removed safely. This may be achieved
e.g. by the following measures:
a) Ejector/extractor
On mincing machines with a hole plate of diameter > 106 mm, an ejector or extractor shall be fitted for the removal
of the set of cutting tools and the worm. The ejector or extractor shall disengage the worm key on the drive side.
b) Extraction claw
On mincing machines with a hole plate of diameter £ 106 mm, extraction can be by means of an extraction claw. In
the case of a removable worm casing, the set of cutting tools and the worm may be loosened by knocking.
5.2.6 Drive system
Zone 5
Access to danger zones on the drive system shall be prevented. This may be achieved e.g. by the following
measures:
Guards (cover over casing) in accordance with 3.2 of EN 953:1997 shall be provided on the drive mechanism. The
covers may be fixed or removable and interlocked.
If covers are removable e.g. for changing the operating process or for the purpose of cleaning, they shall be
interlocked.
For safety requirements relating to the interlocking system of cover over the casing, (see 5.2.3.3).
5.2.7 Machine components e.g. cover over hopper edge
5.2.7.1 General
Zone 6
5.2.7.2 Manual operation
The force required to raise or lower the cover shall not exceed 250 N.
Movable machine components (e.g. cover) shall be prevented from slamming shut. This may be achieved e.g. by
the following measures:
On non-powered covers, e.g. a counterweight or a spring shall be provided if, when open, they do not swing back
sufficiently to a position behind their top dead centre. The cover shall be provided with a grab handle.
5.2.7.3 Powered operation
The measuring point shall be located at the largest opening width of the cover. In the event of a drive failure (e.g.
pipe or hose break), the movement of the cover shall be stopped.
The control unit for lowering the cover shall be designed as a hold-to-run control.
Lowering of the cover shall be carried out so that when the distance to the front edge of the bowl is less than 200
mm, the lowering speed shall not exceed 50 mm/s.
5.2.8 Mincing machines with loading devices
5.2.8.1 General
Zones 7 to 10
5.2.8.2 Loading devices
Lift-tilt devices of various designs exist, including those with
fixed lifting arms for holding the trolley,
lifting arms which allow the trolley to swivel in a gondola and thus remain horizontal,
a vertical pillar mast with forks for holding trolleys or containers.
They shall meet the appropriate following requirements.
5.2.8.3 Special requirements relating to lift-tilt devices on mincing machines
5.2.8.3.1 Positioning
Lift-tilt devices, whether they are free standing or connected to the mincing machine, shall be designed in such a
way that they are stable.
This may be achieved e.g. by:
use of a hold-to-run control for the lowering of the load bearing device or,
use of gravity only for lowering the load-bearing device or,
a special device on the machine or lift-tilt device so that powered descent of the load-bearing device onto an
obstruction cannot cause instability. This may be e.g. a level switch, to automatically stop the descent.
Use of the lift-tilt shall not permit excess load to be applied to the load-bearing components or the lift-tilt device on
the floor. This can e.g. be achieved by a slip clutch or an overload cut-out to automatically stop the descent.
5.2.8.3.2 Load bearing device
Load bearing devices shall be designed to prevent trolleys or containers from falling off (e.g. by means of a locking
device). The distance between the load bearing device and the machine base shall be > 120 mm and the distance
between the trolley or load-bearing device and the hopper edge > 25 mm. If the hopper wall with a height H ‡ 1600
mm is opened by the dimension of load bearing device including container from the side, the load-bearing device is
acting, there should not be any crushing or shearing points (dimensions relating to EN 349 shall be kept). When
using a hold-to-run control to operate the lift tilt device it is permitted to use a smaller distance than mentioned in
EN 349. The height of the hopper wall in this place shall ensure a design dimension to the danger zones inside the
hopper ‡ 2250 mm.
5.2.8.3.3 Mast-type lift-tilt device
The danger points between the load bearing device and the mast on the side opposite the load-bearing device
shall be protected if the distance between the load bearing device and the mast is < 120 mm. If the tilt range of the
load bearing device is > 2000 mm or more above the floor, no guarding is required if the distance between the load
bearing device and the mast is > 60 mm.
5.2.8.3.4 Lift-tilt devices for feed height > 2500 mm
The path of movement of the load-bearing device, with the exception of the run-in and run-out opening, shall be
protected by means of a guard (e.g. a protective fence). An electro-sensitive protective device (e.g. a light barrier,
mechanical trip bar or trip vane) shall be placed on the upper edge of the run-in and run-out opening to prevent
lifting of incorrectly positioned trolleys or containers (see Figure 11).
For requirements relating to the interlocking system of the mechanical trip bar or mechanical trip flap as well as the
light barrier, (see 5.2.1 and 5.2.3.4).
Key
1 PROTECTIVE FENCE 1 TRIP VANE
2 PIVOTING TRIP BAR 2 CONTAINER
3 CONTAINER
Figure 11 — Safety device for container position
5.2.8.3.5 Lowering velocity of load bearing device
The lowering velocity shall be £ 0,4 m/s when it is controlled by a hold-to-run control.
The lowering velocity shall be £ 0,1 m/s when the lowering motion is controlled automatically or without a hold-to-
run control. In this case, the last 0,5 m until the trolley or container touches the floor shall be controlled by a hold-to-
run control.
5.3 Electrical hazards
5.3.1 General
The electrical equipment shall comply with EN 60204-1.
5.3.2 Stopping function of switching devices
The stopping function of switching devices shall be in accordance with 9.2.2, category 0 of EN 60204-1:1997.
5.3.3 Emergency stop-device
Installation of a special emergency stop device is not required. If none is provided, the OFF switch shall be easily
reachable from the operator position.
5.3.4 Protection against water ingress
5.3.4.1 IP degrees of protection
Electrical operating components shall comply with the following degrees of protection in accordance with
EN 60529:
IP X5 External electrical operating components
on the machine,
on the control box enclosure on the machine,
on the control box enclosure located in the process room.
IP X3 Internal electrical operating components
in the machine with enclosed housing with the degr
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