EN 620:2002

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2003
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Continuous handling equipment and systems - Safety and EMC requirements for fixed
belt conveyors for bulk materials
Stetigförderer und Systeme - Sicherheits- und EMW- Anforderungen für ortsfeste
Gurtförderer für Schüttgutt
Equipements et systemes de manutention continue - Prescriptions de sécurité et de
CEM pour les transporteurs a courroie fixes pour produits en vrac
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 620:2002
ICS:
33.100.01 Elektromagnetna združljivost Electromagnetic compatibility
na splošno in general
53.040.10 Transporterji Conveyors
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 620
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2002
ICS 53.040.10
English version
Continuous handling equipment and systems - Safety and EMC
requirements for fixed belt conveyors for bulk materials
Equipements et systèmes de manutention continue - Stetigförderer und Systeme - Sicherheits- und EMW-
Prescriptions de sécurité et de CEM pour les transporteurs Anforderungen für ortsfeste Gurtförderer für Schüttgutt
à courroie fixes pour produits en vrac
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 November 2001.
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,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, 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
© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 620:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
page
Foreword.3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions.8
4 List of hazards.12
5 Safety and EMC requirements and/or measures.16
6 Verification of safety and EMC requirements and/or measures .41
7 Information for use .44
Annex A (normative) Fire or explosion hazard .48
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship of this document with EC Directives.50
Annex ZB (informative) Clauses of this European Standard which address Principal Protection
Requirements of the EU Electro-magnetic compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC.52
Bibliography .53
Foreword
This document (EN 620:2002) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN /TC 148, "Continuous handling
equipment and systems", 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 October 2002, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by October 2002.
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 annex ZA and ZB, which is an integral part of this document.
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, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
This draft standard forms part of a series of five draft 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” ;

prEN 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”.
In this standard Annex A is normative, Annexes ZA and ZB are informative.
Introduction
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).
1 Scope
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.
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 292-2:1991/Amd:1995, Safety of machinery – Basic concepts – General principles for design - Part 2 :
Technical principles and specifications.
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 617:2001, Continuous handling equipment and systems – Safety and EMC requirements for equipment for the
storage of bulk materials in silos, bunkers, bins and hoppers.
EN 618:2002, Continuous handling equipment and systems – Safety and EMC requirements for equipment for
mechanical handling of bulk material except fixed belt conveyors.
prEN 619:1992, Continuous handling equipment and systems – Safety and EMC requirements for equipment for
mechanical handling of unit loads.
EN 741: 2000, 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.
prEN 1005-2:1998, Safety of machinery – Human physical performance – Part 2 : Manual handling of objects
associated to 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.
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.
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.
prEN ISO 14122-4:1999, Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machines and industrial plants –
Part 4 : Fixed ladders.
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).
prEN 60204-11:1998, Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines – Part 11 : General requirements for
equipment for voltages above 1000v a.c. or 1500v d.c. not exceeding 36 kV.
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
CENELEC Report No. R044-001: 1999, Safety of machinery - Guidance and recommendations for the avoidance
of hazards due to static electricity
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
3.3 Ancillary equipment
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
3.4.10
snub pulley
pulley used to develop the necessary arc of contact (angle of wrap) of the belt on the drive pulley
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)
1 3 4
9 3
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
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
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 The hazards described below usually occur in combination. e.g. crushing, shearing and drawing-in.
4.1 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.
4.1.3 Cutting or severing hazards
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.
4.1.6 Slip, trip and fall hazards
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. :

malfunction of electronic equipment as a result of external radiation.
4.5 Fire or explosion hazards
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.
5 Safety and EMC requirements and/or measures
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 This specific risk assessment is part of the general risk assessment relating to the hazards not covered by this “C”
standard.
In addition, the equipment and systems shall be designed according to the principles of EN 292-1: 1991 and
EN 292-2: 1991 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.
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.
5.1.1.4 Fixed enclosing guards
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.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1Distance 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
6Walkway 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
2 500 min.
Key
1Distance "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 Distance "a"
diameter
mm 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
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1Distance a (see Table 1) min.
2 Top guard
3 Minimum to suit material
4 Direction of belt travel
5 Material discharge
6 The under guard or decking plate between the belts may be omitted if the enclosure guard extends below the return belt
7 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
8 Nip point
Figure 4 – Principle of safe guarding at head pulley by fixed enclosure guarding
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1Distance 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
prEN 620:2001 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres
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
6 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.
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 Measures for protection against crushing and shearing hazards
5.1.2.1 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.
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.
2 500 min.
prEN 620:2001 (E)
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.
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.
There shall be no unprotected sharp edges, corners or rough surfaces in working and traffic areas below a height
of 2,5 m.
prEN 620:2001 (E)
Safeguards or warning notices shall be provided in working and traffic areas where the conveyed material could
cause injury.
5.1.4 Measures for protection against entanglement, drawing-in and trapping hazards
5.1.4.1 General
Fixed enclosing guards, fixed distance guards, interlocking guards or nip guards, shall be provided to protect
operators from entanglement, drawing-in and trapping hazards. All lubrication and adjustment points used more
frequently than monthly shall be accessible without it being necessary to remove any guards.
5.1.4.2 Nip guards
A nip guard shall follow the profile of the belt approaching the nip point. It shall enclose both edges of the belt to a
minimum depth of 150 mm. Clearance between the nip guard and the pulley face, and between the side of the nip
guard and the end faces of the pulley shall not exceed 5 mm. The maximum clearance of 5 mm shall be designed
to automatically remain constant, including at adjustable pulleys. The nip guard shall extend for a minimum
distance of 600 mm from the centre line of the pulley (see Figures 7 and 8).
Nip guards shall permit visual inspection during operation and shall not need to be removed during repair and
maintenance work. 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. Where nip guards (see Figure 9) do not provide adequate
protection as specified above, these shall only be fitted in association with fixed enclosing guards (see 5.1.1.4) or
fixed distance guards (see 5.1.1.5).
NOTE 1 Where a conveyor belt is designed to be reversed , there are two nip points at each pulley.
NOTE 2 A nip guard should not be used in preference to a fixed enclosing guard (see also 5.1.1.4).
NOTE 3 Examples of typical arrangements for nip guards at head and tail pulleys are shown in Figures 7 and 8. Additional
protection may be necessary to guard the nip point at the nearest top idler set as shown in Figure 1.
prEN 620:2001 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres
_> 600
Key
1 Direction of belt travel
2 Nip guard
3 Head pulley
4 Head end side plate (both sides)
Figure 7 a)
Key
1 Belt transition
2 Nip guard
3 Direction of belt travel
Figure 7 b)
> 150_
> 600
_
prEN 620:2001 (E)
> 150_
Key
1 Nip guard
2 Head pulley
3 Direction of belt travel
4 Head end side plate
5 Belt transition
Figure 7 c)
Figure 7 – Typical head end nip guards
prEN 620:2001 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres
600 min.
Key
1 Direction of belt travel
2 Pulley
3Guard
4 This edge of belt guard plate to fit into nip point of belt and pulley max. gap 5
5 Plate end turned up slightly to give added strength
6 Belt guard fixed to existing pulley side guards
7 Belt guard can be extended to suit angle of plough
8 Return belt
Figure 8 a)
X
600 min.
Y
Key
1Belt
2 Troughed end
3Flat end
4 Top and bottom plate angled to suit running line of belt
5 Guard plate
Figure 8 b)
Figure 8 – Typical tail end nip guards
150 min.
_
< 5
5 max
prEN 620:2001 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 Direction of belt travel
Figure 9 a) Rolled steel section construction
Key
1 Direction of belt travel
Figure 9 b) Sheet metal construction
Figure 9 – Pulley nip guards
5.1.4.3 Safeguards at transition troughing idlers
Safeguards shall be provided in working and traffic areas, for troughing idlers at a transition section in the form of
f
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