Cranes - Manually controlled load manipulating devices

This document specifies requirements for manually controlled load manipulating devices (herein referred to as manipulators), powered by an energy other than human energy, to assist an operator in the handling of loads.
This document does not cover:
-   mechanically operated balancers that are based on springs or counterweights;
-   manipulating robots;
This document does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons.
This document does not establish the additional requirements for:
-   operation in severe conditions (e.g. extreme environmental conditions such as : freezer applications, high temperatures, corrosive environment, strong magnetic fields);
-   operation subject to special rules;
-   handling of loads the nature of which could lead to dangerous situations (e.g. molten metal, acids/alkalies, radiating materials, specially brittle loads);
-   hazards occurring during construction, transportation, decommissioning and disposal.
The significant hazards covered by this document are identified in Clause 4. For hazards that are not significant, EN ISO 12100-2 applies.
This document is applicable to manipulators which are manufactured after the date of approval by CEN of this standard.

Krane - Handgeführte Manipulatoren

Dieses Dokument spezifiziert Anforderungen an handgeführte Manipulatoren (im Folgenden als Manipula-toren bezeichnet), angetrieben durch eine Energie, die nicht Menschenkraft ist, um einen Bediener bei der Handhabung von Lasten zu unterstützen.
Dieses Dokument behandelt nicht:
-   mechanisch wirkende Balancer, die z. B. mit Federn oder Gegengewichten arbeiten;
-   Manipulationsroboter.
Dieses Dokument behandelt nicht Gefährdungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Heben von Personen.
Dieses Dokument enthält nicht die zusätzlichen Anforderungen für:
-   den Betrieb unter erschwerten Bedingungen (z. B. extremen Umgebungsbedingungen wie Kühlhäuser, hohen Temperaturen, korrosiven Umgebungen, starken Magnetfeldern);
-   Anwendungen, die durch besondere Vorschriften geregelt sind;
-   die Handhabung von Lasten, deren Beschaffenheit Gefahrensituationen hervorrufen kann (z. B. Metall-schmelzen, Säuren/Laugen, radioaktive Stoffe, besonders bruchgefährdete Lasten);
-   Gefährdungen, die bei Errichtung, Transport, Außerbetriebnahme und Entsorgung auftreten.
Die signifikanten Gefährdungen, die in diesem Dokument behandelt werden sind in Abschnitt 4 benannt. Für nicht signifikante Gefährdungen ist EN ISO 12100-2 anzuwenden.
Dieses Dokument gilt für Manipulatoren, die nach dem Datum der Genehmigung dieses Dokuments durch CEN hergestellt wurden.

Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Manipulateurs de charge à contrôle manuel

Dvigala - Ročno upravljane naprave za ravnanje s tovorom

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
11-Aug-2009
Technical Committee
CEN/TC 147 - Cranes - Safety
Current Stage
9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
Start Date
15-Jan-2021
Completion Date
28-Jan-2026

Relations

Effective Date
20-Jun-2009
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009 (CEN) specifies safety requirements for manually controlled load manipulating devices (manipulators) powered by an energy source other than human energy to assist an operator in handling loads. It is a harmonized, Type C standard intended to demonstrate conformity with the essential health and safety requirements of the EU Machinery Directive. The standard applies to manipulators manufactured after CEN approval and identifies significant hazards (Clause 4) and required safety measures.

This standard excludes:

  • mechanically operated balancers based on springs or counterweights;
  • manipulating robots;
  • lifting of persons;
  • additional requirements for severe environments or hazardous load types (molten metal, acids, radiating materials, etc.);
  • hazards during construction, transport, decommissioning or disposal.

Key Topics and Requirements

  • Mechanical strength and fatigue - supporting structures must meet fatigue rules of EN 13001; for <20 000 duty cycles static tests of ≥2× WLL (no permanent deformation) and ≥3× WLL (no fracture) are specified.
  • Stability - manipulators must remain stable in all configurations; centre of gravity limits are defined (distance D ≤ 2/3 L) and overload scenarios must be checked using vertical drive maximum force and WLL + 80 kg (operator mass).
  • Drift prevention - manipulators must support loads without uncontrolled movement.
  • Hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems - components must comply with EN 982 (hydraulics), EN 983 (pneumatics) and EN 60204-32 (electrical for hoisting machines).
  • Drive and transmission safety - gearbox, rope, chain, belt drives and trolleys referenced to prEN 14492-2 safety requirements.
  • Ergonomics, controls and noise - human factors, control layout and noise emission/testing (Annex A) are addressed; operator instructions and verification/testing requirements are included.
  • Risk-based design - where hazards are not significant, EN ISO 12100 principles apply.

Applications and Users

Who uses EN 14238:

  • Manufacturers and designers of industrial manipulators and crane-suspended handling devices.
  • Safety engineers, CE assessors and compliance teams demonstrating conformity with the Machinery Directive.
  • Integrators and end-users specifying safe manipulators for production lines, assembly, material handling, and lifting operations in manufacturing, warehousing and automotive sectors.

Practical benefits:

  • Clear guidance for designing safe, operator-guided manipulators (stability, strength, control interfaces).
  • Basis for conformity assessment, test procedures and user information.

Related Standards (selected)

  • EN ISO 12100 (risk assessment / design principles)
  • EN 13001 (crane design load & strength)
  • EN 60204-32 (electrical equipment for hoisting machines)
  • EN 982 / EN 983 (hydraulic and pneumatic safety)
  • prEN 14492-2 (hoists / drives)
  • EN 13155, EN 12644-1 (lifting accessories / information for use)

Keywords: EN 14238:2004+A1:2009, manually controlled load manipulating devices, manipulators, crane safety, Machinery Directive, WLL, stability, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, noise testing.

Standard

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Cranes - Manually controlled load manipulating devices". This standard covers: This document specifies requirements for manually controlled load manipulating devices (herein referred to as manipulators), powered by an energy other than human energy, to assist an operator in the handling of loads. This document does not cover: - mechanically operated balancers that are based on springs or counterweights; - manipulating robots; This document does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons. This document does not establish the additional requirements for: - operation in severe conditions (e.g. extreme environmental conditions such as : freezer applications, high temperatures, corrosive environment, strong magnetic fields); - operation subject to special rules; - handling of loads the nature of which could lead to dangerous situations (e.g. molten metal, acids/alkalies, radiating materials, specially brittle loads); - hazards occurring during construction, transportation, decommissioning and disposal. The significant hazards covered by this document are identified in Clause 4. For hazards that are not significant, EN ISO 12100-2 applies. This document is applicable to manipulators which are manufactured after the date of approval by CEN of this standard.

This document specifies requirements for manually controlled load manipulating devices (herein referred to as manipulators), powered by an energy other than human energy, to assist an operator in the handling of loads. This document does not cover: - mechanically operated balancers that are based on springs or counterweights; - manipulating robots; This document does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons. This document does not establish the additional requirements for: - operation in severe conditions (e.g. extreme environmental conditions such as : freezer applications, high temperatures, corrosive environment, strong magnetic fields); - operation subject to special rules; - handling of loads the nature of which could lead to dangerous situations (e.g. molten metal, acids/alkalies, radiating materials, specially brittle loads); - hazards occurring during construction, transportation, decommissioning and disposal. The significant hazards covered by this document are identified in Clause 4. For hazards that are not significant, EN ISO 12100-2 applies. This document is applicable to manipulators which are manufactured after the date of approval by CEN of this standard.

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 53.020.20 - Cranes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 14238:2004, EN ISO 13857:2019, EN ISO 11201:1995, EN ISO 4413:2010, EN ISO 12100-1:2003, EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008, EN 14492-2:2006, EN ISO 12100-2:2003, EN 1050:1996, EN 13001-1:2015, EN ISO 4414:2010, EN ISO 11688-1:2009, EN ISO 11202:1995, EN ISO 13854:2019, EN 13557:2024. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2006/42/EC, 98/37/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/079, M/396. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

EN 14238:2004+A1:2009 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Krane - Handgeführte ManipulatorenAppareils de levage à charge suspendue - Manipulateurs de charge à contrôle manuelCranes - Manually controlled load manipulating devices53.020.20DvigalaCranesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14238:2004+A1:2009SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009en01-november-2009SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 14238:2004+A1
August 2009 ICS 53.020.20 Supersedes EN 14238:2004English Version
Cranes - Manually controlled load manipulating devices
Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Manipulateurs de charge à contrôle manuel
Krane - Handgeführte Manipulatoren This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 May 2004 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 16 July 2009.
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 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 Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, 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 © 2009 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 14238:2004+A1:2009: ESIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009

Noise test code . 26Annex B (informative)
Selection of suitable set of crane standards for a given application . 29Annex ZA (informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC, amended by Directive 98/79/EC . 30Annex ZB (informative)
!!!!Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/CE"""" . 31Bibliography . 32 SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009

1 Scope This document specifies requirements for manually controlled load manipulating devices (herein referred to as manipulators), powered by an energy other than human energy, to assist an operator in the handling of loads. This document does not cover:  mechanically operated balancers that are based on springs or counterweights;  manipulating robots; This document does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons. This document does not establish the additional requirements for:  operation in severe conditions (e.g. extreme environmental conditions such as : freezer applications, high temperatures, corrosive environment, strong magnetic fields);  operation subject to special rules;  handling of loads the nature of which could lead to dangerous situations (e.g. molten metal, acids/alkalies, radiating materials, specially brittle loads);  hazards occurring during construction, transportation, decommissioning and disposal. The significant hazards covered by this document are identified in Clause 4. For hazards that are not significant, EN ISO 12100-2 applies. This document is applicable to manipulators which are manufactured after the date of approval by CEN of this standard. 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.
EN 294, Safety of machinery — Safety distances 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 811, Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent danger zones being reached by the lower limbs EN 982, Safety of machinery — Safety requirements for fluid power systems and their components — Hydraulics EN 983, Safety of machinery — Safety requirements for fluid power systems and their components — Pneumatics EN 1050:1996, Safety of machinery — Principles for risk assessment !deleted text" EN 12077-2, Cranes safety — Requirements for health and safety — Limiting and indicating devices SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009

1. Overhead mounted system
2. Floor mounted system
3. Floor mounted system with articulation
4. Vacuum lifting tube manipulator
5. Winch or hoist driven manipulator
6. Telescopic manipulator
7. Stand alone manipulator Permanently installed
8. Stand alone manipulator Moveable
9. Stand alone manipulator Mobile
Manipulating device
Load 1 to 3: examples of supporting systems for horizontal motion; 4 to 6: examples of manipulating devices that can be suspended from supporting systems shown in 1 to 3; 7 to 9: examples of stand-alone manipulators. Figure 1 - Examples of manipulators systems SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009

a) Shape 5.2.2
e) Inadequacy of mechanical strength 5.2.1, 5.2.13, 6.3.2.1, 6.3.2.2
- accumulation of energy inside the machinery, e.g.:
h) The effect of vacuum 5.2.6, 5.3, 5.4.2.1, 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3 1.1 and 1.2 Crushing, shearing hazards etc. 5.2.2, 5.4.1 1.9 High pressure fluid injection or ejection hazard 5.2.5, 5.2.6, 5.4.2.1, 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3, 5.4.4.1, 5.4.4.2, 5.4.4.3, 5.6.1 2 Electrical hazards 5.2.7, 5.4.3.1, 5.4.3.2, 5.4.3.3, 5.4.3.4 2.1 Contact of persons with live parts (direct contact) 5.2.7, 5.4.3.1, 5.4.3.2, 5.4.3.3, 5.4.3.4 4 Hazards generated by noise, resulting in: 5.6.6, 7.2.1.j, Annex A 4.1 Hearing loss (deafness), other physiological disorders (e.g. loss of balance, loss of awareness) 5.6.6, 7.2.1.j, Annex A 4.2 Interference with speech communication, acoustic signals, etc. 5.6.6, 7.2.1.j, Annex A 8 Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in machinery design as, e.g. hazards from:5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.5.4, 5.6.4 8.7 Inadequate design, location or identification of manual controls 5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.5.4, 5.6.4 10 Unexpected start-up, unexpected overrun / overspeed (or any similar function) from: 5.5.1, 5.5.3, 5.6.2, 5.6.3 11 Impossibility of stopping the machine 5.5.2 13 Failure of the power supply 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3, 5.4.3.3, 5.4.3.4, 5.4.4.3, 5.6.3 17 Falling or ejected objects or fluids 5.2.3, 5.2.5, 5.2.6, 5.3, 5.4.1.1, 5.4.1.3
Table 2 — Additional hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events due to mobility Hazard (as listed in EN 1050:1996)Relevant Clause(s) in this standard20 (1 - 6) Relating to the travelling function 7.2. 7.3.1.1 21 (1 - 10) Linked to the work position on the machine 5.6.1, 5.6.4, 7.2 22 Due to the control system 5.5, 7.2 23 Lack of stability 5.2.3 24 Due to the power source and to the transmission of power 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4 25.3 Lack or inadequacy of visual or acoustic warning means 5.4.2.2, 5.4.3.3, 5.4.4.3, 5.6.3 26 Insufficient instructions for the driver / operator 7.2
Table 3 — Additional hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events due to lifting Hazard (as listed in EN 1050:1996)Relevant Clause(s) in this standard27 Mechanical hazards and hazardous events:
27.1 From load falls, collisions, machine tipping caused by: 5.2.13, 5.3, 5.4, 7.3.2 27.1.1 Lack of stability 5.2.3 27.1.2 Uncontrolled loading - overloading - overturning moments exceeded 5.2.3, 5.3, 5.6.2, 5.6.5 27.1.5 Inadequate holding of devices/accessories 5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4, 7.3.2
27.4 From insufficient mechanical strength of parts 5.2.1, 5.3, 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.3.3 27.6 From inadequate selection/integration into the machine of chains, ropes, lifting accessories and their inadequate integration into the machine 5.2.13 27.8 From abnormal conditions of assembly/testing/use/maintenance 6.3, 7.2
Figure 2 below). In order to prevent the manipulator from overturning in case of overload, stability shall be calculated applying the maximum lifting force of the vertical drive. If no other measures are taken against overturning, the load to be considered is the WLL + 80kg (representing the average weight of an operator).
Figure 2 - Stability Key L = Minimum tilting distance from column axis D = Distance of the centre of gravity G to the column axis G = Centre of gravity of the whole manipulator 5.2.4 Drift Manipulators shall support the load without drift.
5.2.5 Hydraulic systems and components Hydraulic components shall be in accordance with EN 982. 5.2.6 Pneumatic systems and components Pneumatic components shall be in accordance with EN 983. 5.2.7 Electrical systems and components Electrical components shall be in accordance with EN 60204-32. 5.2.8 Gearbox Gearboxes shall be in accordance with the safety requirements of prEN 14492-2:2002, 5.5. 5.2.9 Rope drives Rope drives shall be in accordance with the safety requirements of prEN 14492-2:2002, 5.7. SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009

2 minutes or shall be capable of being lowered safely before it is released. When the warning device indicates power failure or that the danger range is reached safe operation to put down the load shall be possible. SIST EN 14238:2004+A1:2009
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