EN 15503:2009+A1:2013/FprA2:2015

Overview

The EN 15503:2009+A1:2013/FprA2:2015 standard is a critical update focusing on the safety of garden equipment, specifically garden blowers, vacuums, and blower/vacuums. Published by CEN (European Committee for Standardization), this standard amendment addresses enhanced safety requirements for preventing accidental access to hazardous moving parts through the inlet and discharge openings of such equipment.

This amendment introduces the concept of the tortuous path-a design principle aimed at preventing finger access to dangerous components by requiring unnatural joint articulations, significantly improving user protection during operation.

Key Topics

• Scope of Safety Requirements: Targets garden blowers, vacuums, and combined blower/vacuums, ensuring that users cannot reach hazardous moving elements through openings.
• Tortuous Path Principle (Term 3.18): Defines a safety approach where the design of inlet and discharge openings restricts finger access by forcing joint movements beyond natural ranges, preventing contact with moving parts.
• Guarding of Openings (Clause 5.2):
  • Openings must be protected against access via straight line guards complying with EN ISO 13857:2008.
  • Alternatively, the use of tortuous path guards prevents hazardous contact when tested with arm probes simulating human reach.
• Guard Types and Fixings:
  • Guards can be fixed (tool-detachable), interlocking (tool-free detachable), or automatically closing but tool-releasable.
  • Guards removable during routine user maintenance must remain securely attached to prevent loss.
• Safety-Related Control Systems: Interlocking guards must use well-tried control principles and reliable components, ensuring consistent safety performance.
• Annex D (Normative) – Tortuous Path Test:
  • Specifies test procedures using articulated arm probes representing young adult and adult limbs to check if design effectively blocks access.
  • Testing involves applying force up to 20 N and performing complex probe articulations to simulate human attempts to reach hazardous parts.
  • Tests are conducted with and without debris collectors, with additional safety interlocks required if removal stops power to moving parts.

Applications

• Garden Equipment Manufacturers: Designing and certifying garden blowers, vacuums, and combined blower/vacuums to comply with European safety regulations.
• Safety Compliance Testing: Applying the tortuous path test described in Annex D to verify guarding effectiveness and ensure protection against user injury.
• Product Development: Integrating fixed, interlocking, or automatic guards that meet updated accessibility requirements, while allowing for necessary maintenance procedures.
• Regulatory Bodies and Market Surveillance: Ensuring garden equipment on the European market satisfies the safety mandates outlined in this amendment tied to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

Related Standards

• EN ISO 13857:2008 – Safety distances to prevent access to hazardous parts by upper and lower limbs.
• EU Directive 2006/42/EC – Machinery directive outlining essential health and safety requirements for the design and construction of machinery, supported by EN 15503 amendments.
• CEN/TC 144 Technical Committee – Responsible for standards on agricultural and forestry machinery, including garden equipment.

Keywords

Garden equipment safety, garden blowers standards, garden vacuum safety, tortuous path design, EN 15503 update, garden blower guarding, hazardous moving parts prevention, European safety standard garden tools, CEN garden equipment norms, accessible guard requirements, EU Machinery Directive compliance.