Service Platforms: Safe Access to Machinery play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and ergonomic access to industrial machines. According to PN-EN ISO 14122 standards, fixed access means, such as service platforms, must meet specific requirements to guarantee the safety of both machines and users. These standards encompass the design, construction, and use of service platforms, which are crucial for engineers responsible for machine safety in industrial settings.
Table of Contents
Scope of PN-EN ISO 14122 Standard
The PN-EN ISO 14122 standard comprises four parts that outline the requirements for fixed means of access to machinery:
- Part 1: General requirements for the selection of fixed means of access.
- Part 2: Service platforms, working platforms, and walkways.
- Part 3: Stairs, stepladders, and guardrails.
- Part 4: Fixed ladders.
The PN-EN ISO 14122 standard is harmonized with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, meaning its application aids in meeting the directive’s requirements and obtaining the CE mark.
Design and Construction of Service Platforms
Designing service platforms requires consideration of several factors to comply with PN-EN ISO 14122 standards. Key guidelines include:
- Dimensions and Strength:
- Minimum Load Capacity: Service platforms must withstand a load of at least 1.5 kN/m² for working surfaces. Walkways must withstand a load of at least 2.5 kN/m².
- Platform Dimensions: The width of a service platform should not be less than 600 mm. Walkways must have a width of at least 500 mm.
- Dynamic and Static Loads: Service platforms must be designed to withstand both static loads (e.g., weight of tools and users) and dynamic loads (e.g., user movement).
- Material:
- Environmental Resistance: Materials used for constructing service platforms must resist corrosion, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Stainless steel, aluminum, or composite materials are recommended.
- Anti-slip Properties: Surfaces of service platforms must have appropriate anti-slip structures, such as perforations or ribbing, to prevent falls.
- Deflections:
- Permissible Deflections: The standard specifies maximum permissible deflections for service platforms, which should not exceed 1/300 of the span length for platforms and 1/200 for stairs.
- Deflection Control: Designers must plan for regular deflection checks of service platforms to ensure they do not exceed permissible values during normal operation.
Service platforms must withstand a load of at least 1.5 kN/m² for working surfaces and 2.5 kN/m² for walkways.
Dimensions and Construction of Safety Elements
- Guardrails:
- Height: The minimum height of guardrails is 1100 mm from the surface of the service platform.
- Spacing Between Rails: The maximum spacing between rails is 500 mm.
- Load Resistance: Guardrails must withstand a horizontal load of at least 300 N per meter of length.
- Toe Boards:
- Height: The minimum height of toe boards is 100 mm.
- Distance from Ground: Toe boards should be mounted no more than 10 mm from the ground to prevent small objects from slipping through.
The minimum height of guardrails is 1100 mm, and the maximum spacing between rails is 500 mm, ensuring adequate support and protection for users.
Conditions for Using Service Platforms
The conditions under which service platforms are used affect their design and operation. PN-EN ISO 14122 standards indicate that working platforms should be used when:
- The climbing height is significant.
- The frequency of use is low.
- Transport of large tools or equipment is not anticipated.
Loads and Dimensions
Service platforms must be designed considering various loads and dimensions. The PN-EN ISO 14122 standards provide detailed guidelines on:
- Static and Dynamic Loads: Service platforms must withstand both static loads (e.g., weight of users and tools) and dynamic loads (e.g., user movement).
- Dimensions of Guardrails and Toe Boards: Protective barriers should be at least 1100 mm high, and toe boards (at floor level) should be at least 100 mm high.
- Width and Incline: The width of service platforms should accommodate user and equipment movement, with a recommended minimum stair incline between 30° and 38°.
Testing and Inspections
To ensure compliance with PN-EN ISO 14122 standards, service platforms must undergo rigorous testing and inspections. Required procedures include:
- Strength Tests: These tests assess whether a service platform can withstand maximum anticipated loads.
- Anti-slip Tests: The surfaces of service platforms are tested for slip resistance under various conditions.
- Visual and Measurement Inspections: Regular visual and measurement inspections are essential for detecting potential damage or wear.
- Load Simulations: Service platforms undergo simulations of various load scenarios to ensure they can withstand anticipated operational conditions.
The PN-EN ISO 14122 standard specifies permissible deflections for service platforms at 1/300 of the span length, crucial for maintaining durability and safety.
User Manuals and Maintenance
Each service platform should be supplied with a user manual that includes information on:
- Operating Conditions: Maximum load, number of users, etc.
- Maintenance: Regular checks and maintenance to ensure long-term durability and safety.
- Training: Operators and staff should be trained in the proper use and maintenance of service platforms.
Considering Service Operations
Designers must anticipate what service operations will be performed on service platforms, considering:
- Type of Tools and Parts: Service platforms must be designed to allow safe use of tools and transport of parts needed for service.
- Number of People: Service platforms must be wide and strong enough to accommodate the number of people expected to perform service operations.
- Accessibility: Service platforms should be designed to allow easy and safe access to all areas requiring service.
Service Platforms: Integration in Production Lines
Service platforms are a crucial element in designing production lines, especially when part of complex machine systems. Machine designers must incorporate working platforms in their designs to ensure safe and ergonomic access to machines and equipment at all production stages. PN-EN ISO 14122 standards state that access to machines must be designed to minimize accident risk and allow safe execution of service, maintenance, and repair operations.
Regarding CE marking, a service platform does not need a CE mark as a separate element. However, if a service platform is part of a production line, the entire line must comply with relevant standards and regulations, thus requiring a CE mark. In the EC declaration of conformity for the entire production line, if the PN-EN ISO 14122 standard is mentioned, the platform must comply with this standard.
The user manual for the entire production line should include information on all service operations performed using service platforms. This manual should detail how to safely use the platforms and conduct service operations to ensure compliance with safety standards and minimize accident risk.
Service platforms compliant with PN-EN ISO 14122 standards are a key element in ensuring safe access to machinery in industrial facilities. Engineers must thoroughly understand these standards’ requirements to design, build, and use working platforms according to the highest safety standards. Meeting these requirements minimizes accident risk and ensures a safe working environment.
FAQ: Service Platforms
Service platforms are fixed means of access to machinery, providing safe and ergonomic access to equipment in industrial facilities.
Service platforms ensure user safety and facilitate access to machinery, crucial for efficient and safe maintenance and repairs.
Service platforms are regulated by PN-EN ISO 14122 standards, which specify requirements for their design, construction, and use.
Service platforms must withstand a load of at least 1.5 kN/m² for working surfaces and 2.5 kN/m² for walkways.
Recommended materials include stainless steel, aluminum, and composite materials, which resist corrosion, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
Yes, service platforms must have anti-slip surfaces, such as perforations or ribbing, to prevent falls.
Guardrails on service platforms must have a minimum height of 1100 mm, and the spacing between rails must not exceed 500 mm.
Regular visual and measurement inspections are essential to ensure the long-term durability and safety of service platforms.
Yes, PN-EN ISO 14122 standards are harmonized standards with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, aiding in meeting the directive’s requirements and obtaining the CE mark.
Each service platform must be supplied with a user manual, containing information on operating conditions, maximum load, number of users, and maintenance procedures.