The Standard EN ISO 14122-4 was published in Italy on October 2016, replaces the previous EN ISO 14122-4 of 2010 and is not applicable to machinery manufactured before the date of its publication. This part of ISO 14122 gives requirements for fixed ladders which are a part of a stationary machine, and to the non-powered adjustable parts (e.g.
The four parts of the standard are as follows:
- The ISO 14122 series as a whole is applicable to both stationary and mobile machinery where fixed means of access are necessary. It is not applicable to powered means of access such as lifts, escalators, or other devices specially designed to lift persons between two levels. ISO 14122-1:2016 is not applicable to machinery manufactured before.
- BS EN ISO 14122 is in four parts, all of which are Harmonised to the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, with the 2016 editions being listed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) on 9 September 2016. The previous editions cease to provide a presumption of conformity to the Machinery Directive on 31 December 2016.
- Revised EN ISO 14122 standard. In June 2016, the Standard for Safety of Machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 3: Stairs, stepladders and guard-rails (EN ISO 14122-3:2016) was updated.
- BS EN ISO 14122-1:2016Safety of machinery - Permanent means of access to machinery - Part 1: Choice of fixed means and general requirements of access
- BS EN ISO 14122-2:2016Safety of machinery - Permanent means of access to machinery - Part 2: Working platforms and walkways
- BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016Safety of machinery - Permanent means of access to machinery - Part 3: Stairs, stepladders and guard-rails
- BS EN ISO 14122-4:2016Safety of machinery - Permanent means of access to machinery - Part 4: Fixed ladders
Procter's new ISO 14122 White Paper, which runs to 11 pages, introduces the standard and explains how it relates to machine guarding and machine safety. All four parts of ISO 14122 are Type-B standards and are therefore potentially applicable to all types of machinery - though, as the White Paper explains, Part 1 must be used in conjunction with at least one of Parts 2, 3 or 4. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that the relevant parts of the standard are referred to, whether the intention is to use custom-designed or modular access systems manufactured from steel, stainless steel, aluminium or another material. Note that BS EN ISO 14122 parts 1 to 4 are published by BSI as the UK version of the International and European Harmonised standard.
Rather than presenting a line-by-line analysis of the standard, the White Paper explains some of the concepts and technical details that are not immediately obvious when reading the standard. It will therefore help readers to understand and interpret the machinery access standard, whether they are new to designing permanent means of access or have designed them before but using the previous edition of the standard. Procter Machine Guarding believes that its new White Paper is 'the most comprehensive guide to ISO 14122 parts 1 to 4 that has been published to date, and certainly the 2016 versions.'
Extra material
In addition to providing ample information about BS EN ISO 14122, the White Paper lists useful resources and sources of further information. These will be helpful for readers who need to know more about topics such as risk assessments, safety distances or machine guarding standards, or who want to review relevant guidance from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) or the European Commission.
Anyone responsible for specifying or designing machines or permanent means of access, including building or civil constructions where the main function is to provide access to a machine or process, should download or request a copy of the new White Paper. Furthermore, although the standard is not applicable retrospectively, anyone who is concerned about the adequacy and safety of an existing permanent means of access will also benefit from reading the White Paper.
En Iso 14122-2
Copies of the free White Paper BS EN ISO 14122, Safety of machinery - permanent means of access, are available as a PDF from the Downloads section of the Procter Machine Guarding website or it can be read online.