What is BS EN 1837 about?
BS EN 1837 covers machine safety from a lighting perspective. BS EN 1837 specifies the parameters of integral lighting systems designed to provide illumination in and/or at both stationary and mobile machines. This enables the safe use of the machine. The operator of the machine can perform his visual task effectively and efficiently with appropriate lighting.
Note 1: BS EN 1837 does not specify lighting systems mounted on the machine to specifically illuminate visual tasks outside the machine.
Note 2: BS EN 1837 does not specify additional requirements for the operation of lighting systems:
- In severe conditions (extreme environmental conditions such as freezer applications, high temperatures, etc.)
- Subject to special rules (e.g., explosive atmospheres)
- Where the transmittance is reduced by environmental conditions, such as smoke, splashing, etc.
Who is BS EN 1837 for?
BS EN 1837 on the safety of machinery is useful for:
- Machine manufacturers
- Buyers and users of the machine
- Health and safety bodies
- Quality control professionals
- Service providers, example, for maintenance
Why should you use BS EN 1837?
Lighting can affect the quality of our work. Eye fatigue is reduced with appropriate lighting. As per BS EN 1837, machinery shall be supplied with integral lighting suitable for the operations concerned. This applies where the absence of integral lighting is likely to cause a risk despite ambient lighting of normal intensity. When arranging the lighting for machines, ergonomic and lighting-engineering principles shall be considered.
BS EN 1837 gives you the necessary guidelines for lighting requirements in machinery. The lighting requirements specified in BS EN 1837 are based on the average difficulty of visual tasks, found in the workspace during the intended use of the machine (normal operation, abnormal operation, servicing). BS EN 1837 will guide you in the selection of lighting equipment and with the installation guide. BS EN 1837 also provides a test to test the performance of the lighting.
BS EN 1837 will help the user in the smooth and safe operation of machinery.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1837:2020 supersedes BS EN 1837:1999+A1:2009, which is withdrawn. BS EN 1837:2020 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 1837:1999+A1:2009. These include:
- Reference to EN ISO 12100 added and all local definitions removed to prevent duplication with source terminology standards
- Adding of environmental requirements to Clause 5 Lighting equipment and installation
- Updating of Clause 6 Verification procedures
- Updating of Clause 7 Information for use
- Annex ZA has been adapted to Directive 2006/42/EC and Annex ZB has been deleted