What is BS EN 1870-15 – Safety requirements for multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines about?
BS EN 1870 is a European Standard that discusses safety of woodworking machines. The main aim of the BS EN 1870 series is to provide manufacturers with best industry practices that help minimize the risk of occupational hazards that may occur while operating woodworking machines.
BS EN 1870-15 is the 15th part of the BS EN 1870 series that specifies all requirements and/or measures to reduce the hazards and limit the risks on multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines (with minimum two saw unit) with integrated feed of the work-piece and manual loading and/or unloading fitted with a saw blade drive motor for each saw unit, hereinafter referred to as “machines”.
BS EN 1870-15 applies to machines designed to cut solid wood, chipboard, fibreboard, plywood and also materials where they are covered with plastic edging and/or plastic/light alloy laminates.
The requirements of BS EN 1870-15 apply to all machines whatever their method of control e.g. electromechanical and/or electronic and/or pneumatic.
Note 1: BS EN 1870-15 does not deal with any hazards relating to the mechanical loading and/or unloading of the work-piece or which result from the combination of the machine with any other.
Note 2: BS EN 1870-15 does not cover machines designed for climb cutting (see 3.2.10).
Note 3: BS EN 1870-15 is not applicable to multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines with integrated feed of the workpiece and manual loading and/or unloading which are manufactured before the date of its publication as EN.
Who is BS EN 1870-15 - Safety requirements for multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines for?
BS EN 1870-15 on multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines is useful for:
- Multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines manufacturers and their authorized representatives
- Machine designers
- Importers
- Accident and hazard prevention organizations
- Quality control and testing authorities
- Safety departments
Why should you use BS EN 1870-15 - Safety requirements for multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines?
Multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines are widely used tools for any workshop or woodworking factory, that impart high level of precision while cutting wood. While only skilled persons are entrusted with using such machines, it is important for the manufacturer to ensure the equipment itself does not pose any risks to the operator, so that accidents and damage to the machine can be minimized. In this regard, BS EN 1870-15 has been prepared to be a harmonized standard to provide one means of conforming to the essential safety requirements of the Machinery Directive and associated EFTA regulations.
BS EN 1870-15 provides best industry guidance on safety requirements and measures to minimize occupational risks and hazards associated with operating multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines.
BS EN 1870-15 covers measures and requirements for protection against mechanical and non-mechanical hazards. It also contains all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events identified by risk assessment as significant for the machines and which require action to eliminate or reduce the risk. The significant hazards and guidance on mitigating the same, include but are not limited to:
- Electrical hazards
- Hazards generated by noise and radiation
- Hazards from unexpected start-up, unexpected overrun/overspeed
- Failure of the power supply
- Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in machinery design
As a result, if you are a manufacturer of multi-blade cross-cut sawing machines, compliance with BS EN 1870-15 can ensure of the safety and protection of people working with these machines by preventing or minimizing the incidence of accidents. Ultimately, this can enable businesses to optimize operational safety thereby successfully completing tasks and projects in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.