John Ingram, Global Product Manager at Kee Safety, explains why contractors should be paying attention to the EN Standard for ‘Safety of Machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery’ and specifying self-closing safety gates.

John Ingram, Global Product Manager at Kee Safety, explains why contractors should be paying attention to the EN Standard for ‘Safety of Machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery’ and specifying self-closing safety gates. Revised EN ISO 14122 standard. It is intended that this part of ISO 14122 be used with ISO 14122-1 to give the requirements for steps, stepladders and guard-rails. The ISO 14122 series as a whole is applicable to both stationary and mobile machinery where fixed means of access are necessary.

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. This revised standard defines the requirements for safe access to machines, applying to both stationary and mobile machinery where a fixed means of access is necessary. The standard specifies that when the height of a fall could exceed 500mm, a guard-rail should be installed, and the chosen system needs to meet several dimensional requirements. It also notes that a self-closing gate should be used.

Safe protection to openings

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. ISO 14122-3:2016(E) 3.1 stairs step ladders succession of horizontal levels — steps (3.1.11) and landings (3.1.5) — allowing passage on foot from one level to another Note 1 to entry: Stairs/step ladders are composed of the elements shown in Figure 1 and defined in 3.1.1 to 3.1.16.

Maintenance and inspection teams require safe protection to openings such as on work platforms, around industrial machinery or as part of demarcation routes in warehouse and logistic centres, in addition to providing safe access and egress for ladders, walkways and rooftop guardrails.

En Iso 14122-2

For many years, chains, bars and sliding link tubes have been the method of protection for safe access. While these provide a simple safety solution, they are reliant on correct usage which isn’t reliable, as users can forget to replace the bar or chain, leaving a gap behind them.

Now, with this standard, there is a very clear set of requirements and dimensions for safety gates.

Updated standard requirements

En Iso 14122-4

The system should incorporate a knee rail that is 500mm from the top rail, and a lower bottom rail that is no more than 500mm from the floor level. The standard also states that the gate should not be locked, but held in closed position, and should be designed to open easily and closed with a firm stop, preventing users pushing against the gate and potentially falling through the opening.

Self-closing gates - the preferred method of protection

Not only does the new EN standard recommend the use of self-closing gates, but so does the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Both promote self-closing gates as the preferred method of protection because they automatically close behind the user to provide an added level of security, so overcoming the potential for human error.

Some systems, such as KEE GATE, are available in galvanised steel and if required can be powder coated in safety yellow. Available with standard 'U' bolts for fixing to uprights of 33.7, 42.4 and 48.3 mm diameter, the gate can be fixed quickly to existing supporting structures, posts or stringers. An additional fixing pack is provided which allows the gate to be fixed to square, flat or angle uprights. Easy to install or to retro-fit existing structures, such as galvanised handrails, KEE GATE is 1 metre wide. Designed to be trimmed on-site, this solution saves companies the time and money it takes to fabricate their own gates.

Specifying a self-closing gate that is in line with the requirements set out in EN ISO 14122-3:2016, presents contractors with a quicker, more cost-effective and easier to install solution that eliminates the possibility of human error.