BS 14100:2020, Control of hazardous energy on machinery

Despite significant improvements being made in machinery safety over the last 20 years, people are still being seriously injured and even killed by hazardous energy when operating and maintaining machinery. BS 14100:2020 has therefore been prepared as a new standard to set out detailed requirements for how to control hazardous energy while work is being carried out on machines, to make their use and maintenance safer.

Written so as to provide practical guidance and advice on the isolation and control of hazardous energies at machinery, BS 14100 covers all types of hazard, but sets out more detailed requirements in relation to mechanical and electrical hazards (ie moving parts or parts that could move). Note that detailed requirements for other hazards are set out in standards such as BS EN ISO 4413 (Hydraulic fluid power. General rules and safety requirements for systems and their components) and BS EN ISO 4414 (Pneumatic fluid power. General rules and safety requirements for systems and their components).

BS 14100 covers the following:

• Identifies the key stages of process isolation
• How to create a Hazardous Energy Control (HEC) procedure
• Identifies the means for isolating, containing, dissipating or restraining various forms of hazardous energy
• Provides examples of typical devices used for various types of HEC
• Details the considerations which apply to switching off versus secure isolation
• Securing and verifying HEC
• Provides examples of individual/team lockout and contractor lockout, showing typical considerations and the approach used
• Outlines the level of competence required to undertake HEC procedures safely

It is important to note that BS 14100 does not apply to transportable or portable work equipment (including powered hand tools), although the basic principles can often be applied. However, fixed equipment such as motors and pumps fed via a plug and socket outlet are included. Material handling vehicles (such as forklifts and pallet trucks) and road vehicles are outside the scope of BS 14100, as are machines fed at high voltage (above 1000V AC or 1500V DC).

BS 14100:2020 (ISBN 978 0 580 99359 6) contains 52 pages and is available from BSI as a paper copy or PDF, both priced at 254 or 127 for Members of BSI. Follow the link to find out more about the new BS 14100:2020, Control of hazardous energy on machinery. Specification.