Posted to News on 4th Sep 2009, 09:21
Fixings for fixed guards: White Paper explains requirements
Procter Machine Guarding is publishing a White Paper that explains the new requirement in Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and guarding standard BS EN 953 for fixings for fixed guards to remain attached when the guards are removed. The White Paper also provides information that will help designers select the right types of fasteners for particular guarding applications.
Written by Jeremy Procter, a Member of BSI's MCE/3 committee, Convenor of the European Standards Committee responsible for Machine Guards (CEN TC114 WG11), and Managing Director of Procter Machine Guarding, the White Paper starts by introducing BS EN 953:1997 +A1:2009, Safety of machinery. Guards. General requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards, which is a new version of BS EN 953 with amendments to align it with the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC that comes into force on 29 December 2009.
The White Paper then goes on to consider the definitions of a 'fixed guard' and which fixed guards on a machine might require the use of captive fasteners (or retained fasteners). Practical advice includes design tips to help reduce any additional costs incurred by installing captive fasteners, and factors to think about when selecting fasteners.
Copies of the Fixings for Fixed Guards White Paper can be requested free of charge from Procter Machine Guarding by telephoning +44 (0)29 2088 2222, emailing [email protected] or go to the Free Downloads section of the company's website.
