What is EN 15042-2004+A1:2019?

EN 15042-2004+A1:2019 is a technical standard associated with safety requirements for machinery. This standard, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), establishes guidelines to ensure the safe design, manufacturing, and use of machinery within the European Union (EU). It helps protect workers and users of machinery from potential hazards and promotes consistency and harmonization in the field of machinery safety.

Scope and Purpose of EN 15042-2004+A1:2019

This technical standard specifies the general principles for designing machinery to eliminate or reduce risks that may arise during operation, maintenance, installation, dismantling, or transportation. It applies to various types of machinery, including stationary and mobile equipment, as well as machinery assemblies, interchangeable equipment, and safety components.

EN 15042-2004+A1:2019 takes into account a wide range of potential hazards, such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and ergonomic risks. Its primary goal is to ensure the highest level of safety by addressing these risks through appropriate design, protective measures, and user instructions.

Key Requirements of EN 15042-2004+A1:2019

The standard requires machinery manufacturers to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment during the design phase. This assessment identifies potential hazards and evaluates their severity, probability of occurrence, and the possibility of avoiding or reducing them. Based on this analysis, the manufacturer must implement appropriate control measures to mitigate the risks, ensuring a high level of protection for users.

Furthermore, EN 15042-2004+A1:2019 emphasizes the importance of providing clear and concise user instructions. These instructions should contain relevant information regarding the safe installation, operation, maintenance, and servicing of the machinery. They should be easily accessible and understandable to ensure that users are aware of potential hazards and can take necessary precautions.

Compliance and Certification

EN 15042-2004+A1:2019 is considered a harmonized standard under the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) within the EU. This means that adherence to this technical standard provides a presumption of conformity with the essential health and safety requirements outlined in the directive. Manufacturers are strongly encouraged to follow the provisions of EN 15042-2004+A1:2019 to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and to facilitate the CE marking process.

In conclusion, EN 15042-2004+A1:2019 plays a crucial role in enhancing machinery safety across the EU. By establishing guidelines for risk reduction, control measures, and user instructions, it contributes to the protection of workers, users, and the environment. Manufacturers should familiarize themselves with the requirements of this standard and strive to implement them diligently to ensure the highest level of safety in their machinery.