\n<\/strong>
\nEuropean (EN) and International (ISO) standards exist to provide a clear framework for designing safe and reliable machinery. They establish a consistent \u201cblueprint\u201d that ensures products, systems, and processes meet minimum safety and quality requirements across different regions.<\/p>\n
Key objectives of these standards include:
\n\u2022 Protecting operators and maintenance personnel
\n\u2022 Ensuring machinery operates safely and predictably
\n\u2022 Reducing the risk of injury and legal liability<\/p>\n
Examples include: It is important to understand that these standards define minimum requirements<\/strong>, not best practice ceilings.<\/p>\n 2. Legal Responsibilities Failure to comply can result in legal action.<\/p>\n In addition, modifying machinery after installation – such as removing or disabling safety systems is a criminal offence in the UK and EU<\/strong>, particularly when it exposes operators to risk.<\/p>\n 3. Common Causes of Non-Compliance These issues can lead to unsafe machinery being placed into service<\/p>\n 4. How to Identify Non-Compliance \u2705 A compliant emergency stop must:<\/strong> \ud83d\udeab Common non-compliance indicators:<\/strong> <\/p>\n Any of these issues may indicate broader safety design failures.<\/p>\n 4.2 Accessibility and Positioning<\/strong><\/p>\n Emergency stops must be positioned so they are: Buttons mounted too low (for example, beneath conveyor frames) may not comply with standards. 4.3 Colour and Control Separation<\/strong><\/p>\n Standards such as EN 60204-1:2018+A1:2025<\/strong> require clear differentiation between controls.<\/p>\n Key rules:<\/strong> They must not be placed next to emergency stops in a way that causes confusion This creates ambiguity and is likely non-compliant.<\/p>\n 5. Conveyor-Specific Safety Risks<\/strong><\/p>\n Conveyor systems introduce additional hazards, particularly around: 5.1 Drawing-In Hazards<\/strong> Requirements:<\/strong> Warning signs of non-compliance:<\/strong> These hazards can cause severe injuries, including entrapment.<\/p>\n 5.2 Telescopic Conveyor Risks<\/strong> Common problems:<\/strong> Critical requirement:<\/strong> \ud83d\udeab Absence of this feature indicates non-compliance with current standards.<\/p>\n 6. Warning Signs of Poor Compliance<\/strong><\/p>\n When assessing machinery, look for multiple indicators: \u26a0\ufe0f Important: One failure often suggests others. Non-compliance is rarely isolated.<\/p>\n 7. Readily Available but Non-Compliant Components<\/strong><\/p>\n It is possible to purchase components that do not meet required standards, even from reputable suppliers. Responsibility lies with:<\/p>\n \u2022 Designers \u2022 Integrators \u2022 Manufacturers<\/p>\n not the component supplier alone. Always verify suitability against current standards before use.<\/p>\n 8. Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Safety standards define minimum legal requirements<\/strong>, not optional guidance Conclusion<\/strong> <\/p>\n You can download a PDF of this white paper document here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At FMH Conveyors Ltd, safety is engineered into every solution from the ground up. We design conveyor systems that don\u2019t just comply with current machine safety legislation\u00a0 – they\u2019re built to exceed it, helping our customers create safer, smarter and more reliable operations every day. 1. Why Safety Standards Matter European (EN) and International … How to Identify Safety Non-Compliance in Conveyor Systems<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":25222,"template":"","blog_categories":[65],"class_list":["post-25157","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog_categories-fmh"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/25157","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25157"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog_categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_categories?post=25157"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\u2022 EN 619:2022<\/strong> – Safety requirements for conveyor systems
\n\u2022 BS EN ISO 13849-1:2023<\/strong> \u2013 Safety related parts of control systems
\n\u2022 BS EN ISO 13850:2015<\/strong> – Emergency stop design principles<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>
\nCompliance with safety standards is not optional.
\nWhen a manufacturer issues a Declaration of Conformity<\/strong>, they are legally confirming that:
\n\u2022 The machine complies with all applicable directives and standards
\n\u2022 A complete technical file exists and is available for inspection<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>
\nIn practice, non-compliance often arises due to:
\n\u2022 Cost reduction pressures
\n\u2022 Simplified design decisions
\n\u2022 Aesthetic considerations overriding safety
\n\u2022 Poor understanding of standards
\n\u2022 Post-installation modifications by operators<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>
\n4.2 Emergency Stop Design<\/strong>
\nEmergency stops (e-stops) are a critical safety feature and must comply with strict design rules.
\nAccording to BS EN ISO 13850:2015<\/strong> and associated standards:<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Be red in colour<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Be mounted on a yellow background<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Be clearly visible and accessible
\n\u2022 Be operable with an open palm (not obstructed)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Incorrect colours (e.g. black buttons used as emergency stops)
\n\u2022 Text such as \u201cEmergency Stop\u201d printed on or around the actuator
\n\u2022 Physical obstructions (guards, recesses, or overhangs) preventing quick activation
\n\u2022 Placement in awkward or hard-to-reach positions<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EMERGENCY-BUTTON-03.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SAFETY-EXCERPT-01.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Easily reachable
\n\u2022 Located within a suitable height range<\/p>\n
\nPractical guidance:<\/strong> If a control feels awkward or difficult to reach, it is likely unsuitable and may be non-compliant.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SAFETY-EXCERPT-02.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Emergency stop buttons must be red on yellow
\n\u2022 Standard stop buttons may also be red, but:<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udeab A common issue:
\n\u2022 A red stop button located directly beside a red emergency stop<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/EMERGENCY-BUTTON-04.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SAFETY-EXCERPT-03.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Moving belts
\n\u2022 Drive drums
\n\u2022 In-running nip points (drawing-in hazards)<\/p>\n
\nUnder EN 619:2022<\/strong>, dangerous moving parts must be properly guarded.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Maximum gap sizes typically \u2264 5 mm<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Guards must be rigid and secure<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Flexible or damaged guards are not acceptable<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/NIP-GUARDS-1024x324.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Large gaps near belt or roller contact points
\n\u2022 Missing or damaged guarding
\n\u2022 Easily deformable barriers<\/p>\n
\nTelescopic conveyors often present recurring safety issues.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Emergency stops mounted:
\n– At an angle
\n– Under steel overhangs
\n– Recessed into frames
\n\u2022 Missing yellow backgrounds on e-stops
\n\u2022 Obstructed access preventing palm activation
\n\u2022 Confusing arrangement of stop controls<\/p>\n
\nModern telescopic conveyors must include a wedge-shaped guard<\/strong> to prevent access to the end pulley as the machine retracts and the belt angle increases.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fmhconveyors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/WEDGE-GUARD.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Emergency stops below recommended height
\n\u2022 Incorrect colours or markings
\n\u2022 Obstructed or recessed controls
\n\u2022 Missing guarding around moving parts
\n\u2022 Poor overall design consistency<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Emergency stop design is highly regulated and easy to assess visually
\n\u2022 Conveyor systems present significant risks if not properly guarded
\n\u2022 Small design issues often indicate wider safety concerns
\n\u2022 Compliance must be maintained throughout the machine\u2019s lifecycle<\/p>\n
\nEnsuring compliance with machinery safety standards is both a legal obligation and a fundamental duty of care.
\nSeemingly minor issues such as incorrect button colour, poor positioning, or inadequate guarding can expose workers to serious risk and may indicate deeper design flaws.
\nRegular inspection, awareness of standards, and a proactive approach to safety are essential to prevent incidents and ensure equipment remains fit for use.<\/p>\n