UK objects to EU hydraulic press standard - says HSE

HSE Press Release E129:02 - 5 August 2002

A formal complaint has been lodged with the European Commission against a European Standard which deals with the safety requirements on hydraulic presses being sold in the UK and the rest of Europe, announces the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The UK authorities believe the standard will lower existing safety levels in the UK.

Hydraulic presses are dangerous machines, which can cause serious injuries, such as crushing and amputation of limbs. In some instances, injuries can be fatal. A number of serious injuries occur each year at hydraulic presses and it is important that the highest standards of safety are provided and maintained.

BS EN 693:2001 "Machine tools - safety - hydraulic presses" sets out arrangements for safeguarding these machines. One option, allowed by the standard, is for the use of a "two-hand control device". This device will provide protection for the person using it, but not others who can get access to the tools of the press.

Nick Hitchcott of HSE's Engineering and Utilities Sector warned:

"The HSE believes that if two-hand controls are allowed as the sole means of guarding, the number of serious accidents seen will undoubtedly increase. HSE is prepared to take enforcement action against suppliers if hydraulic presses are not adequately guarded."

The UK's opinion is that two-hand controls used as the sole safeguard at the operating position do not satisfy all the relevant essential health and safety requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (as amended), which governs the design, manufacture and supply of all machinery, including hydraulic presses.

The UK is seeking that EN 693 is amended to ensure that two-hand controls are only selected as the method of guarding presses in conjunction with other safeguards so that all workers are protected, not just those operating the two-hand control.

The formal objection to EN 693 has the support of the UK industry, in particular the Engineering Employers' Federation, the Safety Assessment Federation, the Machine Tool Technologies Association and the Confederation of British Industry.

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