SN EN 619:2022

Stetigförderer und Systeme - Sicherheitsanforderungen an mechanische Fördereinrichtungen für Stückgut

Continuous handling equipment and systems - Safety requirements for equipment for mechanical handling of unit loads

SWISSMEM

This document deals with requirements for machine design, transport, installation, commissioning, operation, adjustment, maintenance and cleaning to minimize the hazards listed in Annex F. These hazards can arise during the operation and maintenance of continuous handling equipment and systems when carried out in accordance with the specifications given by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. This document deals with safety related technical verification during commissioning. This document applies to mechanical handling devices as defined in Clause 3, singly or combined to form a conveyor system, and designed exclusively for moving unit loads continuously on a predefined route from the loading to the unloading points, possibly with varying speed or cyclically. In general, it also applies to conveyors which are built into machines or attached to machines if not stated otherwise in a machine specific standard. Safety requirements and/or measures in this document apply to equipment used in all environments. However, additional risk assessments and safety measures need to be considered for uses in severe conditions, e.g. - freezer applications, - high temperatures, - corrosive environments, - strong magnetic fields, - potentially explosive atmospheres, - radioactive conditions and loads the nature of which could lead to a dangerous situation (e.g. molten metal, acids/bases, especially brittle loads, explosives), - operation on ships and earthquake effects and - contact with foodstuff. This document does not cover hazards during decommissioning. This document does not apply to conveying equipment and systems used underground or in public areas and to aircraft ground support equipment. In public areas only baggage carousels and check-in conveyors for airports are dealt with in this document. NOTE Aircraft ground support equipment is covered by the standards of CEN/TC 274. This document is not applicable to continuous handling equipment and systems manufactured before the date of its publication.

Publikation: 2022-04-01161 SeitenICS: 53.040.10

Adhering to SN EN 619:2022 compliance requirements is essential for organizations aiming to enhance safety in mechanical handling of unit loads. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps to achieve compliance with the SN EN 619:2022 standards.

Why implement SN EN 619:2022 now

Implementing the SN EN 619:2022 compliance requirements is crucial for organizations in the materials handling industry. As safety regulations evolve, companies face increasing pressure from customers, regulatory authorities, and internal quality objectives to adhere to these standards. For instance, failure to comply with safety regulations can result in significant legal liabilities and operational risks. Additionally, many clients now demand compliance as a prerequisite for business engagements, pushing organizations to prioritize SN EN 619:2022 adherence to maintain competitive advantage.

Prerequisites and readiness check

Before embarking on the journey to SN EN 619:2022 compliance, organizations should ensure they have the following in place:

• Management commitment: Leadership must actively support the compliance initiative.
• Resource allocation: Adequate resources, including budget and personnel, should be assigned to the project.
• Current process documentation: Existing processes and safety measures should be documented to establish a baseline.
• Risk management framework: A preliminary risk assessment should be in place to identify potential hazards.

Step 1: Gap analysis

Conducting a gap analysis is a pivotal first step in achieving SN EN 619:2022 compliance. This process involves evaluating your current operations against the SN EN 619:2022 requirements. Begin by gathering relevant documentation, including existing safety protocols and operational procedures. Use tools such as checklists or software designed for compliance management to systematically compare current practices with the SN EN 619:2022 standards. Common findings may include insufficient safety measures, inadequate training programs, or lack of hazard identification processes. By identifying these gaps, your organization can prioritize necessary improvements to align with the compliance requirements.

Step 2: Design and documentation

Once the gap analysis is complete, the next step involves designing a management system that aligns with the SN EN 619:2022 standards. This includes:

• Scope statement: Define the boundaries of the compliance project and its applicability.
• Policy: Develop a safety policy that reflects commitment to the SN EN 619:2022 standards.
• Objectives: Establish measurable objectives that support compliance efforts.
• Procedures: Document procedures for handling unit loads, maintenance, and safety measures.
• Records: Maintain records of compliance activities and changes made to operations.

Each of these elements should be tied back to the relevant clauses in the SN EN 619:2022 standard to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Step 3: Implementation and training

With the management system designed, it’s time for implementation. This phase involves effective change management to ensure that all staff are aware of new procedures and policies. Training sessions should be organized to educate employees on safety protocols, operational procedures, and the importance of compliance with SN EN 619:2022. Typical pitfalls during this phase include inadequate training sessions, resistance to change from staff, and insufficient communication regarding new procedures. Addressing these issues proactively can significantly enhance the success of the implementation process.

Step 4: Internal audit and certification

After implementation, conducting an internal audit is essential to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement. The internal audit should be structured in two stages:

1. Stage 1: Review documentation to ensure that all necessary records and procedures are in place.
2. Stage 2: Evaluate the implementation of the management system in practice, checking for adherence to the documented procedures.

Following the internal audit, organizations can prepare for the certification audit process, which assesses overall compliance with SN EN 619:2022 requirements. Ensuring thorough preparation can facilitate a smoother certification process.

Common pitfalls

Here are some common mistakes organizations make when implementing SN EN 619:2022 compliance requirements, along with quick fixes:

• Neglecting employee training: Invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure all employees understand their roles.
• Inadequate documentation: Maintain thorough records of all compliance activities to support audits.
• Ignoring stakeholder input: Engage with staff at all levels to gather insights and foster a culture of safety.
• Failing to update processes: Regularly review and update procedures as new information or technologies become available.
• Underestimating resource needs: Allocate sufficient resources to avoid compliance delays.