EN 12547:2014

Centrifuges - Common safety requirements

Publication date:   Nov 17, 2014

Scope

1.1 This European Standard applies to centrifuges for the separation or change in concentration of mixtures of liquids and solids.
It gives requirements to minimize the risks caused by the significant hazards arising during the operation of centrifuges as specified in 1.2.
1.2 This European Standard gives requirements for minimizing the risks caused by the following hazards:
- mechanical hazards common to all types of centrifuges, except those specified in 1.3;
- ergonomical hazards;
- thermal hazards;
- electrical hazards;
- noise.
1.3 Types of centrifuges and hazards excluded
1.3.1 Types of centrifuges excluded:
- centrifuges with a kinetic energy of rotation less than 200 J;
- centrifuges for household use;
- centrifuges for laboratory use according to EN 61010 2 020;
- centrifuges for forming, i.e. centrifugal hot metal casting machines.
1.3.2 Hazards excluded
This European Standard does not deal explicitly with the hazards listed below.
NOTE 1 In cases, where such hazards might occur and could become relevant for the construction of the centrifuge, use specific standards for this hazard or make a risk analysis.
- hazards caused by overpressure or negative pressure inside the centrifuge housing;
- hazards specific to processing radioactive products;
- hazards specific to microbiological processing - including viral and parasitic hazards;
- hazards from processing corrosive and/or erosive materials;
- hazards from processes involving flammable or explosive substances;
- hazards caused by leakage of hazardous substances;
- hazards caused by unsuitable hygienic design for applications involving food products;
- inherent chemical hazards of process materials and/or service media and their biological effects on exposed persons;
NOTE 2 Inherently hazardous substances include toxic, carcinogenic and flammable substances for example. Other substances may be hazardous because of their condition in the centrifuge, i.e. temperature, velocity and vapour pressure.
- hazards due to construction materials;
Materials used in the construction of centrifuges should not be hazardous in the condition in which they are used.
- centrifuges subject to application specific standards (e.g. EN 12505).
NOTE 3 The design of centrifuges covered by EN 12547 varies to the extent that additional hazards may exist that are not covered by the requirements of this standard and is not excluded above. The manufacturer is responsible for providing suitable measures to deal with these hazards as part of a general risk assessment for the machine. Such measures are outside the scope of this standard and the direct responsibility of the manufacturer.
1.3.3 This European Standard gives guidance on the selection of performance levels according to EN ISO 13849 1:2008, but does not identify performance levels for specific applications.
1.4 This European Standard is not applicable to centrifuges which are manufactured before the date of its publication as EN.

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