10.01.2010

Italy delays EN12999-2009

UNI, the Italian organisation for standardisation has lodged an appeal with CEN/CENELEC against the ratification of the latest revision of the EN12999 standard for loader cranes which was due to be published at the end of December.

A meeting of the CEN working group will be held on February 11, in Germany to discuss the details of the appeal which cites four objections. The objections will be resolved either by them being rejected or the standard will be changed accordingly.

Regardless of the decision the introduction/harmonisation of the latest revision of EN12999 faces further delays as a result.
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New loader cranes must meet the latest EU directives

The December publication date was selected to ensure that the standard meets the requirements of the new Machinery Directive, which came into force on 29th December.

The current A2 version of the EN12999 standard does not meet the Essential Health & Safety Requirements (EHSR's) of the new Machinery Directive. Until such time that the new revised standard is available manufacturers/importers will have to declare conformity directly with the EHSRs of the Machinery Directive.

One key area if concern is the rated load indication and stabiliser position monitoring and interlocks. Any company putting a 2010 built crane into service needs to ensure that it meets the new directive in spite of the fact that the standard has not been harmonised.

The usual method of doing this when a standard has been finished, but not harmonised, is to simply reference the draft standard. In this case there is a chance that the draft may be changed at the 13th hour, which makes the situation slightly unusual, but not unique.

The original EN280 was blocked at the last minute by the French authorities, but manufacturers proceeded to reference the draft as proof of compliance with the directives.