Overview
EN ISO 19225:2017 (ISO 19225:2017) - "Underground mining machines - Mobile extracting machines at the face - Safety requirements for shearer loaders and plough systems" - is a CEN-adopted international standard that sets out safety requirements to minimize hazards associated with shearer loaders and plough systems used in underground mining. The standard covers safety during assembly, use, maintenance, repair, decommissioning, disassembly and disposal, and applies to intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse. It does not cover hazards from explosive atmospheres (see ISO/IEC 80079‑38) and is not applicable to machines manufactured before publication.
Key Topics
The standard addresses practical, technical and documentation requirements designers, manufacturers and operators must consider:
- List of significant hazards relevant to shearer loaders and plough systems (clause 4)
- General safety requirements and protective measures for machine design and operation
- Contact surfaces: management of sharp edges and hot surfaces
- Stability: preventing tip-over and loss of control
- Control devices and systems: safety, reliability, design, failure modes, remote and radio control, automatic control and prevention of inadvertent movements
- Falling objects and ejected material: guards and protection
- Dust control: reduction and suppression measures for coal/rock dust
- Noise: source reduction and operator exposure considerations
- Electrical requirements: power control, circuit monitoring, cabling and bonding
- Mechanical requirements: chains, gearboxes and load attachment points
- Hydraulic and water systems: safe design and protection
- Fire protection and emergency measures
- Maintenance and repair provisions, verification of safety measures, and information for use (signals, warnings, manuals and commissioning data)
Applications
EN ISO 19225:2017 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and designers of shearer loaders and plough systems specifying design, control and safety engineering
- Mining companies and site safety managers applying best practices for underground face extraction safety
- Maintenance teams and service providers following safe procedures for repair, assembly and decommissioning
- Procurement and compliance officers assessing conformity and CE marking requirements
- Notified bodies and conformity assessors using the standard as a route to demonstrate compliance with the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) where applicable
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 80079‑38 - requirements for explosive atmospheres (not covered by ISO 19225)
- Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) - EN ISO 19225 supports essential requirements and confers a presumption of conformity when cited in the Official Journal
- CEN Guide 414 - guidance on hazards and relation to the Machinery Directive
Using EN ISO 19225:2017 helps ensure safer mobile extracting machines at the face, reduces downtime from incidents, and supports regulatory compliance in underground mining operations.
