If you have difficulty in submitting comments on draft standards you can use a commenting template and email it to admin.start@bsigroup.com. The commenting template can be found here.
Standards Development
BS EN 16486:2014 relates to the machinery that is mostly attached to a container receptacle. Its function is to compress recyclable and non-recyclable materials, so that space in the container is maximised by material. It is used in many industrial and retail applications for effective disposal or recycling by others. This standard is now over 10 years old. The recycling industry has advanced in this time to respond to Net Zero, meaning the materials and volume have changed.
A fatal incident has recently occurred where such a machine was being used primarily as a dewatering device, for wet wipes. The compaction mechanism was able to carry out successful dewatering however the pressures involved caused structural failure of the framework and explosive energy release. The application used was not excluded in the existing scope of the Standard as compaction to remove water remains within the current scope. Additionally the equipment has adapted to include additional components for pre-compaction, aeration and adaptions for material ejection. A drafting panel comprising users and safety professionals has since been set up under MCE/3/16 "Recycling machines" to look into revision of the standard(s).
Once the 16486 Standard has been reviewed it is proposed that BS EN 16252 and BS EN 16500 be reviewed as these relate to vertical and horizontal balers – such machines include compaction and subsequent strapping.
Summary of technical issues
1. Clarification of scope. Whilst it was acknowledged that compactor and baling machines are very different, there may be merit in structuring a “common requirements” approach. At this stage this approach cannot be clear, however it was suggested that work should continue to address issues with compactors, acknowledging that a review of the “common approach” would not affect the technical work programme.
2. Additional clauses recommended for compactor design. There are two distinct types of compactor, identified as follows:
• Portable – where the integrated compactor/ container unit is removed and replaced on a site.
• Static – where the container is a disconnected from the compactor. The container is removeable and replaced.
3. Consideration of limitations of materials that should be processed within the compactor (including mixed materials/ waste). Annex B of BS EN 14686 suggests dialogue between manufacturer and user, however this is not normative. Risks from dewatering are not an issue for compactors, as some manufacturers provide a drain point. With changes in legislation to separate out food waste from other non-recyclables, this is likely to be a growth market.
4. Update to reflect any safety integration - Machine designs of compactors and balers have evolved, with some including additional aeration devices, to homogenise material. Often such accessories can operate independently of the main machine compaction. It is proposed to consider all safety integration of additional components to be specified with a recommended performance level PLr d of ISO 13849-1 (currently clause 5.2.4 .limits this to certain safety functions).
5. There is potential for overloading, however with the compaction mechanism being separate to the storage container, the compressed material is spread over a greater volume. Concern was raised that control systems that monitor the compression forces can be reset by switching machines off/ on, leading to potential for overload (proposal for recommended performance level PLr d of ISO 13849-1).
6. Consideration for compactor skip integration (CHEM). Within the UK, the container chassis frame typically meets industry benchmarks of the Container Handling Equipment Manufacturers association (CHEM). Further work is required to engage CHEM and also clarify if all loader ‘hook’ mechanisms to raise and lower containers for transport meet the same/ common technical benchmark.
7. CHEM - Access doors in containers (for both types of compactor) require robust interlocking, noting fatal incident history from homeless people seeking refuge in such units. Interface between container and compactor becomes more difficult for static machines.
8. Hoppers for compactors do not always meet reach distance standards, allowing for persons to climb onto or into framework, accessing the compaction inlet. Clauses 5.1.3.2.1 and 5.1.3.2.2 2 of BS EN 16486 attempt to clarify).
9. Binlifters are typically integrated into compactors (especially portable compactors) and safeguards can readily be defeated (i.e. when the lifter is without a full enclosure). Currently clause 5.1.2.1.3 of BS EN 16486 places reliance on operator visibility in combination with hold to run controls for a manually operated binlift, and their reaction time when others approach or enter a danger zone, rather than physically enclose and segregate the danger area, thus preventing access. There is currently an equivalent scenario with balers and feed conveyors – however clause 5.1.2.2 indicates requirements for conveyors and consideration is required as to whether this is realistic. It is noted that work on camera systems to detect persons are being looked at in other sectors, as a means of safeguarding.
10. Gravity fall of compaction plate. This can be a problem with both vertical compactors and balers. The connection between the compression cylinder and plate is a single fault to danger. There is fatal accident history, as no statutory examination regime is in place for NDT or equivalent inspection.
11. Operating instructions. Clause 7.2.2 provides general instructions for operation. It is recommended that such instructions be reviewed, based on the outcome of the drafting work.
12. Wider information gathering. The panel were asked to review feedback on accident history and input from those inspecting and examining such machines, establishing any common issues and approaches to design/ risk mitigation. Consideration may be given from any learning on textile balers (note that vertical balers are covered by the scope of BS EN 16500, however swivel or twin chamber balers are excluded, as the baling chamber is not fixed).
13. There remains other common recycling machines that fall outside of the current standards. These include rotary compactors, bin presses, shredders, swivel balers, metal balers and box shears, cable strippers, crocodile/ alligator shears, food digestors and roller packers. These may give more potential for a “common requirements” approach or additional standards, in due course.
You are now following this standard. Weekly digest emails will be sent to update you on the following activities:
You can manage your follow preferences from your Account. Please check your mailbox junk folder if you don't receive the weekly email.
You have successfully unsubscribed from weekly updates for this standard.
Comment on proposal
Required form fields are indicated by an asterisk (*) character.