BS EN 609-1:2017

What is BS EN 609-1 - Safety requirements for wedge splitters about ?

BS EN 609-1 is the first part of a multi-series standard that covers safety specifications for safety requirements for wedge splitters, ensuring safety and protection in agricultural and forestry applications. 

BS EN 609-1 specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of horizontal and vertical wedge splitters, designed for splitting logs for firewood, irrespective of the nature of the power source used. 

BS EN 609-1 also deals with wedge splitters that are designed so that the splitting operation is activated by one person only. However, it is foreseeable that other operators may be working with the machine, e.g., for loading or unloading. 

BS EN 609-1 also specifies the type of information on safe working practices to be provided by the manufacturer. 

Note: BS EN 609-1 does not apply to - 

• Machines designed for cutting into length for splitting and splitting for firewood 
• Wedge splitters manufactured before its publication 

Who is BS EN 609-1 - Safety requirements for wedge splitters for ?

BS EN 609-1 on safety requirements for wedge splitters applies to: 

• Manufacturers of wedge splitters 
• Dealers and importers of wedge splitters 
• Testing houses and labs for wedge splitters 
• Safety assurance services 

Why should you use BS EN 609-1 - Safety requirements for wedge splitters ? 

Wedge splitters are installed on log splitters that are used to split the wood quickly. They make the process of splitting wood easier and safer. Wedge splitters usually come with a pointed design to make the process of splitting easier. Fulfilling safety requirements ensures the operability and stability of splitting operations. 

BS EN 609-1 provides users guidance on all the significant hazards, hazardous situations, and hazardous events relevant to wedge splitters when used as intended and under the conditions of misuse, ensuring the reduction and prevention of risk. 

BS EN 609-1 provides users guidance on safety requirements such as electrical equipment, control systems, safeguarding of the splitting zone, hydraulic equipment, log holding requirements, return movement of moving device of splitter and more, ensuring operational safety and performance in agricultural and forestry applications. 

The adoption of BS EN 609-1 allows users to develop and assess safety systems for wedge splitters, ensuring the safety, operability and longevity in agricultural applications. 

What’s changed since the last update ?

BS EN 609-1:2017 supersedes BS EN 609-1:1999+A2:2009, which is now withdrawn. 

Changes in BS EN 609-1:2017 include - 

• Four (4) different machine categories, which all have machine-specific safety requirements and options (Horizontal and Vertical – Long logs and short logs) 
• More specific interpretation of safety distances for these specific types of machines (EN 13857 and machine specific distances) 
• Specific requirements for log handling, which includes holding before, during and after the splitting, but also log lifting 
• Improved ergonomic requirements, which consider the actual use of the machine and requirements for AOPD
• Requirements for hauling winches that can be, and often are, attached to the wedge splitters and new tests and verifications, how to interpret the standard