BS EN 13586:2020

What is BS EN 13586 about?  

BS EN 13586 specifies design requirements for non-powered access installed on cranes.

Slidable, retractable means of access are excluded from the scope, except for movable hoop guards. BS EN 13586 covers means of access to control stations and all access required for maintenance, certain erection, and dismantling operations. 

For those cranes which are intended to be erected and dismantled frequently to change their places of work, specific requirements for the access needed during these operations are not covered by BS EN 13586 and should be given in the appropriate European Standards for specific crane types.

Lighting of means of access is not covered by BS EN 13586 and should be given in the appropriate European Standards for specific crane types.

Note 1: The requirements given in BS EN 13586 do not take into account the safety distances related to

• Guarding against hazards from moving parts
• Relative movement between crane and adjacent structure or the ground/floor
• Hazardous surface temperature
• Electrical equipment

Note 2: The following factors shall be taken into account, when determining means of access for cranes:

• Frequency of use
• Equipment and tools to be carried
• Vertical distance to cover
• Nature of use, e.g., regular operator access, maintenance, inspection

Note 3:  For other types of access, a requirement for information to be supplied is specified.

Who is BS EN 13586 for? 

BS EN 13586 is of relevance, in particular, for the following stakeholder groups representing the market players with regard to machinery safety:

• Machine manufacturers (small, medium and large organizations)
• Service providers, e.g., for maintenance (small, medium and large organizations)
• Machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises)
• Health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organizations, market surveillance, etc.)

Why should you use BS EN 13586?  

Access to control stations, machinery spaces and portions of the crane for which periodic inspection or maintenance is required shall be provided by means such as steps, stairs, ladders, gangways, landings, and platforms complete with such handrails, handholds, and other accessories as are necessary. The system shall allow for safe access to the cabin and walkway. It’s important to have safe access to the control systems.  Provision of access, when moving from one level to another, should be in the preferential order: stair, step ladder, and rung ladder. Furthermore, permanent protective equipment (e.g., hoop guard, side protection) shall be preferred to personal protection equipment.  Where personal protection equipment is required, a continuous system avoiding the necessity to connect and disconnect shall be preferred. BS EN 13586 contains all the significant hazards as listed in CEN Guide 414, hazardous situations and events, as far as they are dealt with in this document, identified by risk assessment as significant for this type of machinery and which require action to eliminate or reduce the risk.

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 13586:2020 supersedes BS EN 13586:2004+A1:2008, which is withdrawn The main technical changes in this edition compared to EN 13586:2004+A1:2008 are in 5.5, 5.10, 5.11, 5.13, Clause 6, and Clause 7. Clause 4 and Annex ZA have been updated to conform with the valid drafting rules. Additionally, the arrangements of figures and tables have been improved for reasons of clarity and technical and editorial accuracy.