Foreword

Publishing information

This Published Document is published by BSI Standards Limited, under licence from The British Standards Institution, and came into effect on 31 December 2019. It was prepared by Technical Committee MCE/3, Safeguarding of machinery. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Supersession

This Published Document supersedes PD 5304:2014, which is withdrawn.

Information about this document

BS 5304:1988 was withdrawn following publication of a series of harmonized European machinery safety standards. Recognizing that BS 5304 contained valuable practical advice, PD 5304:2000, followed by PD 5304:2005 and PD 5304:2014, was published to retain the advice contained in BS 5304, with the addition of references to those relevant harmonized European machinery safety standards.

This edition takes account of the requirements of the current harmonized European machinery safety standards, to help the user maintain those safety requirements when upgrading, refurbishing or changing the use of machinery.

NOTE The bibliography provides a link to an online list of harmonized European standards relevant to machinery safety.

Ensuring that risks associated with the use of machinery are eliminated or reduced is a task that requires unremitting and careful attention at all times. It is hoped that this Published Document will make a worthwhile contribution to the prevention of harm arising from the use of machinery. It is intended to serve as a useful guide to all those with responsibility for safe use of machinery and duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Figures are used to illustrate the general application of these principles. However, solutions other than those illustrated can be equally effective.

The safeguarding of machinery is continually being improved. Users of machinery need to make themselves aware of any new codes of practice, etc., which might be published from time to time and any other relevant new developments.

This Published Document can be withdrawn, revised, partially superseded or superseded. Information regarding the status of this Published Document can be found in the Standards Catalogue on the BSI website at bsigroup.com/standards, or by contacting the Customer Services team.

Where websites and webpages have been cited, they are provided for ease of reference and are correct at the time of publication. The location of a webpage or website, or its contents, cannot be guaranteed.

Presentational conventions

The guidance in this Published Document is presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Any recommendations are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is “should”.

The word “may” is used in the text to express permissibility, e.g. as an alternative to the primary recommendation of the Clause. The word “can” is used to express possibility, e.g. a consequence of an action or an event.

Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

Compliance with a Published Document cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

PD 5304:2019

Guidance on safe use of machinery

Current, Under Review

Published:

31 Dec 2019