BS EN 1804-3:2020

What is BS EN 1804-3- Hydraulic and electro hydraulic control systems about? 

BS EN 1804-3 specifies the safety requirements for hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control devices, including hydraulic valves and their control elements, valve combinations, control systems, pipes, and hose assemblies, measuring devices, built-in pressure limiting and check valves in legs and rams, and, as well emergency stop, start warning, blocking- and control unit when used as specified by the manufacturer or his authorized representative. BS EN 1804-3 applies to hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control devices at ambient temperatures from –10 °C to 60 °C. 

BS EN 1804-3 identifies and takes account of: 

• Possible hazards which can be caused by the operation of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control devices 
• Areas and operating conditions which can create such hazards 
• Hazardous situations which can cause injury or can be damaging to health 
• Hazards which can be caused by firedamp and/or combustible dust 

BS EN 1804-3 describes methods for reducing these hazards. 

NOTE 1: BS EN 1804-3 excludes pressure generators and internal valves of legs and rams.  

NOTE 2: BS EN 1804-3 does not specify any additional requirements for: 

• Use in particularly corrosive environments 
• Hazards occurring during construction, transportation, decommissioning 
• Earthquake 

NOTE 3: BS EN 1804-3 is not applicable to hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems manufactured before the date of its publication. 

Who is BS EN 1804-3 - Hydraulic and electro hydraulic control systems for?  

BS EN 1804-3 on hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems is beneficial for: 

• Machine manufacturers (small, medium and large enterprises) 
• Health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organizations, market surveillance, etc.) 
• System engineers 
• ATI technicians 
• Maritime industries 
• Hydraulic industries 

Why should you use BS EN 1804-3 - Hydraulic and electro hydraulic control systems? 

The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations, and hazardous events are covered, are indicated in BS EN 1804-3.  

Others can be affected by the level of machinery safety achieved with the means of the BS EN 1804-3 by the mentioned stakeholder groups: 

• Machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises) 
• Machine users/employees (e.g., trade unions, organizations for people with special needs) 
• Service providers, e.g., for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises) 
• Consumers (in the case of machinery intended for use by consumers) 

The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate in the drafting process of BS EN 1804-3. 

When preparing BS EN 1804-3, it was assumed that: 

• Only trained and qualified personnel would operate the machine 
• Components without specific requirements are: 
• Designed in accordance with the usual engineering practice and calculation code 
• Of sound mechanical construction 
• Free of defects 
• Components are kept in good working order 
• A negotiation took place between the user and the manufacturer concerning the use of the machinery  

BS EN 1804-3 assists the user with various types of hydraulic control devices like sensors, pressures, valves. Hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control devices are designed and positioned in such a way that it is not necessary for personnel to be located in the area of the operating support units. 

Overall, BS EN 1804-3 is helpful as hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control devices are designed and located in such a manner so that they cannot be operated unintentionally from the walkway. Machinery complies with the safety requirements and protective measures. Hydraulic circuits of each leg of the support are fitted with a device indicating the pressure in the leg. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 1804-3:2020 supersedes EN 1804-3:2006+A1:2010. 

The main differences between BS EN 1804-3:2020 and EN 1804-3:2006+A1:2010 are as follows: 

• Normative references (updated) 
• Terms and definitions (revised/modified/enhanced) 
• List of significant hazards (revised/enhanced) 
• Requirements for automatic hydraulic functions (deleted) 
• Requirements for in- and inter-shield hose routing (added)