BS EN 50434:2014

What is BS EN 50434 - Requirements for mains operated shredders and chippers about? 

BS EN 50434 is a standard that serves requirements for mains operated shredders and chippers, enabling the development of safety protocols for the safety of operators and machines in shredding applications. 

BS EN 50434 specifies safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of hand fed shredders/chippers with an integral electric motor, not exceeding 250 V single phase, with or without vacuum assisted collection, which are designed to reduce organic material to smaller pieces and are used in a stationary position by an operator standing on the ground. 

BS EN 50434 applies to shredders/chippers with feed intake openings or segments that are referred to as feed safety openings that, in total, will fit into a square of 250 mm x 250 mm. 

BS EN 50434 deals with all significant hazards presented by shredders/chippers when they are used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable. 

Note: BS EN 50434 does not cover - 

• Machines powered by combustion engines 
• Machines driven by an external power source or by battery power 
• Machines with powered discharge intended to broadcast material or load vehicles 
• Machines with mechanically powered feed intake or attachments 
• Wood chippers for agricultural, lawn and park and forestry use 
• EMC and environmental aspects 
• Machines manufactured before its publication 

Who is BS EN 50434 - Requirements for mains operated shredders and chippers for? 

BS EN 50434 on requirements for mains operated shredders and chippers applies to: 

• Manufacturers of shredders and chippers 
• Dealers and importers of shredders and chippers 
• Testing houses for household appliances 
• Safety and quality assurance services 
• Regulatory bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 50434 - Requirements for mains operated shredders and chippers? 

A shredder/chipper is a machine designed for use in a stationary position having a shredding means for the purpose of reducing organic materials to smaller pieces.  

BS EN 50434 provides users guidance on classification, marking, instructions, protection against access to live parts, starting of motor-operated appliances, power input and current, heating, and void, enabling the standardization of safety protocols for shredders and chippers. 

BS EN 50434 provides users guidance on leakage current, transient overvoltages, moisture resistance, overload protection, endurance and abnormal operations, ensuring the safety of mains operated shredders and chippers against electric hazards. 

BS EN 50434 also provides users guidance on mechanical strength, construction, internal wiring, components, screws and connection, resistance to heat, fire and rusting, ensuring operational safety and risk reduction in shredding operations. 

With obedience and compliance to BS EN 50434, users can develop and assess shredders and chippers, enabling the prevention of hazards for safety, performance and longevity in shredding applications.