Physical hazards

In this field KAN’s activities focus on standardization on:

• hazards caused by noise;
• hazards caused by vibration;
• hazards caused by non-ionizing radiation
• hazards caused by fault arcs.

Hazards caused by machinery noise

Contact: Dr. Dirk Bartnik (bartnik@kan.de)

The Machinery Directive requires machine manufacturers to reduce noise to the lowest possible level and to include information in the instruction handbook for the user of the machine concerning the residual risk caused by noise. Standardization can support this directive requirement by standardizing technical measures for noise reduction and test methods for noise measurement. There are shortcomings, e.g. in the use of, for example, "guide values" in specific machinery safety standards to describe the state of the art with regard to noise reduction.

For further information on the subject, see:

• KANBrief 2/01: Noise control – the new EC “Outdoor Noise” directive
• KANBrief 2/98 Emissions – KAN's position
• KAN Report 8: Noise protection for machinery and workplace

Hazards caused by machinery vibrations

Contact: Dr. Dirk Bartnik (bartnik@kan.de) 

The Machinery Directive requires machine manufacturers to reduce vibrations to the lowest possible level and to include information in the instruction handbook for the user of the machine concerning the residual risk caused by vibration. Standardization can support this directive requirement by standardizing technical measures for vibration reduction and test methods for vibration measurement. However, there are shortcomings, e.g. in the essential vibration standards and in the use of "guide values" in specific machinery safety standards to describe the state of the art with regard to vibration reduction.

For further information on the subject, see:

• KAN Position Paper on EN ISO 8041:2005: "Human response to vibration - Measuring instrumentation"
• KANBrief 2/04:Guidance document on “vibration exposure”
• KANBrief 3/03: Measurement of vibrations: Comparable methods for comparable machines
• KANBrief 4/02: Vibration directive in force
• KANBrief 2/98: Emissions – KAN’s position
• KAN Report 3: Definition of the need for standardization to establish vibration parameters

Non-ionizing radiation

Contact: Beate Schlutter (schlutter@kan.de)

In the case of non-ionizing radiation (KAN Report 9), the focus lies on the setting of limits for exposure at work.
KAN supports the standardization of measuring methods in order to achieve harmonization in Europe and thereby to strengthen occupational health and safety considerably. At the same time, KAN is pursuing the aim of preventing exposure limits for the workplace from being specified in standards, since this issue must be reserved for the political decision-making process.

Hazards caused by fault arcs

Contact: Corado Mattiuzzo (mattiuzzo@kan.de)

When a high-current arc occurs between two or more electrical conductors, the resulting fault arc can cause a serious accident. With this in mind, KAN set up a task force in 2009, consisting of representatives of accident insurance institutions, Germany’s federal states, testing bodies, research and industry. The group explored in depth the issue of protection against the effects of fault arcs. The original aim was to discuss the parameters for type examinations for clothing designed to provide protection against thermal hazards arising from fault arcs. In the end, however, the discussions moved beyond that mandate and covered the entire range of possible hazards.

For further information on the subject, see:

• Progress report by the KAN "PPE against fault arcs"
  working group
• KANBrief 4/11: "Hazards presented by fault arcs"