BS EN 1804-3:2020: Machines for Underground Mines

Safety Requirements for Hydraulic Powered Roof Supports

In the challenging and demanding environment of underground mining, safety and efficiency are paramount. The BS EN 1804-3:2020 standard is an essential document that provides comprehensive safety requirements for hydraulic powered roof supports, including both hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems. This standard is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of mining operations, protecting both workers and equipment.

Key Features of BS EN 1804-3:2020

• Standard Number: BS EN 1804-3:2020
• Pages: 46
• Released: January 15, 2021
• ISBN: 978 0 539 02209 4
• Status: Standard

Comprehensive Safety Guidelines

This standard outlines the safety requirements for the design, construction, and operation of hydraulic powered roof supports used in underground mines. It addresses the potential hazards associated with these systems and provides guidelines to mitigate risks, ensuring a safer working environment for miners.

Hydraulic and Electro-Hydraulic Control Systems

The BS EN 1804-3:2020 standard covers both hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems, which are integral to the operation of roof supports. These systems are designed to provide precise control and stability, essential for maintaining the structural integrity of mine roofs. The standard ensures that these systems are reliable, efficient, and safe to use in the demanding conditions of underground mining.

Why Choose BS EN 1804-3:2020?

Adhering to the BS EN 1804-3:2020 standard is not just about compliance; it is about ensuring the highest level of safety and operational efficiency in underground mining operations. By following this standard, mining companies can reduce the risk of accidents, improve the reliability of their equipment, and enhance the overall safety of their operations.

Benefits of Implementing the Standard

• Enhanced Safety: Protects workers by minimizing the risk of accidents and equipment failures.
• Improved Efficiency: Ensures that hydraulic systems operate smoothly and effectively, reducing downtime.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets industry regulations and standards, avoiding potential legal issues.
• Increased Reliability: Provides guidelines for maintaining the integrity and performance of hydraulic systems.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 1804-3:2020 standard is essential for a wide range of professionals involved in underground mining operations, including:

• Mining Engineers
• Safety Officers
• Equipment Manufacturers
• Maintenance Personnel
• Regulatory Authorities

Conclusion

In the high-stakes environment of underground mining, ensuring the safety and reliability of equipment is crucial. The BS EN 1804-3:2020 standard provides the necessary guidelines to achieve this, making it an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the design, operation, or maintenance of hydraulic powered roof supports. By implementing this standard, mining operations can achieve greater safety, efficiency, and compliance, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable mining practices.

BS EN 1804-3:2020

This standard BS EN 1804-3:2020 Machines for underground mines. Safety requirements for hydraulic powered roof supports is classified in these ICS categories:

• 73.100.10 Tunnelling and tubing equipment

This document 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. Excluded are pressure generators, and internal valves of legs and rams (e.g. leg bottom valves, see EN 1804?2:2020).

This document applies to hydraulic and electro hydraulic control devices at ambient temperatures from –10 °C to 60 °C.

This document identifies and takes into account:

1. possible hazards which can be caused by the operation of hydraulic and electro hydraulic control devices;

2. areas and operating conditions which can create such hazards;

3. hazardous situations which can cause injury or can be damaging to health;

4. hazards which can be caused by firedamp and/or combustible dusts.

This document describes methods for the reduction of these hazards.

A list of significant hazards covered appears in Clause 4.

This document does not specify any additional requirements for:

1. use in particularly corrosive environments;

2. hazards occurring during construction, transportation, decommissioning;

3. earthquakes.

A complete hydraulic powered roof support consists of the support units ( EN 1804-1:2020), legs and support rams ( EN 1804-2:2020) and the hydraulic and electro hydraulic controls ( EN 1804?3:2020). Each part of this multipart document addresses the safety requirements of the components mentioned in the scopes of the respective parts of this multipart series.

This document is not applicable to hydraulic and electro hydraulic control systems manufactured before the date of its publication.