EN 619, “Continuous handling equipment and systems – Safety requirements for equipment for mechanical handling of unit loads”, is the type C standard for conveyors and conveyor systems that carry cartons, crates, pallets and similar unit loads. The most common accidents are hands and clothing drawn in between a rotating roller and the belt, and trapping between the load and a fixed part at transfer points. The standard explains how these hazards are removed by design.
Let us take care of EN 619 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN 619 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN 619:2022 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Continuous handling equipment and systems – Safety requirements for equipment for mechanical handling of unit loads |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Type of standard | Type C standard |
Which equipment does it cover?
The standard covers mechanical equipment that moves unit loads continuously or intermittently. Typical examples:
- Roller and chain conveyors
- Belt and modular belt conveyors for unit loads
- Pallet conveyors, turntables and transfer cars
- Vertical transfer devices and lifting transfer stations
- Sorters and accumulation conveyors
Belt conveyors for bulk materials are dealt with in EN 620, not in this standard.
Main requirements of the standard
- Drawing-in points: Nip points between belt and drum, chain and sprocket, and between rollers are removed by design or closed off with guards.
- Transfer points: Gaps between two conveyors and between a conveyor and fixed structures are arranged so that fingers and hands cannot be trapped.
- Moving equipment: The travel zone of transfer cars, turntables and lifting devices is protected by guards or protective devices.
- Load openings: People are prevented from entering the safeguarded zone through openings for the load; protective devices with a muting function are used where needed.
- Falling loads: Elevated sections have side guards, under-guards or an equivalent measure.
- Emergency stop: Emergency stop devices are placed within reach wherever operators work or intervene.
- Start-up warning: Where the operator cannot see the whole system, an audible or visual warning is given before movement starts.
- Crossings, access and isolation: Safe crossing points and maintenance access are provided, with lockable isolation against unexpected start-up.
Verification and tests under EN 619
The standard names the verification method for each requirement. For large systems verification is completed on site.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Guards, marking and emergency stop devices are in place |
| Measurement of gaps and distances | Nip points and danger zones cannot be reached |
| Emergency stop functional test | Each device stops its section and restart needs a deliberate action |
| Protective device and muting test | The line runs while a load passes and stops when a person enters |
| Start-up warning and electrical tests | The warning comes before movement; verification measurements to EN 60204-1 |
Results are recorded in the test report; checks are repeated when the line is extended or the layout changes.
Where it fits in CE marking
- Risk assessment: The hazards of the conveyor and of the line are identified under EN ISO 12100.
- Design: Nip points, transfers and guards are designed to EN 619.
- Verification: Measurements and functional tests are made, mostly at the place of installation.
- Technical file: Layout plan, diagrams and the test report go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN 619 is listed among the standards applied.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the essential requirements it covers; see CE marking of machinery. A conveyor module sold to be built into another line can be partly completed machinery; conformity is then assessed for the line as a whole.
Standards applied together
- EN ISO 13857: safety distances
- EN ISO 13854: minimum gaps to avoid crushing
- EN ISO 14120: fixed and movable guards
- EN ISO 13850: emergency stop function
- EN ISO 14118 and EN 60204-1: prevention of unexpected start-up and electrical equipment
Frequently asked questions
Does a single conveyor module need CE marking?
A conveyor that can be used on its own is a machine. A module supplied only for building into another line can be partly completed machinery; it depends on how the product is sold.
What happens when an existing line is extended?
If the extension affects safety, risk assessment and verification are carried out for the new section and its interfaces.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN 619:2022. The current citation should be checked before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN ISO 10218-2: Robot Systems and Integration
- EN 415-10: Packaging Machines General Requirements
- EN ISO 19085-1: Woodworking Machines Common Requirements
- EN 1012-1: Air Compressors
