EN 15573:Safety on the Road

SAFETY ON THE ROAD IS SET TO BE IMPROVED through the publication of a new European Standard (EN 15573) which defines the characteristics and performance requirements for Earth-moving machinery when used on the road.

A first for the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) sector, EN 15573 defines common requirements for application in all EU countries rather than having each having its own rules. Many EU countries have no requirements for NRMM or inappropriately apply rules for passenger cars and heavy goods vehicle from which exemptions are given. This new standard for Earth-moving machinery aises the bar?with its requirements which are at least equivalent to the national requirements of the most stringent countries. It is in countries with no, or loose requirements for NRMM, that implementation of the standard will have greatest benefit.

As well as improvements for the operator themselves, European citizen will benefit since as they cross borders they will no-longer be confronted with Earth-moving machines that have different safety specifications e.g. lighting and marking, guarding and protection arrangements. Machine behaviour e.g. braking and steering should also be more predictable for other road users and pedestrians since they will not have been adapted to comply with the varying different national requirements. In-short the same level of safety can be applied across the entire EU market.

EN 15573 does not concern itself with se?requirements such as operator (driver) licensing or fuel taxation, nor does it override national restrictions such as road weight limits which all vehicles classes must observe. What it does do though is describe the design and performance requirements and covers the following subject area;

 Dimensions and masses
 Speed marking
 Speedometer
 Tyres, rims and tracks
 Dynamic stability
 Steering system
 Brake system
 Trailer connections
 Visibility
 Wiper, demisting and defrosting systems
 Mirrors
 Restraint system
 Doors and windows
 Operating instrumentation, controls and indicators
 Lighting and marking
 Special warning plates
 Registration plate
 Warning devices (horn)
 Noise emission
 Protruding appliance protection
 Fenders
 Fuel tanks

There are a few notes in the standard which indicate a non-compatibility with existing national requirements though according to European rules, such notes reflect a national problem which has to be addressed locally. There are only a few of these and they are of minor significance (reflecting the success that the standard has on harmonising the requirements between the European countries):

 Finland ?maximum permissible axle loads are slightly lower than those specified in the standard
 France ?the left hand mirror has to be adjustable from within the cab and machines greater than 6-m in length have to be fitted with additional side marker lamps
 Germany ?warning beacons are not permitted
 Belgium ?a rear fog lamp is mandatory

The standard is voluntary and non-binding since it is not prepared under a mandate from the European Commission for a specific directive. A study financed by the European Commission has proven the benefit that harmonising road regulations would bring in Europe but steps in this direction have not yet been made. The development of this standard by the European construction equipment industry is a tool to bridge the gaps in European and National laws.