Is a guard required on a generating set engine exhaust manifold for it to comply with CE directives an/or BS/en Standards?

To give the obvious answer that guards should be fitted is too flippant for an area of safety which is difficult to execute. It is therefore of benefit to consider the references to this subject in the various standards applied to generating sets.

The Machinery Directive under the heading of “Extreme Temperatures” (1.5.5) states that:

“Steps must be taken to eliminate any risk of injury arising from contact with or proximity to machinery parts or materials at high or very low temperatures.”

BS EN 12601:2010 has now been superseded by BS ISO 8528-13

But contains similar wording in that any exhaust engine surface area of more than 10 cm2 which can be reached by test cones shall be equipped with guard(s).

It must be noted that the standard states that an enclosure with access doors shall not be considered as protection against contact with an engine exhaust.

UL2200 – “Stationary engine generator assemblies” concurs with BS EN ISO13732 for “casual contact” but does allow metal surfaces to exceed 70 degrees C as an exception when the unit is:

• a) a fixed unit so that the risk of contact by people is reduced
• b) is marked with caution notices and
• c) is provided with safety instructions. These requirements are detailed in the standard.

Taking into consideration all the above, for “best practice”, guards should be fitted to exhaust components together with cautionary notices. Instructions should also be given if deemed appropriate. It is most important that a risk assessment has been made, and it can be demonstrated that all possible steps have been taken to minimise the risk to people.