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IS 12159:1987 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for concrete vibrators - mechanical poker type - safety requirements. This standard specifies the safety requirements for the design and construction of mechanically-driven, poker-type concrete vibrators. It covers the power unit, flexible shaft, and poker head to ensure operator safety from mechanical, thermal, and electrical hazards during use.
Lays down safety requirements for mechanical poker type concrete vibrators.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
General — Scaffolding, Formwork and Construction Equipment
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Concrete vibrators and pokers - Safety
Directly covers safety requirements for poker-type concrete vibrators (internal vibrators).
BS EN 12649:2008+A1:2011BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Concrete vibrators and pokers - Safety
The UK's identical adoption of the European standard for poker vibrator safety.
ISO 12100:2010ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
MediumCurrent
Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
Provides the fundamental risk assessment framework that underpins modern specific standards like EN 12649.
Key Differences
≠The IS code follows a prescriptive safety approach (e.g., 'provide a guard'), whereas EN 12649 is based on a formal risk assessment process defined in ISO 12100, leading to more comprehensive and performance-based safety measures.
≠IS 12159 explicitly excludes noise and makes no mention of hand-arm vibration (HAV). EN 12649 mandates the measurement, reduction, and declaration of both noise emission and HAV levels, which are critical health hazards.
≠The scope of IS 12159 is strictly limited to 'mechanical poker type' vibrators. EN 12649 is broader, covering internal vibrators (pokers), external (formwork) vibrators, vibrating tables, and surface vibrators.
≠EN 12649 specifies more advanced control requirements, such as 'hold-to-run' controls for hand-held machines and references specific standards for emergency stops (ISO 13850), while the IS code's requirements are more general.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards require that moving transmission parts, such as belts, pulleys, and couplings, be securely guarded to prevent contact and mechanical injury.
≈Both mandate that for units driven by an internal combustion engine, the exhaust system must be designed to direct fumes away from the operator's breathing zone.
≈Both standards include a requirement for the stability of the drive unit when placed on an inclined surface to prevent it from tipping over during operation.
≈Both require manufacturers to provide an instruction manual detailing safe operation, maintenance, and safety precautions, as well as a marking plate on the machine with key identification data.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Stability Test
Unit must be stable on a floor with a slope of 15 degrees.
Unit must be stable on a test platform with a 15% slope (approx. 8.5 degrees).
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011
Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) Declaration
Not specified.
Mandatory. Value must be measured as per ISO 20643 and declared in the manual and on the machine marking if over 2.5 m/s².
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011
Noise Emission Declaration
Specifically excluded from the scope.
Mandatory. The A-weighted sound power level must be measured (e.g., per ISO 3744) and declared.
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011
Lifting Provision Threshold
Required if the mass of the unit exceeds 20 kg.
Required for all machines not intended to be moved by hand. No specific mass threshold; based on risk assessment for safe handling.
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011
Hot Surface Protection
Not explicitly specified, covered generally under 'Safety Precautions'.
Parts that can be touched and exceed touch-temperature limits must be guarded or marked with a warning symbol (ISO 7010-W017).
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011
Emergency Stop
Requires a device for stopping the prime mover which is readily identifiable and accessible.
Specifies requirements based on ISO 13850 for emergency stop functions, which is more detailed regarding performance and reliability.
EN 12649:2008+A1:2011
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use