The EN 12999 is a harmonised standard for truck-mounted loader cranes and is related to the Machinery Directive. In collaboration with the authorities, HMF Group and other crane manufacturers in the EU have agreed on a new revision (2020) of the standard with requirements for a higher level of safety in control circuits. Therefore, it’s no longer sufficient to simply read what a sensor is measuring on an HMF truck-mounted crane. You also need to make sure that the measurement you have is completely correct in order for you to respond if the crane fails.
What does this mean in practice for HMF’s cranes?
That there will be extra sensors on the crane, typically two in the same spot instead of only one. As long as the two detectors show the same, you can be certain that what they show is correct. But if, for example, one pressure sensor changes up and down and the other doesn’t move, something is wrong. This is what we in the industry call redundancy: That you put two measurements on the same thing you want to measure and thus achieve a higher level of safety.
That sounds smart and safe. Can you give another example?
Right now, we have a sensor that measures the angle of where an HMF crane points when you carry out the slewing movement. If you have an area into which the crane must not be operated, e.g. because you are parked next to a busy road, it’s important that you don’t carry out the slewing movement in the wrong direction so that passers-by may be injured. We have actually always measured this. But now we place two sensors and thus get two angle measurements. Even if one sensor fails, you have the other telling you: What you’re doing right now is wrong.
What does the revised standard mean to me as an HMF vehicle body builder, dealer or distributor?
That you will see two sensors instead of one when you look at certain spots on the crane. When you carry out a service overhaul, you need to check two sensors instead of one. But the crane still has the same functions as before.
What does this mean for the crane operator?
That you get an even safer crane. The functions are the same, and your HMF crane will not be any different to operate. Actually, you won’t even notice anything.
Does the standard apply to all crane models?
Yes, all cranes with a CE Declaration of Conformity.
What should I do if I’m working with an older HMF truck-mounted crane?
Nothing. Your current crane has been sold according to a previous set of rules, so you can continue to use it and it is still completely safe to use. All new cranes delivered ex works must comply with the EN 12999:2020. HMF Group has complied with the rules to the letter all the time. This change is only due to increased requirements from the EU regarding monitoring of cranes and their safety systems.
Is there anything I need to do as a vehicle body builder, dealer or distributor?
No. HMF Group increases the safety level and everything is handled by us. We’re in the process of changing our production so that all cranes sent from the factory as from 14 October 2021 live up to the revised standard.
Will this apply globally?
The European Norm – EN 12999: 2020 – applies to all cranes delivered with a CE Declaration of Conformity in the EU and the countries that comply with the CE-standards.
