Regulations get closer

By: Editor

Date: 27.06.2013

New regulations for hose burst protection valves — or anti-drop valves as most of us know them — are coming closer.

Regulations get closer

From 1 January 2014, it appears hose burst protection valves will be required on hydraulic excavators with an operating weight of 12 tonnes or more. I use the word "appears", as my interpretation of the regulation differs a bit from what others in the industry have been saying.

Yes, the regulation does say hose burst protection valves on hydraulic excavators over 12 tonnes are required after the 1 January 2014, but I am struggling to see where it says all excavators over 12 tonnes need them fitted, as has been suggested.

This comes about from one particular piece of the regulation:

"Items of mobile plant (including earth-moving equipment), not originally designed as a crane, and used for load-lifting incidental to their principal function are exempt from the Health and Safety in Employment (Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways) Regulations 1999 subject to the following…"

The words "incidental to their principal function" certainly got my attention. What if I don't use my excavator as a crane? Its principal function is digging dirt and I don't use it as a crane so as I read it, no hose burst protection valves are required.

Taking this on board, I spoke to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

It seems MBIE are also on the same page, as the questions arise: Will hose burst protection valves need to be fitted to only new excavators, retro fitted to all excavators, or fitted only to those machines being used for crane work? There is also the question as to whether other hydraulic machines, such as wheel loaders, will need hose burst protection as well?

I'm pretty sure no one can deny the safety aspects of having excavators fitted with hose burst protection, and I personally can think of many times standing under an excavator arm when moving things like concrete pipes and pieces of equipment.

MBIE says it is currently addressing the situation and will be reporting back to us soon.

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