Textile machinery - Safety requirements - Part 6: Fabric manufacturing machinery (ISO 11111-6:2005 + Amd 1:2009 + Amd 2:2016); German version EN ISO 11111-6:2005 + A1:2009 + A2:2016 / Note: DIN EN ISO 11111-6 (2009-12) remains valid alongside this stan...

Overview and technical evolution of EN ISO 11111-6 standard

EN ISO 11111-6:2005+A1:2009+A2:2016 is an important part of the series of standards on safety requirements for textile machinery, specifically targeting the safety technical requirements for fabric manufacturing machinery. This standard replaces the 1995 version of EN ISO 11111:1995 and has been comprehensively revised in terms of technical content. The standard was jointly developed by Technical Committee ISO/TC 72 "Textile machinery and accessories" and Technical Committee CEN/TC 214 "Textile machinery and accessories", reflecting the close cooperation between the International Organization for Standardization and the European Committee for Standardization.

Scope of application of the standard and classification of machinery

This part of the standard applies to all machinery, equipment and related devices used for weaving, knitting, knitting and tufting, specifically including:

Major hazard identification and safety requirements

Mechanical hazard protection

The standard targets Detailed safety requirements are outlined for the main mechanical hazards of weaving machinery: Crushing and shearing hazards: Isolating and/or non-isolating guards must be provided at crush points between the reed and fixed components (such as the selvedge support, press rollers, or fabric table) to prevent the machine from starting when an operator's fingers are in the hazard zone. This includes starting with a single weft insertion, starting at normal production speed, slow speed operation, and restarting after automatic weft breakage. Type of guard: Sensitive protective devices (such as Type 4 active optoelectronic protective devices in accordance with IEC 61496-1 and IEC 61496-2) or movable interlocking isolating guards can be used. For heavy weaving machines exceeding 8 meters in width, the safety-related control system must achieve Performance Level d (ISO 13849-1:2006) or Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 (IEC 62061:2005).

Control System Safety Requirements

The standard sets clear requirements for the safety functions of control systems:

Starting Controls: Accidental or unintentional starting must be prevented by starting controls. These controls should be designed to reduce the risk of operators accidentally operating the control (e.g., leaning on it) or operating the wrong control (e.g., starting at normal speed instead of slow speed). Two-hand controls or controls that operate differently from other controls (e.g., pull instead of push) may be used.

Automatic Restart Conditions: Automatic restart can only be performed if all isolating and non-isolating guards are in place and/or effective, and if a light signal is activated during the execution sequence until normal production speed is reached at the end of the start sequence. The signaling device must be appropriately installed and visible and accessible from the normal operating position of the loom.

Safety Requirements for Special Machinery

Special Requirements for Shuttle Looms

For shuttle looms, the standard requires isolating guards to prevent the shuttle from coming off the track. This can be an adjustable shuttle catch mounted on the sley and extending its full length, which can be opened and must automatically return to the operating position. If weaving conditions prevent the installation of a shuttle catch on the reed, a shuttle guard must be installed on each side of the machine to prevent the shuttle from flying out of the loom area.

Special Requirements for Rapier Weaving Machines

For rapier weaving machines, isolating or non-isolating guards must be provided to prevent the machine from starting when the operator's fingers, hands or arms are in the danger zone. This includes starting with a single weft insertion, starting at normal production speed, slow speed operation, and restarting after automatic processing of a weft break.

Special Requirements for Jacquard Units

Jacquard units must be equipped with a switch to shut them off and prevent them from being started by the loom's ground start switch. The machine must be held at a standstill by a suitable device, such as a mechanical brake, to prevent unintended movement caused by residual energy.

Noise control and measurement requirements

All machines covered in this part of ISO 11111 must determine noise emission values in accordance with ISO 9902-1 and ISO 9902-6, regardless of whether the noise poses a significant hazard. The standard refers to ISO 23771 on measures to reduce noise emissions from textile machinery, providing a comprehensive noise control framework.

Compliance with the requirements of the EU Machinery Directive

This standard has been prepared under Commission authorization M/396 and provides a voluntary means of meeting the essential requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Compliance with the normative clauses listed in Table ZA.1 of this standard gives, within the scope of application of this standard, presumption of conformity with the corresponding essential requirements of the Directive and the relevant EFTA regulations.

Conditions for presumption of conformity:The presumption of conformity remains valid only as long as the list of references of this European Standard published in the Official Journal of the European Union remains valid. Users of this standard should regularly check the latest publication of this list in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Implementation recommendations and risk assessment

Risk assessment requirements

Before applying this part of ISO 11111, the specific machine must be checked for the presence of the specified significant hazards. For hazards of machines or machine elements not covered in the applicable parts of ISO 11111, the designer must perform a risk assessment in accordance with ISO 12100 and identify ways to reduce the risks of significant hazards.

Principles for selecting protective measures

The following order of priority should be followed when selecting protective measures:

1. Eliminate hazards or reduce risks through design
2. Use fixed protective devices for isolation protection
3. Use interlocking protective devices
4. Use sensitive protective equipment
5. Use warning devices and personal protective equipment

Documentation and training requirements

The instructions for use must contain information on all elements in Section 5, in particular:

• Detailed description of safe operating methods
• Instructions for adjustment and maintenance of protective devices
• Risk assessment results and residual risk information
• Necessary training requirements
• Requirements for personal protective equipment

Technological development trends and standard prospects

With the continuous improvement of the automation and intelligence level of textile machinery, safety standards also need to be continuously updated to adapt to the development of new technologies. Future revisions may place greater emphasis on:

1. Internet of Things-based safety monitoring systems
2. Safety requirements for collaborative robots
3. The impact of cybersecurity on functional safety
4. The application of artificial intelligence in risk identification
5. Sustainability and circular economy requirements

EN ISO 11111-6 provides a comprehensive safety framework for textile manufacturing machinery. Manufacturers, users and regulators should fully understand and effectively implement the requirements of this standard to ensure the safe operation of textile machinery and protect the health and safety of operators.