ISO 10472-3:1997

Overview - ISO 10472-3:1997 (Safety for Washing Tunnel Lines)

ISO 10472-3:1997 sets out safety requirements for industrial laundry machinery focused on washing tunnel lines and their component machines. It is Part 3 of the ISO 10472 series and is intended to guide designers and manufacturers on hazards, protective measures and verification for integrated washing-tunnel systems. The standard complements ISO 10472-1 (Common requirements) and refers users to general machinery safety guidance in ISO/TR 12100 and related EN/ISO documents.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of equipment covered: continuous tunnel washing machines, squeeze presses and centrifugal extractors, transfer conveyor systems, automatic transfer tumble dryers, loading/unloading interfaces, access platforms and ladders.
• Hazard identification: lists principal hazards for washing tunnel lines - mechanical (crushing, shearing, drawing-in, impact), electrical and thermal hazards (see ISO 10472-1), noise, materials/substances (fire, explosion, biological contamination), control-system failures, and interface risks in complex installations.
• Protective measures:
  • Fixed guards and machine enclosures to prevent access to rotating cages and nip points.
  • Interlocked doors and panels where opening exposes danger areas (referenced to ISO 14119 principles).
  • Special provisions for squeeze presses (interlocked access, supports for parts that may descend) and centrifugal extractors (full enclosure, out-of-balance detection and speed reduction).
  • Conveyor design in accordance with EN 616 and EN 620 to prevent drawing-in/trapping.
  • Information requirements: instruction handbook and warning signs specifying safe procedures (e.g., clearing blockages, safe entry).
• Verification and risk assessment: requires verification of safety measures and cross-reference to risk assessment standards such as EN 1050 and the general design principles in ISO/TR 12100.

Applications and user groups

ISO 10472-3 is practically applied by:

• Machine designers and manufacturers of tunnel washing lines and component machines (squeeze presses, centrifugals, conveyors, tumble dryers).
• Safety engineers and compliance officers performing risk assessments and machine safety verification.
• Industrial laundry operators and facility managers who need to ensure installation and operation meet safety and documentation requirements.
• Installers and maintenance teams who follow the standard’s guidance for guarding, interlocks and safe maintenance procedures.

Keywords for search: ISO 10472-3, industrial laundry machinery, washing tunnel lines, safety requirements, squeeze press safety, centrifugal extractor safety, conveyor guarding, machine interlocks, risk assessment.

Related standards

Key references cited in ISO 10472-3 include ISO 10472-1, ISO/TR 12100-1/2, ISO 13852, ISO 14119, EN 616, EN 620, EN 1037, EN 1760 and ISO 60204-1. These provide complementary guidance on general machine safety, guarding, control systems and electrical equipment.