ISO 19296:2018

Overview

ISO 19296:2018 - Mining - Mobile machines working underground - Machine safety specifies safety requirements for self‑propelled mobile machines used in underground mining. The standard addresses hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events relevant to these machines during commissioning, operation and maintenance, and defines technical measures to eliminate or reduce risks reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer.

Key scope points:

• Applies to self‑propelled mobile machines used underground.
• For utility/service/support machines, only mobility‑related risks (movement of the whole machine) are covered - additional function risks (e.g., bolting, drilling, spraying) are excluded.
• Does not cover machines operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, air quality or engine emissions.
• Not applicable to rail‑constrained machines, continuous miners, roadheaders, drill rigs, conveyors, longwall production equipment, TBMs, or mobile crushers.

Key Topics and Requirements

ISO 19296:2018 organizes safety requirements and verification measures across machine subsystems and life‑cycle phases. Major technical topics include:

• General safety principles and moving parts protection
• Lifting, towing and retrieval requirements
• Fluid power systems (hydraulic and pneumatic safety)
• Electrical equipment, EMC and battery safety
• Diesel engine and fuel system provisions (fuel tanks, lines, vents, shut‑offs)
• Lighting, warning devices and signage for underground visibility and communication
• Braking systems (see Annex A for brake requirements for rubber‑tyred machines)
• Control systems, steering and displays - operator interfaces and prevent unintended movement
• Operator and passenger protection, access and visibility (cab protection, seats, access systems)
• Fire protection, noise, vibration and radiation health risks
• Tyres, rims, stability and load‑haul‑dump capacity
• Maintenance, support devices and quick coupler systems
• Verification and validation procedures for safety requirements (Annex C) and informative lists of hazards (Annex B) and performance level examples (Annex D)

The standard also mandates information for use: operator manuals, markings, and training materials.

Practical Applications - Who Uses This Standard

ISO 19296:2018 is intended for:

• Machine manufacturers designing and certifying self‑propelled underground mobile machines
• Health & safety regulators and market surveillance bodies assessing compliance
• Mining operators and employers using mobile machines in underground operations to set procurement and maintenance requirements
• Maintenance and service providers, for safe servicing and commissioning procedures
• Design engineers integrating safety systems (brakes, hydraulics, electrical, operator protection)

Using ISO 19296 helps stakeholders reduce accident risk, demonstrate due diligence, and align machine design and documentation with international best practices for underground mobile machine safety.

Related Standards

• ISO 19296 is a type‑C standard per ISO 12100 (general machinery safety principles).
• The document aligns with ISO/IEC directives and may be used alongside electrical and EMC standards where applicable.

Keywords: ISO 19296:2018, mining mobile machines underground, machine safety, underground mining safety standard, mobile machine safety requirements.