Overview
ISO 8437-2:2019 - Snow throwers - Safety requirements and test procedures - Part 2: Pedestrian-controlled snow throwers specifies safety requirements and verification methods for combustion engine powered pedestrian-controlled snow throwers. Intended to be used together with ISO 8437-1 and ISO 8437-4, this Type‑C machinery standard addresses significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to snow throwers used as intended and under reasonably foreseeable conditions. It replaces the earlier ISO 8437:1989 edition.
This standard excludes electrically or battery powered and hand-held snow throwers, airport/highway snow-removal machinery, machines for explosive atmospheres, and does not cover certain electrical/system hazards (e.g., battery circuits >42 V, mains starting motors, magneto grounding circuits), working environment or electromagnetic compatibility beyond specified immunity tests.
Key topics and requirements
ISO 8437-2:2019 covers practical, testable safety provisions, including:
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Operator controls and layout
- Controls must be within defined operator control positions and usable with arctic mittens.
- Controls must not be located in hazard zones (collector/discharge zones).
- Clear labeling and instructional information for non‑obvious controls.
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Engine starting and stopping
- Requirements for starter devices (e.g., key switches) to prevent unauthorized starting.
- Stopping devices that do not rely on sustained manual pressure.
- Drive interlocks to prevent starting when collector/impeller or traction drives are engaged.
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Guards, chutes and hot surfaces
- Protection for collector, impeller, discharge chute, deflectors, housings and hot surfaces.
- Provision for safe snow clean-out tools.
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Fuel system tests
- Fuel tank overfill testing and fuel line axial pull tests to reduce leak and fire risks.
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Electrical and battery‑related safety
- Insulated cables, battery installation, overload protection, terminals and non‑insulated parts (battery circuits not exceeding 42 V).
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Mechanical and performance tests
- Power drive assessments, probe tests for access hazards, electromagnetic immunity checks, noise and vibration requirements.
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Documentation
- Instruction handbook, markings and warnings; Annex A provides handbook content requirements.
Applications and users
ISO 8437-2:2019 is used by:
- Snow thrower manufacturers (design, R&D, compliance testing)
- Product safety and certification bodies
- Regulators and market surveillance authorities
- Maintenance and service organizations
- Occupational safety professionals
It helps ensure safer pedestrian-controlled, combustion-engine snow throwers through design guidance, test procedures and required user information.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 8437-2:2019, pedestrian-controlled snow throwers, safety requirements, test procedures, combustion engine, snow thrower standards.