ISO 8437-2:2019

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• Guards, chutes and hot surfaces

  • Protection for collector, impeller, discharge chute, deflectors, housings and hot surfaces.
  • Provision for safe snow clean-out tools.

• Fuel system tests

  • Fuel tank overfill testing and fuel line axial pull tests to reduce leak and fire risks.

• Electrical and battery‑related safety