prEN ISO 18623-1

Air compressors and compressed air systems - Part 1: Air compressor safety requirements (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)

This part 1 of ISO 18623 is applicable to compressors and compressor units having an operating pressure greater than 0,5 bar and designed to compress air, nitrogen or inert gases. This standard deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to the design, installation, operation, maintenance, dismantling and disposal of compressors and compressor units, when they are used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer (see Clause 4).
This part of ISO 18623 includes under the general term compressor units those machines which comprise:
- the compressor;
- a drive system;
- any component or device which is necessary for operation.
This part covers compressors driven by any power media, including battery powered and which are fitted in or used with motor vehicles.
The significant hazards dealt with in the standard are identified in Annex A.
It does not cover requirements for compressors and compressor units used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
It is not applicable to compressors and compressor units which are manufactured before the date of publication of this standard.
It does not cover compressors and compressor units for processing petroleum, petrochemicals, or chemicals within the scope of ISO/TC 67.

Druckluftkompressoren und Druckluftsysteme - Luftkompressoren - Teil 1: Sicherheitsanforderungen (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)

Dieses Dokument gilt für Kompressoren und Kompressoranlagen, die einen Arbeitsdruck von mehr als 0,5 bar haben und so konstruiert wurden, dass sie Luft, Stickstoff oder inerte Gase verdichten können. Dieses Dokument befasst sich mit allen wesentlichen Gefährdungen, Gefährdungssituationen und  ereignissen, die sich auf die Konstruktion, das Aufstellen, den Betrieb, die Wartung, das Demontieren und die Entsorgung von Kompressoren und Kompressoranlagen beziehen, wenn sie wie beabsichtigt verwendet werden, sowie unter Bedingungen einer unsachgemäßen Verwendung, die vom Hersteller vernünftigerweise vorhersehbar sind (siehe Abschnitt 4 dieses Dokuments).
Dieses Dokument enthält, unter dem allgemeinen Begriff Kompressoranlagen, Maschinen, die Folgendes umfassen:
—   den Kompressor;
—   eine Antriebsmaschine;
—   jedes Bauteil oder Gerät, das für den Betrieb notwendig ist.
Dieses Dokument deckt alle kraftbetriebenen Kompressoren ab, einschließlich batteriegespeister Kompressoren und in Kraftfahrzeugen befestigte oder mit Kraftfahrzeugen verwendete Kompressoren.
Die wesentlichen Gefährdungen, die in dieser Norm behandelt werden, sind in Anhang A dieses Dokuments festgelegt.
Dieses Dokument deckt keine Anforderungen an Kompressoren und Kompressoranlagen ab, die in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen eingesetzt werden.
Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für Kompressoren und Kompressoranlagen, die vor dem Zeitpunkt der Veröffentlichung dieser Norm gefertigt worden sind.
Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für Kompressoren und Kompressoranlagen, die Erdöl, Petrochemikalien oder Chemikalien verarbeiten, die in den Anwendungsbereich von ISO/TC 67 fallen.
Dieses Dokument enthält keine Performance Level oder Sicherheits-Integritätslevel für sicherheitsbezogene Teile von Steuerungen.

Compresseurs à air et systèmes à air comprimé - Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité des compresseurs à air (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)

Kompresorji za zrak in sistemi na stisnjen zrak - 1. del: Varnostne zahteve za kompresorje za zrak (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 18-Nov-2024
• ICS: 23.140 - Compressors and pneumatic machines
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 232 - Compressors - Safety
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 232 - Compressors - Safety
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 18-Jul-2023
• Due Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Completion Date: 18-Jul-2023
• Directive: 2006/42/EC - Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)
• Mandate: M/396 - Mandate to CEN and Cenelec for standardisation in the field of machinery
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN ISO 18623-1:2023 - Air compressors and compressed air systems - Part 1: Air compressor safety requirements (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)

Relations

• Revises: EN 1012-1:2010 - Compressors and vacuum pumps - Safety requirements - Part 1: Air compressors
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2023

Overview

The prEN ISO 18623-1 standard, titled Air Compressors and Compressed Air Systems - Part 1: Air Compressor Safety Requirements (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023), is developed by CEN and provides comprehensive safety requirements for air compressors and compressor units. This standard applies specifically to compressors with an operating pressure greater than 0.5 bar, designed to compress air, nitrogen, or inert gases. It covers all key hazards and safety measures related to the design, installation, operation, maintenance, dismantling, and disposal of these compressors when used as intended or under reasonably foreseeable misuse.

This safety standard includes compressors powered by different drive systems, including battery-operated units and those fitted in motor vehicles. However, it excludes compressors used in potentially explosive atmospheres or those manufactured before its publication date. It also does not apply to compressors involved in petroleum or chemical processing, which fall under ISO/TC 67 standards.

Key Topics

This part of ISO 18623 tackles a broad range of safety aspects, with focal points including:

• Mechanical Safety: Guarding against moving parts, fluid injection hazards, loss of stability, and slip or trip risks.
• Electrical Safety: Protection measures from electrical overloads, live parts, and safety controls for portable and skid-mounted compressors.
• Control Systems: Requirements for safety-related controls, emergency stops, restart prevention, and resilience against electromagnetic disturbances.
• Thermal Safety: Managing heat emission and preventing thermal hazards during compressor operation.
• Noise Control: Guidelines for reducing sound pressure levels and providing hearing protection information.
• Hazardous Materials: Handling biological substances, breathing difficulties caused by compressed gases, and safe use of lubricants.
• Fire and Explosion Prevention: Special provisions for oil-flooded and oil-lubricated compressors to mitigate fire risks and electrostatic phenomena.
• Ergonomics: Design considerations for manual handling, portability, and operator safety.
• Pressure Relief Devices: Specifications for reliable pressure relief to prevent fragmentation and catastrophic failure.
• Information & Warnings: Clear marking, labelling, and user documentation requirements to ensure safe use and maintenance.

The standard further includes detailed annexes listing significant hazards, control system safety details, and labeling best practices.

Applications

The ISO 18623-1 standard is essential for manufacturers, installers, and operators of air compressors and compressed air systems used across industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, and mobile equipment. Key practical applications include:

• Ensuring Operator Safety: By implementing mechanical and electrical safeguards per the standard, workplaces can reduce injury risks.
• Product Design & Compliance: Manufacturers can design compressors that meet internationally recognized safety criteria, streamlining market access across Europe and globally.
• Maintenance and Service: Provides clear instructions and safety requirements for routine inspection, servicing, and dismantling to extend equipment life safely.
• Noise and Emission Control: Helps organizations comply with occupational noise regulations and improve worker comfort.
• Risk Management: Identifies foreseeable misuse and hazardous scenarios to build robustness against operational failures and emergencies.

This standard improves overall compressed air system safety, reliability, and environmental compatibility when properly implemented.

Related Standards

The prEN ISO 18623-1 standard complements and interacts with other relevant technical specifications, including:

• ISO TC/67 Standards: Governing compressors used in petroleum, petrochemical, and chemical processing sectors.
• European Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC): Aligns essential safety requirements for machinery with EU legislation.
• ISO 12100 (Safety of Machinery): Provides general principles for risk assessment and risk reduction applicable to compressor safety.
• Noise Emission Standards: Such as ISO 3744 and ISO 11202, for measuring sound power levels and sound pressure levels of machinery.
• Electrical Safety Standards: Including IEC 60204-1 for electrical equipment of machines.

Combined, these documents support a comprehensive, international framework for the safe design, manufacture, and use of air compressors and compressed air systems. Adherence to ISO 18623-1 ensures enhanced safety compliance aligned with industrial best practices and legislative requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2023
Kompresorji za zrak in sistemi na stisnjen zrak - 1. del: Varnostne zahteve za
kompresorje za zrak (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)
Air compressors and compressed air systems - Part 1: Air compressor safety
requirements (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)
Luftkompressoren und Druckluftsysteme - Luftkompressoren - Teil 1:
Sicherheitsanforderungen (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)
Compresseurs à air et systèmes à air comprimé - Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité des
compresseurs à air (ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 18623-1
ICS:
23.140 Kompresorji in pnevmatični Compressors and pneumatic
stroji machines
23.160 Vakumska tehnologija Vacuum technology
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 18623-1
ISO/TC 118/SC 6 Secretariat: SIS
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:
2023-04-25 2023-07-18
Air compressors and compressed air systems —
Part 1:
Air compressor safety requirements
Compresseurs à air et systèmes à air comprimé —
Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité des compresseurs à air
ICS: 23.140
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS
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PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. © ISO 2023

ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 18623-1
ISO/TC 118/SC 6 Secretariat: SIS
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:

Air compressors and compressed air systems —
Part 1:
Air compressor safety requirements
Compresseurs à air et systèmes à air comprimé —
Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité des compresseurs à air
ICS: 23.140
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS
© ISO 2023
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN INTERNATIONAL
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ii
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. © ISO 2023

ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 3
3.1 General terms . 4
3.2 Specific terms . 4
4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures . 5
4.1 General . 5
4.2 Mechanical safety . 6
4.2.1 Guards . 6
4.2.2 Fluid injection . 7
4.2.3 Loss of stability . 7
4.2.4 Slip, trip and fall . 8
4.3 Electrical safety . 8
4.3.1 Generally applicable . 8
4.3.2 Protection from overload . 8
4.3.3 Protection from live parts . 8
4.3.4 Portable and skid-mounted compressor units . 8
4.4 Control systems . 9
4.4.1 General . 9
4.4.2 Failure of safety related control system energy supply . 9
4.4.3 Start/restart . 9
4.4.4 Manual suspension of safety functions . 9
4.4.5 Emergency stop function . 10
4.4.6 Safety-related stop function . 10
4.4.7 Manual reset . 10
4.4.8 External influences on electrical equipment . 10
4.4.9 Electromagnetic phenomena . 10
4.4.10 Pneumatic and/or hydraulic control systems . 11
4.5 Thermal safety. 11
4.6 Noise . 11
4.7 Materials and substances processed, used or exhausted.12
4.7.1 Micro-organisms, biological and microbiological substances .12
4.7.2 Breathing difficulties .12
4.8 Fire and explosion .12
4.8.1 Electrostatic phenomena .12
4.8.2 Oil-flooded rotary air compressor units .12
4.8.3 Oil-lubricated reciprocating air compressor units .13
4.8.4 Oil-lubricated reciprocating compressor units operating above 50 bar . 14
4.8.5 Compressor units driven by combustion engines . 14
4.9 Ergonomic principles . 14
4.9.1 General . 14
4.9.2 Manual handling of compressor units . 14
4.9.3 Portable and skid-mounted compressor units .15
4.10 Breaking down of machinery parts and other functional disorders .15
4.10.1 Break-up during operation . 15
4.10.2 Low temperature operation . 15
4.10.3 Liquid shock . 16
4.10.4 Coolant system . 16
4.11 Pressure relief – fragmentation . 16
4.11.1 General . 16
4.11.2 Design specifications of pressure relief devices . 17
iii
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
4.11.3 Turbo compressor units . 17
4.11.4 Multi stage compressor units. 17
4.12 Information and warning devices . 17
5 Verification of safety requirements and/or protective measures .17
5.1 Pressure testing . 17
5.2 Noise . 18
5.2.1 General . 18
5.2.2 Sound power level of compressor units for use outdoors. 18
5.3 Stability of portable compressor units . 18
5.4 Structure of verification. 18
6 Information for use .20
6.1 General requirements . 20
6.2 Accompanying documents (in particular, instruction handbook) . 21
6.2.1 Instruction handbook . 21
6.2.2 Information relating to the use of the compressor/compressor unit .23
6.3 Specific types of compressors . .23
6.3.1 General .23
6.3.2 Portable and skid-mounted air compressor units . 24
6.3.3 Entry to inlet ducts and enclosures . 24
6.4 Service instructions . 24
6.4.1 General . 24
6.4.2 Precautions for service/maintenance . 25
6.5 Markings, signs and written warnings . 25
6.5.1 Generally applicable .25
6.5.2 Compressor unit enclosures . 26
6.5.3 Off-road portable and skid-mounted air compressor units .26
6.5.4 Markings (in particular, data plate) . 26
6.6 Noise . 27
6.6.1 A-weighted emission sound pressure level and A-weighted sound power
level declaration . 27
6.6.2 Hearing protection . 27
6.7 Dismantling . 27
Annex A (informative) List of significant hazards .28
Annex B (informative) Control systems .30
Annex C (informative) Labels, signs and tags .32
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC aimed to be covered .37
Bibliography .39
iv
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 118, Compressors and pneumatic tools,
machines and equipment, Subcommittee SC 6, Air compressors and compressed air systems.
A list of all parts in the ISO 18623 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
Introduction
This document is a type-C standard as stated in ISO 12100.
This document is of relevance, in particular, for the following stakeholder groups representing the
market players with regard to machinery safety:
— machine manufacturers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organisations, market surveillance etc.)
Others can be affected by the level of machinery safety achieved with the means of the document by the
above-mentioned stakeholder groups:
— machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— machine users/employees (e.g. trade unions, organizations for people with special needs);
— service providers, e. g. for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises);
— consumers (in case of machinery intended for use by consumers).
The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate at the drafting
process of this document.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events
are covered are indicated in the Scope of this document.
When requirements of this type-C standard are different from those which are stated in type-A or
type-B standards, the requirements of this type-C standard take precedence over the requirements of
the other standards for machines that have been designed and built according to the requirements of
this type-C standard.
vi
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
Air compressors and compressed air systems —
Part 1:
Air compressor safety requirements
1 Scope
This document is applicable to compressors and compressor units having an operating pressure
greater than 0,5 bar and designed to compress air, nitrogen or inert gases. This document deals with
all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to the design, installation, operation,
maintenance, dismantling and disposal of compressors and compressor units when they are used as
intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer (see
Clause 4 of this document).
This document includes under the general term compressor units those machines which comprise:
— the compressor;
— a drive system;
— any component or device which is necessary for operation.
This document covers compressors driven by any power media, including battery powered and which
are fitted in or used with motor vehicles.
The significant hazards dealt with in the standard are identified in Annex A of this document.
This document does not cover requirements for compressors and compressor units used in potentially
explosive atmospheres.
This document is not applicable to compressors and compressor units which are manufactured before
the date of publication of this standard.
This document does not cover compressors and compressor units for processing petroleum,
petrochemicals, or chemicals within the scope of ISO/TC 67.
This document does not give performance levels or safety integrity levels for safety related parts of
control systems.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 2151:2004, Acoustics — Noise test code for compressors and vacuum pumps — Engineering method
(Grade 2)
ISO 3857-1:1977, Compressors, pneumatic tools and machines — Vocabulary — Part 1: General
ISO 3857-2:1977, Compressors, pneumatic tools and machines — Vocabulary — Part 2: Compressors
ISO 4126-1:2013, Safety devices for protection against excessive pressure — Part 1: Safety valves
ISO 4126-1:2013/Amd 1:2016, Safety devices for protection against excessive pressure — Part 1: Safety
valves — Amendment 1
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
ISO 4413:2010, Hydraulic fluid power — General rules and safety requirements for systems and their
components
ISO 4414:2010, Pneumatic fluid power — General rules and safety requirements for systems and their
components
ISO 7000:2019, Graphical symbols for use on equipment — Registered symbols
ISO 7010:2019, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 1:2020, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety
signs — Amendment 1
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 2:2020, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety
signs — Amendment 2
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 3:2021, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety
signs — Amendment 3
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 4:2021, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety
signs — Amendment 4
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 5:2022, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety
signs — Amendment 5
ISO 7010:2019/Amd 6:2022, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety
signs — Amendment 6
ISO 8573-1:2010, Compressed air — Part 1: Contaminants and purity classes
ISO 8573-2:2018, Compressed air — Contaminant measurement — Part 2: Oil aerosol content
ISO 8573-3:1999, Compressed air — Part 3: Test methods for measurement of humidity
ISO 8573-4:2019, Compressed air — Contaminant measurement — Part 4: Particle content
ISO 11201:2010, Acoustics — Noise emitted by machinery and equipment — Determination of emission
sound pressure levels at a work station and at other specified positions in an essentially free field over a
reflecting plane with negligible environmental corrections
ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
ISO 13732-1:2006, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Methods for the assessment of human
responses to contact with surfaces — Part 1: Hot surfaces
ISO 13732-3:2005, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Methods for the assessment of human
responses to contact with surfaces — Part 3: Cold surfaces
ISO 13766-1:2018, Earth-moving and building construction machinery — Electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC) of machines with internal electrical power supply — Part 1: General EMC requirements under typical
electromagnetic environmental conditions
ISO 13766-2:2018, Earth-moving and building construction machinery — Electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC) of machines with internal electrical power supply — Part 2: Additional EMC requirements for
functional safety
ISO 13849-1:2015, Safety of machinery — Safety-related parts of control systems — Part 1: General
principles for design
ISO 13850:2015, Safety of machinery — Emergency stop function — Principles for design
ISO 13857:2019, Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper
and lower limbs
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
ISO 14120:2015, Safety of machinery — Guards — General requirements for the design and construction of
fixed and movable guards
ISO 14122-1:2016, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machinery — Part 1: Choice of
fixed means and general requirements of access
ISO 14122-2:2016, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machinery — Part 2: Working
platforms and walkways
ISO 14122-3:2016, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machinery — Part 3: Stairs,
stepladders and guard-rails
ISO 14122-4:2016, Safety of machinery — Permanent means of access to machinery — Part 4: Fixed ladders
ISO 14123-1:2015, Safety of machinery — Reduction of risks to health resulting from hazardous substances
emitted by machinery — Part 1: Principles and specifications for machinery manufacturers
ISO 14163:1998, Acoustics — Guidelines for noise control by silencers
ISO 15534-1:2000, Ergonomic design for the safety of machinery — Part 1: Principles for determining the
dimensions required for openings for whole-body access into machinery
ISO 15667:2000, Acoustics — Guidelines for noise control by enclosures and cabins
ISO/TR 22100-3:2016, Safety of machinery — Relationship with ISO 12100 — Part 3: Implementation of
ergonomic principles in safety standards
ISO 26800:2011, Ergonomics — General approach, principles and concepts
IEC 60204-1:2016, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General requirements
I EC 6 020 4 -1:2016/A M D1: 2021, Amendment 1 - Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines -
Part 1: General requirements
IEC 60204-11:2018, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 11: Requirements for
equipment for voltages above 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC and not exceeding 36 kV
I EC 6 0 417-DB -12M: 20 02 , Graphical Symbols For Use On Equipment - 12-Month Subscription To Online
Database Comprising All Graphical Symbols Published In IEC 60417
IEC 61000-6-2:2016, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-2: Generic standards - Immunity
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-4:2018, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-4: Generic standards - Emission
standard for industrial environments
IEC 61310-2:2007, Safety of machinery - Indication, marking and actuation - Part 2: Requirements for
marking
IEC 61310-3:2007, Safety of machinery - Indication, marking and actuation - Part 3: Requirements for the
location and operation of actuators
IEC 62061:2021, Safety of machinery - Functional safety of safety-related control systems
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 12100:2010 apply. Terms and
definitions specifically needed for compressors are given in ISO 3857-1:1977, ISO 3857-2:1977 and the
following apply.
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 General terms
3.1.1
compressor
part of a compressor unit that compresses a gas or vapour media to a pressure higher than that at the
inlet
3.1.2
compressor unit
unit that comprises the compressor, a drive system and any component or device which is necessary for
operation
3.1.3
drive system
system that consists of a prime mover and coupling mechanism
Note 1 to entry: Prime mover may be an electric motor, steam engine (turbine), etc.
Note 2 to entry: Coupling mechanism may be a drive belt, shaft, gears, etc.
3.1.4
inert gas
chemically inactive gas which retains this characteristic even at elevated pressures
3.1.5
pressure
pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, i.e. gauge pressure
Note 1 to entry: In many cases, this is referred to as effective pressure.
Note 2 to entry: The unit bar for pressure is used. 1 bar = 100 kPa.
3.1.6
liquid shock
excessive force resulting from an attempt to compress incompressible media
3.1.7
maximum allowable pressure
maximum pressure for which the compressor or compressor unit is designed, as specified by the
manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: This is also identified as maximum allowable working pressure.
3.1.8
normal operating conditions
conditions considered to be when the compressor is properly maintained and operated within
admissible limits, in particular; ambient temperature, as specified by the manufacturer when
compressing the specified media
3.2 Specific terms
3.2.1
air compressor
compressor intended for compression of air, nitrogen or inert gases
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
3.2.2
compressor assembly
assembly of compressor units and ancillary equipment to provide a compression facility that functions
as an integrated whole
Note 1 to entry: The limits of the assembly are as defined by the manufacturer.
3.2.3
portable and skid mounted compressor

3.2.3.1
portable compressor unit
compressor unit which is wheel-mounted and can be towed on- and off-site
3.2.3.2
skid-mounted compressor unit
compressor unit which is mounted on skids and which can be towed short distances on-site or
transported
3.2.3.3
gross mass
maximum specified mass of a skid-mounted or portable compressor unit (including tools, equipment
and fuel)
Note 1 to entry: Tools and equipment includes for example concrete breakers, picks and hoses likely to be carried
for a typical working application.
3.2.4
process compressor
compressor intended for compression of all gases other than air, nitrogen or inert gases
3.2.5
water-injected compressor
compressor design in which the compressed media and the water are mixed
4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures
4.1 General
The machine shall comply with the following safety requirements and/or protective measures and
be verified in accordance with Clause 5 of this document. In addition, the machine shall be designed
according to the principles of ISO 12100:2010 for relevant, but not necessarily significant hazards,
which are not dealt with by this document.
When choices are necessary for the application of type B standards referred to in this Standard, i.e.
listed in Clause 2 of this document, the manufacturer shall carry out an appropriate risk assessment for
making these choices.
The measures adopted to comply with the requirements of this clause shall take account of the state-of-
the-art when more effective technical means become available.
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
4.2 Mechanical safety
4.2.1 Guards
4.2.1.1 General
When fixed guards have to be removed for periodic maintenance or repair, their fixing systems shall
remain attached to the guard or machinery when the guards are removed.
4.2.1.2 Cutting and severing, friction and abrasion
All moving parts shall be enclosed within the permanent compressor casing or compressor unit cover,
enclosure or canopy. When this is not possible, separate guards shall be provided to prevent contact
with all rotating and reciprocating parts to minimize the risk of cutting and severing, friction and
abrasion to personnel in accordance with ISO 14120:2015 and ISO 13857:2019 for safety distances.
4.2.1.3 Bodily contact
Guards shall be sufficiently rigid so as not to deflect excessively as a result of bodily contact. Such
deflections shall not result in contact with moving parts or permanent deformation of the guard. The
provisions for rigidity of guards shall be in accordance with ISO 14120:2015.
4.2.1.4 Ejection of parts
Moving parts shall be designed and mounted in such a way that in all foreseeable modes of operation
the risk of ejection of parts is minimised. Where the risk assessment identifies a remaining risk of
ejection, e.g. a drive belt from a belt driven compressor, then the impact resistance for guarding shall be
in accordance with ISO 14120:2015.
4.2.1.5 Entry to inlet ducts and enclosures
Atmospheric inlets and inspection openings in inlets shall be provided with protective devices, so that
persons cannot be drawn in or danger zones reached when the compressor is running. For this purpose,
any openings shall comply with ISO 13857:2019 for upper and lower limbs, when applicable.
Openings giving access to moving parts creating a risk of trapping or shearing shall be prevented by
either:
— total enclosure with an interlocked means of access, e.g. door, cover, etc. such that the compressor is
shut down when the access is opened and cannot be started until the access is closed; or
— total enclosure without interlock when access to moving parts, e.g. fan belts, barring gear, timing
marks, etc., shall be prevented by local guarding; or
— without total enclosure when access to moving parts, e.g. fan belts, barring gear, timing marks, etc.,
shall be prevented by local guarding.
Where service, maintenance or inspection activities require access within the enclosure doors whilst
the compressor is still operational, consideration shall be given to the additional hazards created and
the measures taken shall be in accordance with ISO 12100:2010. The provisions of Clause 6.3.3 of this
document shall also be applied.
Where whole body access is required to inlet ducts and enclosures for service, maintenance or
inspection the provisions of ISO 15534-1:2000 shall be followed when determining the minimum
dimensions of openings for such whole-body access.
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
Where whole body access is required to inlet ducts for service, maintenance or inspection, a guard shall
be fitted to prevent unauthorised access. The guard shall be:
— interlocked such that when the guard is opened the compressor is shut-down and cannot be restarted
until the guard is closed; and
— unintentional closure of the guard is prevented by the use of a trapped key interlock or a padlock
where the only key for the trapped key or the padlock can be retained by the person entering the
inlet duct.
Where it is foreseeable that the compressor will remain operational during whole body access to the
inlet duct for service, maintenance or inspection, the design of the inlet duct shall be such that the
air flow at the entrance to the inlet duct shall be ≤ 2,5 m/s and in addition a protective grid shall be
installed inside the duct to prevent personnel being drawn into the compressor.
A safe system of work shall also be identified in accordance with clause 6.4.1 of this document.
4.2.2 Fluid injection
The risk of fluid (gas or liquid) injection into the human body shall be minimized by:
— designing and supporting integral pipework, hoses and auxiliaries to withstand vibration, thermal
expansion and their own mass, foreseeable external forces, influence of contaminants and external
chemical substances;
— ensuring that all piping which is in a position likely to be damaged is protected, robust and
sufficiently supported, but shall be free to move with changing temperature;
— ensuring that the design of oil/coolant filler plugs does not allow the dangerous release of fluid, e.g.
by means of preventing the removal of the filler plug under pressure or an effective warning system;
— the design and location of pressure vents and drains, shall take account of the velocity of air, gas,
vapour or liquid likely to be discharged.
4.2.3 Loss of stability
4.2.3.1 Generally applicable
Compressor units shall be in accordance with ISO 12100:2010.
4.2.3.2 Portable and skid-mounted compressor units
The centre of gravity, mainly associated with the engine/compressor combination shall be low enough
to ensure that the compressor unit remains stable, without tipping or slipping, when used within
intended limits.
The provisions of Clause 6.3.2 of this document shall be applied to indicate the intended limits.
Tyres of a portable compressor unit shall be rated to carry the maximum gross mass of the portable
compressor unit at the highest towing speed the compressor unit is intended for. All tyres shall be of
the same construction.
The support leg or jockey wheel shall be capable of supporting the gross nose weight of the portable
compressor unit as defined in the instruction handbook. It shall be possible to securely lock it in the
support and towing positions by, for example, a clamping system or removable pin in locating holes.
The jockey wheel device shall be positively retained in the draw bar in the event of the operator leaving
it unlocked.
NOTE Portable compressor units used on-road are also subject to regulations related to motor vehicles and
their trailers.
ISO/DIS 18623-1:2023(E)
4.2.4 Slip, trip and fall
If access to elevated areas around a compressor unit is necessary and is an integral part of a compressor
unit then these access areas shall be in accordance with ISO 12100:2010. Where such access is provided,
permanent means of access to working platforms, walkways, fixed ladders and stairways shall be in
accordance with ISO 14122-1:2016, ISO 14122-2:2016, ISO 14122-3:2016 and ISO 14122-4:2016.
If access to elevated areas is required and is not an integral part of the compressor unit, appropriate
installation instructions shall be given in the instruction handbook.
4.3 Electrical safety
4.3.1 Generally applicable
The electrical equipment of a compressor unit shall be in accordance with IEC 60204-1:2016,
IEC 60204-1:2016/AMD1: 2021 and/or IEC 60204-11:2018 as appropriate.
4.3.2 Protection from overload
Where the compressor unit is not fitted with an over-current protection of the power circuit due to
it being installed outside the compressor enclosure on site, the provisions of Clause 6.2.1.3.1 of this
document shall be followed.
4.3.3 Protection from live parts
Where the compressor unit is not fitted with an electrical disconnecting device, the provisions of
Clause 6.2.1.3.2 of this document shall be followed.
Electrical and instrument cabling shall:
— be adequately secured and protected;
— not be in contact with hot surfaces;
— have adequate electrical insulation.
Cabling and cabling practices shall be in accordance with IEC 60204-1:2016 and IEC 60204-1:2016/
A M D1: 2021.
4.3.4 Portable and skid-mounted compressor units
4.3.4.1 General
A suitable over-current protection device, e.g. fuse, shall be provided in the electrical installation to
protect the wiring harness and the electric equipment
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