BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

12110:2002
+A1:2008
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Tunnelling machines —
Air locks — Safety
requirements

ICS 91.220; 93.060

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008

National foreword
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 12110:2002+A1:2008.

It supersedes BS EN 12110:2002 which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in
the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text carry the number
of the CEN amendment. For example, text altered by CEN amendment A1
is indicated by !".
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
B/513, Construction equipment and plant and site safety.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does cannot confer immunity
from legal obligations.

This British Standard was

published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
12 November 2002

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Comments
© BSI 2009 30 June 2009 Implementation of CEN amendment A1:2008

ISBN 978 0 580 61778 2

 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12110:2002+A1
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2008

ICS 91.220; 93.060 Supersedes EN 12110:2002

English Version

Tunnelling machines - Air locks - Safety requirements

Machines pour la construction de tunnels - Sas de transfert Tunnelbaumaschinen - Druckluftschleusen -

- Prescriptions de sécurité Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 September 2002 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 9 July 2008.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12110:2002+A1:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Contents

page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................5
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Description of the machine(s) ......................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................5
3 Terms and definitions....................................................................................................................................6
4 List of significant hazards ............................................................................................................................7
4.1 Mechanical hazards .......................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Electrical hazards ..........................................................................................................................................7
4.3 Thermal hazards ............................................................................................................................................7
4.4 Noise hazards.................................................................................................................................................7
4.5 Hazards generated by materials and substances processed, used or exhausted by machinery,
for example:....................................................................................................................................................7
4.6 Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in machine design (mismatch of
machinery with human characteristics and abilities) caused e.g. by: .....................................................7
4.7 Hazards caused by failure of energy supply, breaking down of machinery parts and other
functional disorders, e.g.: .............................................................................................................................8
4.8 Hazards caused by (temporarily) missing and/or incorrectly positioned safety related
measures/means, e.g.: ..................................................................................................................................8
5 Safety requirements and/or protective measures ......................................................................................8
5.1 General requirements....................................................................................................................................8
5.1.1 Calculation......................................................................................................................................................8
5.1.2 Pressure relief valve ......................................................................................................................................9
5.1.3 Electrical equipment......................................................................................................................................9
5.1.4 Control panel..................................................................................................................................................9
5.1.5 Communication..............................................................................................................................................9
5.1.6 Doors, closing and sealing ...........................................................................................................................9
5.1.7 Fire protection................................................................................................................................................9
5.1.8 Handling of heavy items ...............................................................................................................................9
5.2 Personnel locks .............................................................................................................................................9
5.2.1 Number of chambers .....................................................................................................................................9
5.2.2 Dimensions...................................................................................................................................................10
5.2.3 Seats..............................................................................................................................................................10
5.2.4 Door openings, dimensions .......................................................................................................................10
5.2.5 Doors, closure..............................................................................................................................................10
5.2.6 Minimum equipment for personnel locks .................................................................................................11
5.2.7 Other requirements......................................................................................................................................11
5.2.8 Ventilation.....................................................................................................................................................12
5.2.9 Protection against breaks in flexible lines ................................................................................................12
5.2.10 Oxygen breathing (including all gas mixtures with more than 25 % oxygen).......................................12
5.3 Material locks ...............................................................................................................................................13
5.4 Combined locks ...........................................................................................................................................14
5.5 Pressure bulkheads.....................................................................................................................................14
5.5.1 Sealing ..........................................................................................................................................................14
5.5.2 Service ports ................................................................................................................................................14
6 Verification of safety requirements and/or protective measures ...........................................................14
7 Information for use ......................................................................................................................................15
7.1 General..........................................................................................................................................................15
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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
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7.2 Signals and warning devices ..................................................................................................................... 15

7.3 Instruction handbook .................................................................................................................................. 15
7.4 Marking ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Annex ZA (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC"............................................................................................... 18
Annex ZB (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC"........................................................................................... 19
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
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Foreword
This document (EN 12110:2002+A1:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 151 "Construction
equipment and building material machines - Safety", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by February 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by December 2009.

This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2008-07-09.

This document supersedes EN 12110:2002.

The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association and supports essential requirements of EC Directive(s).

!For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annexes ZA and ZB, which are integral parts of this
document."

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Introduction
This document is a type C standard as stated in EN 1070:1998.

The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and events are covered are
indicated in the scope of this document.

When provisions of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A or B standards, the
provisions of this type C standard take precedence over the provisions of the other standards, for machines that
have been designed and built according to the provisions of this type C standard.

1 Scope

1.1 Description of the machine(s)

This European Standard applies for the design, construction, equipping, marking and testing of air locks and
pressure bulkheads, which are to be used in tunnelling work.

The oxygen breathing installation used to provide the breathing supply necessary to conduct a safe decompression
is also covered by this standard.

1.2 This standard deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to air locks and
pressure bulkheads, when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer (see
clause 4). This standard specifies the appropriate technical measures to eliminate or reduce risks arising from the
significant hazards.

1.3 This document is not applicable to machinery which is manufactured before the date of publication of this
document by CEN.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).

EN 140:1998, Respiratory protective devices - Half masks and quarter masks - Requirements, testing, marking.

EN 292-2:1991, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design – Part 2: Technical
principles((identical with ISO/DIS 12100 –2:2000) Revision of EN 292-2:1991 and EN 292-2:1991/A1:1995).

EN 1070:1998, Safety of machinery – Terminology.

EN 60204-1:1997, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines – Part 1: General requirements (IEC
60204-1:1997).

EN 60529:1991, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529:1989).

EN 61310-1:1995, Safety of machinery - Indication, marking and actuation – Part 1: Requirements for visual, audi-
tory and tactile signals (IEC 61310-1:1995).

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
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EN ISO 11202:1995, Acoustics – Noise emitted by machinery and equipment – Measurement of emission sound
pressure levels at a work station and at other specific positions – Survey method in situ (ISO 11202:1995).

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 1070:1998 together with the
following apply.

3.1
compressed air
air with a pressure of more than 0,1 bar, above atmospheric. All pressures to be measured above atmospheric
pressure

3.2
pressure chamber
pressure vessel which is intended for accommodating persons above atmospheric pressure

3.3
working chamber
space in which work in compressed air is carried out

3.4
air lock
pressure vessel with one or more chambers with access doors, which can be sealed and pressurised with
compressed air

3.5
material lock
air lock through which only material or equipment goes into or out of the working chamber

3.6
personnel lock
air lock through which only persons go into or out of the working chamber

3.7
combined lock
air lock through which persons, material or equipment go into or out of the working chamber

3.8
pressure bulkhead
equipment which separates spaces with different pressure levels

3.9
maximum working pressure
highest pressure to which a pressure chamber may be subjected in normal use

3.10
design pressure
pressure used for calculation not including the safety-factor

3.11
oxygen breathing installation
plant and ancillary equipment used to provide oxygen supply necessary for a safe decompression procedure

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

4 List of significant hazards

This clause contains all the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events, as far as they are dealt with in
this standard, identified by risk assessment as significant for this type of machinery and which require action to
eliminate or reduce the risk.

4.1 Mechanical hazards

4.1.1 Impact hazard, see: 5.2.4, 5.2.5

4.1.2 Ejection of parts (of machinery and processed material/workpieces) , see: 5.1.1

4.1.3 Uncontrolled change of pressure, see: 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.2.6, 5.2.9

4.1.4 Hazards resulting from the suction by differential pressure between the
pressurised environment and atmospheric pressure, see: 5.2.7

4.2 Electrical hazards

4.2.1 Electrical contact, direct or indirect, see: 5.1.3

4.2.2 External influences on electrical equipment, see: 5.1.3

4.3 Thermal hazards

4.3.1 Burns and scalds, by a possible contact of persons, by flames or

explosions and also by the radiation of heat sources, see: 5.1.3, 5.1.7, 5.2.7,
5.2.10.5, 7.2

4.3.2 Health-damaging effects by hot or cold work environment, see: 5.2.6.1, 5.2.7, 5.4

4.4 Noise hazards

4.4.1 Hearing losses (deafness), other physiological disorders

(e.g. loss of balance, loss of awareness, etc.), see: 5.2.7, 5.4

4.4.2 Interference with speech communication, acoustic signals, etc., see: 5.2.7, 5.4, 7.2

4.5 Hazards generated by materials and substances processed, used or exhausted by machinery,
for example:

4.5.1 Hazards resulting from contact with or inhalation of harmful fluids, gases,
mists, fumes and dusts, see: 5.1.7, 5.2.6.2, 5.2.8,
5.2.10.1

4.5.2 Fire or explosion hazards especially under increased air pressure, see: 5.1.3, 5.1.4, 5.1.7, 5.2.7,
5.2.10.1, 5.2.10.2, 5.2.10.3

4.5.3 Use of oxygen, see clause: 5.2.10

4.6 Hazards generated by neglecting ergonomic principles in machine design (mismatch of

machinery with human characteristics and abilities) caused e.g. by:

4.6.1 Unhealthy postures or excessive efforts, see: 5.1.8, 5.2.2, 5.2.3

4.6.2 Inadequate consideration of human anatomy, see: 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4

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EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
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4.6.3 Inadequate local lighting, see: 5.1.4, 5.2.7

4.7 Hazards caused by failure of energy supply, breaking down of machinery parts and other
functional disorders, e.g.:

4.7.1 Failure of energy supply (of energy and/or control circuits), see: 5.1.4, 5.2.7, 7.2

4.7.2 Errors of fitting, see: 5.2.5, 5.5.1, 7.2

4.7.3 Uncontrolled decompression of working chamber or lock, see: 5.1.6, 5.2.5, 5.2.6.1,
5.2.9, 5.2.10.6

4.7.4 Loss of communication, see: 5.1.5

4.8 Hazards caused by (temporarily) missing and/or incorrectly positioned safety related
measures/means, e.g.:

4.8.1 All kinds of safety related (protection) devices, see: 5.1.3 5.1.5, 5.2.6.1,
5.2.6.2, 5.3, 5.5.2
4.8.2 Safety signs, see: 5.3, 7.1, 7.2

4.8.3 All kinds of information or warning devices, see: 5.2.6.1, 7

4.8.4 Means of access for emergency personnel into the confined pressurised
part of the machine, see: 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.5

4.8.5 Emergency devices, in particular means of evacuation of a casualty from

the confined pressurised part of the machine, see: 5.2.1, 5.2.2

4.8.6 Essential equipment and accessories for safe adjusting and/or maintaining
see: 5.2.6.1, 5.3, 5.4

4.8.7 Equipment for evacuating gases, etc, see: 5.2.6.2, 5.2.8, 5.2.10.3,
5.2.10.6, 5.4

5 Safety requirements and/or protective measures

Machinery shall comply with the safety requirements and/or protective measures of this clause.

Machinery shall comply with the safety requirements and/or protective measures of this clause. In addition, the
machine shall be designed according to the principles of EN 292 for hazards relevant but not significant, which are
not dealt with by this document (e.g. sharp edges).

5.1 General requirements

5.1.1 Calculation

The design pressure shall be 1,1 times the maximum working pressure. Where bulkheads cannot be tested the
design pressure shall be 1,5 times the maximum working pressure.

The calculation shall be carried out according to the finite elements method. The calculations shall be part of the
technical documentation.

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EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

5.1.2 Pressure relief valve

Each compartment shall be equipped with a pressure relief valve set at 1,1 times the maximum working pressure
and capable of passing the whole air supply to the air lock at that pressure. Once activated the valve shall be able
to fully close when pressure is lowered back to the working pressure.

5.1.3 Electrical equipment

Electrical equipment in air locks shall comply with EN 60204-1:1997. For the application of EN 60204-1 the
manufacturer shall carry out an adequate risk assessment for the requirements thereof where choice is necessary.

NOTE This specific risk assessment is part of the general risk assessment relating to the hazards not covered by this type
C standard.

It shall be suitable for humid and wet spaces and be protected from dust deposits and spraying water to a minimum
class of IP 55 of EN 60529:1991, clause 4. Electrical equipment shall be designed to minimise the risk of fire and
toxic fumes and shall withstand pressure changes to the maximum working pressure of the air lock.

5.1.4 Control panel

Control equipment and indicating instruments which are outside the air lock shall be assembled in a control panel.
They shall be easily readable and so designed, constructed, arranged and marked that function and switching
direction can be clearly recognised, in compliance with EN 61310-1:1995. They shall be illuminated with a nominal
intensity of at least 100 lux. Emergency lighting shall be available for a duration of 1 hour.

Fire fighting and other emergency provisions shall be considered to enable the lock attendant to remain at the
panel until the evacuation of pressurised persons is completed. Those provided shall be detailed in the instruction
handbook. See clause 7.

5.1.5 Communication

A Voice Communication network shall be installed to connect working chamber, personnel locks and control panel.

5.1.6 Doors, closing and sealing

Doors of personnel and material locks shall be self-sealing and kept shut by differential pressure or be fitted with a
mechanical interlocking system preventing opening of the door unless the pressures are equalised.

5.1.7 Fire protection

Personnel and material locks shall consist of material and components of low flammability under increased air
pressure and of low toxicity when burning.

5.1.8 Handling of heavy items

It is necessary to minimize the physical effort required by personnel while in compressed air. Appropriate devices
shall be installed for that purpose when needed.

5.2 Personnel locks

5.2.1 Number of chambers

Personnel locks shall consist of at least two directly interconnected chambers, a main chamber and an entrance
chamber accessible from atmospheric pressure, with door openings as specified in 5.2.4.

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

5.2.2 Dimensions

Personnel locks shall meet the following minimum requirements:

Table 1 — Dimensions

Main chamber Entrance chamber

Headroom: 1,5 m 1,5 m
Length: see below 1,0 m
Number of persons: 3 2
Volume per person: 1,0 m³ 1,0 m³

The system of air locks shall be large enough and so designed that before decompressing a casualty it shall be
possible for him to be placed on a stretcher (of at least 1,8 m length) under pressure whilst permitting an attendant
to be pressurised and enter the space where the casualty is located. Thereafter it shall be possible to transfer the
casualty on the stretcher through the lock system and to decompress him lying on the stretcher. It shall be possible
for an attendant to accompany the casualty at all times. If the air lock is designed for a working pressure above
1 bar it shall be possible to keep the stretcher in a horizontal position during decompression.

For personnel locks which are part of a tunnelling machine designed for a max. working pressure of not more than
1,5 bar and when no stage decompressions are required, the headroom may be measured at a declination of up to
45° from the vertical and the volume of the main chamber can be reduced to 2,0 m³ (2 persons). The volume of the
entrance chamber can be reduced to 1,0 m³ (1 person). Signs displayed outside, at each end of such a lock, shall
state "NOT TO BE USED FOR STAGE DECOMPRESSIONS".

5.2.3 Seats

In personnel locks seats shall be provided. They shall have back-rests and be designed so that each person has
available a sitting width of at least 0,5 m and a sitting depth of at least 0,4 m, and that cooling of the body as a
result of contact with cold surfaces is avoided.

For personnel locks which are part of a tunnelling machine designed for a maximum working pressure of not more
than 1,5 bar and when no stage decompressions are required, seats may be omitted.

5.2.4 Door openings, dimensions

Door openings of personnel locks shall have a clear body opening with a minimum sectional dimension of 600 mm.

The minimum dimensions shall be increased when feasible.

NOTE The minimum door dimensions of air locks are larger than the minimum dimensions of other access openings of
tunnelling machines (e.g. access openings in cutter heads).

5.2.5 Doors, closure

After pressure equalisation, it shall be possible to open personnel lock doors from both sides. Where a sudden loss
of pressure from the working chamber would cause a hazard, the access door to the working chamber shall be
capable of being sealed against pressure from each direction.

Where this requirement is not fulfilled the instruction handbook shall state that the locks are not suitable for use in
conditions where this hazard may occur.

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

5.2.6 Minimum equipment for personnel locks

Each chamber shall be equipped with the following instrumentation and service openings:

5.2.6.1 Instrumentation

 Equipment for the pressure control, controllable from outside and inside;

 device measuring internal pressure, displaying it outside at the control panel and inside the personnel lock
chamber. Reading accuracy to 0,05 bar;

 devices to record each chamber pressure to an accuracy of 0,05 bar shall be installed outside the air lock.
Chart speeds should not be slower than 1 revolution in 4 h for circular charts or 120 mm/h for strip charts. For
circular charts zero bar pressure scale shall be at the periphery. Use of electronic data recording, sampling at
a rate of at least once every 10 s, shall be permitted as an alternative to paper charts;

 thermometer, inside, measuring range + 50 °C to 0 °C;

 clock, inside and outside, battery powered with a display of seconds.

5.2.6.2 Service openings

 Sampling line for gas analysis;

 observation windows made of impact resistant glass (e.g. glass, acrylic material) and capable of withstanding
1,5 times the maximum working pressure, minimum diameter 75 mm for visual contact between panel and lock
chamber and between the chambers. If windows are not practicable for observation of the lock interior by the
lock attendant a TV-system shall be used;

 2 DN 50 blank flanges for future installations e.g. oxygen breathing unit.

5.2.7 Other requirements

 Device measuring the working chamber pressure and displaying it inside the chamber giving access to working
chamber and outside at the control panel. Reading accuracy to 0,05 bar;

 interior illumination shall be at a minimum of 100 lux, measured at a height of 1,4 m above the lock floor level;

 emergency lighting shall be fitted, which is switched on automatically in the event of failure of the main lighting.
The intensity of illumination provided by the emergency lighting shall be 15 lux and last for 1 h at least;

 a system of voice communication shall be provided as in 5.1.5;

 sound silencers for fresh and waste air shall be fitted to ensure that the maximum A-weighted sound pressure
level in the chambers caused by the operation of the air lock, measured according to the noise test code given
below, shall not exceed !80 dB(A)";

 noise test code for the determination of the emission sound pressure level within the chamber(s): the
A-weighted emission sound pressure level LpA shall be determined in accordance with the basic noise
emission standard: EN ISO 11202:1995 (grade 3: survey). No environmental corrections shall be made.

NOTE The noise emission value obtained according to this noise test code gives an upper limit to the emission sound
pressure level within the chamber.

Measurement position:

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EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
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The measurement point shall be in the middle of each chamber at a height of (0,80 ± 0,05) m above the middle
of the seat plane. The measurement shall be carried out with no one present in the chamber. Noise readings
shall be made outside the chamber.

Operating conditions:

The chamber shall be operated with the door open – i. e. no overpressure within the chamber. All other
equipment and machinery that are not necessary for the operation of the air lock shall not be in operation. The
sound pressure level shall be measured at maximum flow capacity in the pipe. This represents the condition of
highest noise emission.

Declaration of noise emission values:

the declaration of the noise emission values is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer and shall be made in
accordance with A.1.7.4 f) of EN 292-2:1991. The noise declaration shall mention explicitly that the noise
emission value has been obtained according to this noise test code.

 Provision shall be made for a heating/cooling system to maintain a temperature in the chambers between
18 °C and 30 °C except during pressure changes. Provision shall be made for prevention of the risk of fire and
skinburns;

 an efficient water fire-extinguisher system, tested at the maximum pressure of the air lock shall be fitted;

 openings of decompression pipes shall be protected to prevent suction injuries;

 for safe lifting the individual air lock shall be fitted with lifting points when applicable;

 in addition to the instruction handbook, basic operating and safety instructions for the air lock shall be clearly
displayed at the lock attendant's control position (control panel) in a waterproof form.

5.2.8 Ventilation

Personnel locks shall be fitted with equipment for supplying fresh air (scavenging air). The air supply shall be at
least 50 litres/min. per person, measured at the chamber pressure. If automatic the ventilation shall be performed
with pressure variations less than ± 0,05 bar.

5.2.9 Protection against breaks in flexible lines

For protection against sudden pressure loss as a result of line breaks, such flexible lines shall be fitted with devices
for line shut off by automatic (e.g. non-return valves) or accessible manual valves situated at the chamber wall.

5.2.10 Oxygen breathing (including all gas mixtures with more than 25 % oxygen)

5.2.10.1 Safety considerations

When an airlock is designed for decompression using oxygen the three main considerations are:

a) the integrity of the supply of gas to the breathing units;

b) the prevention of leakage of breathing gas;

c) the prevention of ignition of breathing gas.

5.2.10.2 Equipment standards

Only oxygen compatible materials e.g. copper shall be used in the oxygen breathing installation. When flexible
hoses are used they shall be externally steel braided hoses except for those attached to the breathing masks. Ball
valves shall only be used for safety shut-off valves.
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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

5.2.10.3 Distribution network

When oxygen cylinders are part of the lock the storage area shall be marked. The pipework shall be arranged so
that a change of supply may be made without an interruption of flow. The pressure in the distribution pipework shall
not exceed 10 bar. There shall be sufficient capacity of supply and the mean oxygen consumption used to calculate
flow should be at least 20 l/min. per person measured at the pressure of each decompression stage. A master
valve to interrupt all oxygen supply to the chamber shall be provided on the control panel. In addition, each feed
line shall be fitted with a valve to prevent oxygen flowing into ambient air in the event of a break in the line. The
pipework shall be thoroughly clean internally.

5.2.10.4 Breathing units

There shall be sufficient breathing units corresponding to the capacity of the lock and at least one replacement unit.

The masks shall be designed for 100 % oxygen breathing and satisfy the relevant requirements of EN 140:1998
under the pressure and in the system for which they are intended to be used. They shall be of a design which al-
lows for easy changing and cleaning. Each unit shall be connected to an overboard dump system which shall
discharge the exhaled gas outside the airlock to a place with adequate ventilation. Such an area shall be marked
as an area of oxygen discharge and shall be marked with "NO SMOKING" signs.

5.2.10.5 Fire fighting

In each chamber where oxygen is to be used the fire extinguishing system shall include a hand held extinguisher
provided inside and an externally controlled water spray system; both of these to be useable at the design pressure
of the chamber.

5.2.10.6 Oxygen supply and monitoring

To control the oxygen supply and to monitor the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere of each chamber, the
control panel shall be equipped with at least one measuring device, with which the oxygen concentration can be
measured. The measuring result can be displayed from one chamber to the other.

The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere shall also be monitored in areas where exhaled gases are dumped
and close to oxygen cylinder storage when these areas are in the tunnel.

In addition to the master oxygen control valve (see 5.2.10.3), the oxygen supply system shall be interlocked to
prevent oxygen being delivered to the masks when the chamber pressure is greater than 0,1 bar above the
maximum pressure allowed for decompression with oxygen according to the national decompression tables.

A warning device shall be provided to alarm when the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere of the chamber
exceeds predetermined values between 20 % and 25 % (per volume).

5.3 Material locks

A material lock shall have the following minimum equipment:

 equipment for pressure control, controllable from outside;

 pressure measuring device, outside, reading accuracy to 0,1 bar.

If a lock is large enough for a person to enter it for loading or unloading of material, the following additional
equipment is required:

 means of observation of the inside of the lock, if windows are used they shall be of minimum diameter 75 mm;

 lighting with an minimum intensity of 100 lux;

 2 DN 50 blank flanges for later installation (e.g. electrical cable connections).

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Signs displayed outside, at each end of such a lock, shall state:

"PERSONNEL TRANSFER FORBIDDEN".

5.4 Combined locks

The requirements for personnel locks apply for combined locks.

5.5 Pressure bulkheads

Where two or more bulkheads are used to form an air lock system they shall satisfy the requirements in 5.1, 5.2,
5.3 and 5.4.

5.5.1 Sealing

Pressure bulkheads shall provide an effective seal between spaces with different pressures.

5.5.2 Service ports

When a pressure bulkhead is part of an air lock system, additional service openings in the bulkhead shall be
provided, with blank flanges, as follows:

 2 × DN 100;

 1 × DN 80;

 1 × DN 50.

6 Verification of safety requirements and/or protective measures

Verification of compliance with the safety requirements given in this standard shall be made by calculation,
inspection and, whenever feasible, testing during manufacture, or on assembly at site, if the verification
requirements are not explicitly stated in the pertinent clauses.

The manufacturer shall confirm that the machine is built according to the design requirements of 5.1.1. This
confirmation shall be part of the technical documentation.

6.1 Air locks and pressure bulkheads designed to 1,1 times maximum working pressure shall be capable of
withstanding a hydraulic pressure test to 1,5 times maximum working pressure. The results of the test shall be part
of the technical documentation. Otherwise for airlocks and pressure bulkheads designed for 1,5 times maximum
working pressure, verification shall be by calculation.

6.2 The function of the oxygen breathing shall be checked after installation:

a) the integrity of the supply of oxygen to the breathing units;

b) the prevention of leakage shall be checked by means of a static pressure test at the design working pressure,
to confirm that there is no loss of pressure in the system over 10 a minute period.

6.3 The function of the voice communication network shall be subject to a functional check.

6.4 The pressure control equipment shall be subject to a functional check.

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

6.5 Personnel locks

The ventilation system shall be subject to a flow test based on an air supply of at least 50 litres/min. per person
measured at the chamber pressure and the maximum number of persons that can be accommodated in the
chamber. Automatic ventilation shall be performed with pressure variations less than ± 0,05 bar.

6.6 Location of the tests

Table 2 — Location of test procedures

At factory At construction site

Static test: design pressure yes no

Function of the pressure control yes yes

Voice communication no yes

Oxygen breathing unit no yes

Noise yes yes

7 Information for use

7.1 General

The written instructions shall be drawn up according to 5.5 of EN 292-2:1991. They shall specify when the need
arises for the use of personal protection equipment. The written instructions shall give information on noise as
specified in A.1.7.4 f) of annex A in EN 292-2:1991.

Although air locks shall be designed and manufactured in such a way that hazards during servicing and
maintenance are avoided or reduced, hazards which cannot be avoided shall be referred to in the appropriate
instruction handbook and on warning signs.

7.2 Signals and warning devices

The instruction handbook shall include a complete record of warning signs, pictograms and information about their
location and meaning.

7.3 Instruction handbook

In general there may be three different written instructions:

 instruction handbook;

 maintenance manual;

 spare part list;

 information about sound pressure level, if it exceeds 80 dB(A)".

The spare part list shall contain all relevant safety related spare parts with an unambiguous identification and
information of the location of the part to be replaced.

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

The manufacturer of air locks and pressure bulkheads shall give all the necessary information for the safe
transportation, installation, commissioning, inspection, testing, operation, servicing and dismantling in the
instruction handbook.

In particular the weights in kg of individual transportable parts of the air lock and the pressure bulkhead and the
recommended procedures for safe handling shall be detailed in the instruction handbook.

The manufacturer shall give information about the intended use (e.g. maximum working pressure in bar).

!The manufacturer shall give information about sound pressure level in the chamber, if it is exceeding
80 dB(A)."

All functional, flow and pressure test procedures shall be fully described in the instruction handbook.

Before each use the protection against breaks in flexible lines shall be checked according to the instruction
handbook.

If a combined lock is not designed for the decompression of personnel, this shall be stated in the instruction
handbook. This type of lock does not require a toilet.

The manufacturer shall give the information to the user that the air lock shall be fitted with one chemical toilet
(dimension less than the opening of the doors (600 mm)).

The instruction handbook shall detail the fire emergency provisions of 5.1.4 (evacuation), 5.2.10.5 (fire fighting).

If the air lock is fitted with an oxygen breathing installation the instruction handbook shall include information about
this unit.

The manufacturer shall give information to the user on how the correct functioning of the oxygen breathing system
shall be checked after every installation and at minimum every two years.

Spare parts of the oxygen breathing unit shall comply with the requirements of the manufacturer.

The manufacturer shall give advice for functional tests after repair for the oxygen breathing system, ventilation
system, voice communication network, control equipment and on requirements for pressure testing of the chamber
after repair to it.

7.4 Marking

The following shall be permanently and clearly indicated on air locks:

 !business name and full address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative;"

 mandatory marking;

 year of construction;

 designation of series or type, if any;

 serial or identification number, if any;

 maximum working pressure in bar;

 overall weight in kg;

 gross volume of each chamber in m³;

 maximum number of persons permitted in each chamber;

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

 symbols, pictograms and warning signs;

 diagrams;

 opening/closing direction of valves;

 circuits and functions;

 signs as required in 5.2.2, 5.2.10.4, 5.3 and 5.4;

 (coloured designation of) oxygen pipework where applicable;

 rating information;

 designation of machinery."

If a combined lock is not designed for the decompression of personnel, it shall be clearly indicated on a plate at
each side of the air lock.

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Annex ZA
(informative)

!Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the New
Approach Directive Machinery 98/37/EC, amended by 98/79/EC.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has been
implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the normative clauses of this
standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the relevant
Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING — Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the
scope of this standard."

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Annex ZB
(informative)

!Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the New
Approach Directive Machinery 2006/42/EC.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has been
implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the normative clauses of this
standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the relevant
Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING — Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the
scope of this standard."

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 BS EN 12110:2002+A1:2008
EN 12110:2002+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Bibliography

[1] EN 292-1, Safety of machinery – Basic concepts, general principles for design – Part 1: Basic terminology,
methodology ((identical with ISO/DIS 12100-1:2000) Revision of EN 292-1:1991)

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 BS EN
12110:2002
BSI - British Standards Institution
+A1:2008
Licensed copy: Mr. City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Version correct as of 11/07/2013 12:54, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

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