Ball proof

If the elefant® gratings are to be used in connection with operating platforms and walkways, H&S requirements may specify that the gratings must be ball tested. This means that a ball of a given diameter must not be able to fall through the meshes of the grating. Objects must be prevented from falling through the deck and injuring people underneath.

Standard DS/EN ISO 14122-2:2003 states the following about ball testing:

DS/EN ISO 14122-2:2003
Flooring
Section: 4.2.4.4 a)
Flooring
Generally, the risk assessment influences the choice of open flooring on working platforms or walkways

- The flooring of a working platform or walkway shall only have such maximum openings that a ball with a diameter of 35 mm cannot fall through.

- Floorings above a place where people are working, as opposed to occasional passage, shall have such maximum openings that a ball with a diameter of 20 mm cannot fall through unless the safety is guaranteed by other suitable means.

In cases where the risk assessment concludes that the risk of objects or other materials falling from or through the flooring exceeds the risk of slipping, falling etc., the flooring shall not have any openings.
 

Joints

b) Joints
Between the edges of the flooring and adjoining construction parts or openings at the edge that are necessary for elements fitting into the openings, e.g. pipes, containers or supports, a toe board is required if the distance between the flooring and the part exceeds 30 mm.

AT-guideline no. 2.2.0.1
(Machines and machinery)
 
The above standard replaces guideline no. 2.2.0.1 (Machines and machinery) by the Danish Working Environment Authority which included the following provisions:
 
 
Platforms and walkways
Item 8.4.b) … Working platforms and walkways above a place where people are passing or staying briefly shall have such maximum openings that a ball with a diameter of 15 mm cannot fall through …
 
Other applications
Item 8.4.c) In other places, gratings may have larger openings, though not large enough to allow a ball with a diameter of 30 mm to fall through. The diagonal dimension of the openings shall not exceed 75 mm. Such gratings may also be used in the places stated in b) if fully covered when work is being carried out on the platform and the walkway.
 
Note:
Machines and plants delivered prior to 1 January 1995 are not subject to the Machinery Directive. Consequently, when renovating such plants, Guideline 2.2.0.1 by the Danish Working Environment Authority must be followed.
 
Machines and plants delivered after 1 January 1995 are subject to the Machinery Directive and the standards in the area. DS/EN ISO 14122-2 applies.
 
Even though DS/EN ISO 14122-2:2003 replaces guideline 2.2.0.1 (Machines and Machinery) by the Danish Working Environment Authority, this guideline is still being used in a few places. This one of the reasons why the elefant® Industrial Gratings are still available as 15 mm ball tested.