DIN EN 619:2026-11 - Draft

Implementing safety requirements for unit-load conveying equipment in compliance with standards

DIN EN 619 specifies the safety requirements for mechanical handling equipment and systems for unit loads. It helps manufacturers, integrators, operators and safety professionals minimize risks during the planning, design, operation and maintenance of continuous handling equipment. The standard provides a key basis for the safety-related design of modern conveying systems in industry, logistics and intralogistics.

What is DIN EN 619 about?

The standard describes requirements for avoiding and reducing hazards associated with continuous handling equipment and systems for unit loads. Among other aspects, it covers protection against mechanical, electrical and thermal hazards; requirements for safeguards, control systems and emergency-stop functions; and the safe design of working, traffic, maintenance and hazardous areas. It also contains specific requirements for different conveying technologies and systems.

Topics covered

• Safety requirements for continuous handling equipment and systems
• Protection against mechanical, electrical and thermal hazards
• Area concepts for working, maintenance and hazardous areas
• Safeguards, interlocks and emergency-stop systems
• Safety-related control systems and performance levels
• Safety requirements for sorters, transfer cars and overhead conveyors
• Vertical and horizontal conveying equipment
• Noise reduction and noise emission measurement
• Testing, verification and documentation of safety measures
• Information for operation, maintenance, rescue and evacuation

Practical relevance

Automated conveying systems form the backbone of modern production, warehousing and distribution centers. DIN EN 619 helps companies systematically assess safety risks and implement appropriate protective measures. This protects people, reduces downtime and helps meet legal requirements for machinery and conveying systems.

The standard is particularly relevant to systems with a high degree of automation, complex material flows and direct human-machine interaction. Its detailed specifications for safety functions, protective concepts and performance levels provide a robust basis for conformity assessment and the safe operation of conveying systems.

Changes compared with DIN EN 619:2022-07

The 2026 draft has been extensively revised. The most important changes include:

• A new structure for the standard to organize the requirements more clearly
• Extension of the scope to include pouch sorters and sorters for garments on hangers
• A more detailed description of the area concept, covering working, traffic, maintenance and hazardous areas
• Introduction of maximum speed limits depending on mass and area
• New requirements for noise reduction and for measuring and declaring noise emissions, including a noise test code
• Inclusion of a comprehensive list of required performance levels (PLr) for safety-related control functions
• Expanded requirements for verifying safety measures
• More detailed provisions for individual conveyor types
• Transfer of extensive system-specific requirements to separate annexes
• Editorial revision of the standard

Target audience

• Manufacturers of conveying equipment
• Machinery and plant manufacturers
• System integrators and automation specialists
• Safety engineers
• Machine safety professionals
• Operators of logistics and distribution centers
• Testing and certification bodies
• Specialist planners for intralogistics and conveying technology

Conclusion

DIN EN 619 is one of the key safety standards for conveying technology. With its comprehensive requirements for protective concepts, control systems and system-specific safety measures, it supports the safe planning, design and operation of modern continuous handling equipment for unit loads.