Vacuum Standards: What Handling and Lifting Professionals Need to Know

In the construction, civil engineering, and heavy industry sectors, vacuum handling has become an essential solution for moving heavy, bulky, or fragile loads. But behind this efficiency lies a critical requirement: compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

At KLEVAGE, we support companies by ensuring that every intervention complies with current standards, in particular NF EN 13155 + A2.

1. What is the main standard to know in the vacuum field?

The major reference is NF EN 13155 + A2 (May 2009).

This standard governs the use of removable lifting accessories, including vacuum lifters, clamps, or forks. It sets strict safety requirements regarding:

• Operator safety (prevention of load drops).
• Locking systems and alert devices (indicators, alarms).
• The design of suction cups to guarantee a secure grip.
• Prescriptions ensuring the reliability of the devices.
• Regular inspections and verifications of equipment.

To consult the official sheet of this standard, visit the AFNOR – French Association for Standardization, which publishes and disseminates French and European standards.

2. EN 1012-2 – Former vacuum pump standard (withdrawn)

The EN 1012-2:1996+A1:2009 standard covered safety requirements for vacuum pumps (design, installation, operation, maintenance). It included provisions for thermal and electrical risks.

Although this standard has been withdrawn and is no longer in force today, it played an important role in shaping safety practices for vacuum systems. Today, the compliance of pumps and associated systems is covered by the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and harmonized standards currently in force.

3. Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC – European regulatory framework for machinery and accessories

All machinery and lifting accessories in Europe must comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which sets the overall regulatory framework.

Consult the official text here: EUR-Lex – Directive 2006/42/EC

4. NF E52-210 – Mechanical lifting beams

This standard defines requirements for traditional mechanical lifting beams (hooks, slings, rings), but it does not cover vacuum lifting devices.

5. ISO 9001: A quality guarantee in maintenance and manufacturing

Beyond technical standards specific to vacuum lifting, ISO 9001:2015 plays a key role in the organization of industrial companies.
This international standard defines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) and applies to both the manufacturing and maintenance of equipment.

In practice, ISO 9001 makes it possible to:

• Standardize maintenance processes (equipment inspection, replacement of wear parts, leak testing).
• Ensure complete traceability of interventions (certificates of conformity, maintenance sheets, customer reports).
• Implement a culture of continuous improvement to make services more reliable and reduce the risk of accidents.
• Strengthen customer and partner confidence, a decisive factor in public and private tenders.

Learn more: ISO – ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems

6. Pre-Purchase Checks: The Buyer’s Vademecum According to SIMMA (French Syndicate of Handling Equipment Manufacturers)

Mastering safety standards is essential to ensure both the performance of lifting equipment and the protection of operators.

The SIMMA Buyer’s Vademecum reminds us that every vacuum lifter must meet strict technical and safety requirements before being put into service.

Pre-Purchase Checks
Before any purchase, it is crucial to ensure that the device is equipped with:

✅ a vacuum level indicator that is perfectly visible to the operator,
✅ a minimum safety coefficient of 2 at the limit of the effective vacuum range,
✅ a visual and/or audible vacuum loss alarm,
✅ a vacuum reservoir or backup battery capable of compensating for losses in case of a power failure,
✅ an automatic power cut-off system to prevent accidental load drops,
✅ dual-action control devices to avoid unintentional release of the load,
✅ certified welds compliant with standards EN 287-1 or NF A 88-111,
✅ a clear and indelible CE marking, indicating the Safe Working Load (SWL), the tare weight, the manufacturer’s name, and the year of production,
✅ and finally, a complete instruction manual.

During commissioning, the user must carry out a suitability inspection, and if necessary, a static test in accordance with SIMMA recommendations.
This test ensures that the lifter is properly assembled, able to maintain the load in the event of a power failure, and complies with FEM 1001:98 standards.
A structural calculation report, including fatigue analysis, buckling verification, and elastic limit verification, must also be available upon request from the Ministry of Labour.

For further information, consult the SIMMA Buyer’s Vademecum.

7. Other complementary standards and directives in the vacuum field

In addition to official standards, several organizations provide practical guides and recommendations:

INRS (French National Institute for Research and Safety) publishes practical guides on preventing risks related to vacuum lifting and heavy handling.
See the document: INRS – Vacuum lifters and safety

European standards databases allow technical users to consult detailed normative texts.
Example: Standards.iteh.ai – EN 13155 (2021)

These links provide a deeper understanding of regulatory texts and help establish a compliant and sustainable safety policy.

8. Why are these standards essential?

Compliance with vacuum standards ensures:

✅ Maximum safety during lifting operations.
✅ Legal compliance with French and European regulations.
✅ Reduced risk of accidents and site shutdowns.
✅ Extended equipment life thanks to adapted maintenance.
✅ A professional image: a guarantee of reliability and trust for clients.

Vacuum standards – particularly NF EN 13155 and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC – form the foundation of safe and compliant handling. Even though some references, such as EN 1012-2, have been withdrawn, they illustrate the evolution of practices toward greater safety.

At the same time, implementing a quality management system compliant with ISO 9001 strengthens reliability, traceability, and customer satisfaction.

As an agent and expert in vacuum lifting equipment, KLEVAGE is committed to providing compliant, reliable, and safe solutions.

Our mission is twofold:

- To inform and support our clients regarding applicable standards.

- To guarantee the compliance of their equipment.

Vacuum standards are not just administrative formalities. They are the key to safe and effective handling in your industrial and construction projects. At KLEVAGE, we make compliance a priority, because it determines both the safety of your teams and the success of your projects.

For any request for information, do not hesitate to contact us