What is BS 5528 – excavator operator controls about? 
Optimum performance of earth-moving machines such as excavators depends on ergonomics for the operator, among other factors.
BS 5528 is an International Standard that specifies the requirements, movement directions and actuating forces for the operator’s controls on excavators as they relate to the operator and his position on the machine.
BS 5528 applies to excavators as defined in ISO 6165 and is intended as a guide when designing operator controls on these machines.
The range of sizes of operators considered in BS 5528 is that established in ISO 3411.
Who is BS 5528 - excavator operator controls for? 
BS 5528 on ‘excavator operator controls’ is useful for: 
- Manufacturers and suppliers of earth-moving machinery
- Product design engineers / innovation teams
- Quality control / testing personnel
- Compliance / audit teams
- Owners of earth-moving machinery
BS 5528 on ‘excavator operator controls’ is also useful for other entities such as:
- The mining industry
- Authorities who commission civil engineering projects
- Relevant government / municipal bodies
- Road engineering entities
- Project managers
- Contractors
- Civil / construction engineers
- Machine operators
- Safety and accident prevention bodies
Why should you use BS 5528 - excavator operator controls? 
A staple of large construction job sites, an excavator’s distinctive feature is the bucket that creates trenches, holes and foundations more easily than other earth moving equipment.
In addition to general requirements for excavators, BS 5528 provides you with details on location of controls, movement of controls, and control forces.
The controls addressed in BS 5528 are divided into two types based on function:
- Machine operation
- Machine travel
BS 5528 also provides you with guidelines on controls based on whether they are operated by:
- Hand
- Foot
- Toe
BS 5528 helps you to ensure that operators are able to work efficiently and avoid injuries related to improper placement of controls. BS 5528 is a step towards ensuring timely project completion so that you avoid delays that increase costs and inconvenience.
