This European Standard is applicable to all types of shield machines and associated back up equipment, thrust boring machines, auger boring machines and lining erection equipment. It specifies the essential safety requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and information for use of such machines. Shield machines and associated back up equipment include: open shields for both manual and mechanical excavation; shielded tunnel boring machines; micro tunnelling machines; towed or stationary back up equipment; pipe jacking equipment. All shield machines provide lateral and radial ground support. In addition they may provide various types of face support and ground water control (see Clause 3). Certain associated matters are not included in the scope of the standard: additional equipment which may form an integral part of a shield machine or back up equipment and is used for compressed air (hyperbaric/plenum) working (see EN 12110:2002); use under hyperbaric conditions; the supply of electricity up to the machine; ancillary tools and equipment used for, at or on the machine; electromagnetic compatibility; loading and transport equipment which is not an integral part of the machine, e. g. rolling stock, man riders, grout cars, segment cars, muck cars. NOTE Within the European Union Directive 94/9/EC concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres can be applicable to the type of machine or equipment covered byThis European Standard. The present document is not intended to provide means of complying with the essential health and safety requirements of Directive 94/9/EC. HazardsThis European Standard deals with significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to shield machines and associated back up equipment, thrust boring machines and auger boring machines when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer (see Clause 4). ValidityThis European Standard is not applicable to machines which are manufactured before the date of publication of this European Standard by CEN.