Following best practices is essential for compliance with the SN EN ISO 13850:2016 standard, ensuring machinery safety and audit readiness.

Best practices at a glance

This section introduces a checklist of best practices tailored to the SN EN ISO 13850:2016 standard. These practices cover functional requirements for emergency stop functions, design principles, and compliance measures, aligning with relevant clauses of the standard to facilitate a seamless certification process.

The practices

1. Establish a Risk Assessment Procedure
   Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards associated with emergency stop functions in your machinery. This is crucial for mitigating risks and demonstrating compliance with Section 5 of SN EN ISO 13850:2016. An effective risk assessment not only safeguards personnel but also meets auditor expectations for safety documentation.

2. Implement Clear Design Guidelines
   Follow the design guidelines specified in Section 6 of SN EN ISO 13850:2016 to ensure that emergency stop mechanisms are intuitive and accessible. Clear design is vital to minimizing user error and enhancing safety, thereby fulfilling the standard's requirements and reducing the likelihood of accidents during operation.

3. Integrate Functional Requirements for Emergency Stops
   Ensure that your machinery complies with the functional requirements outlined in Section 4 of SN EN ISO 13850:2016. This includes responsiveness and reliability of emergency stop functions. Auditors will expect documented evidence that these requirements are met to validate safety claims.

4. Maintain Compliance with IEC 60204-1
   Align your electrical safety measures with IEC 60204-1 as referenced in Section 7 of SN EN ISO 13850:2016. This compliance is crucial for electrical installations and helps to establish a safer working environment, meeting both national and international safety standards.

5. Document Exclusions Clearly
   Clearly document any exclusions from the applicability of SN EN ISO 13850:2016 in accordance with Section 2. This transparency helps in mitigating misunderstandings during audits and ensures that all stakeholders are aware of the scope of your compliance efforts.

6. Engage with Relevant Committees
   Actively participate in discussions with the Swissmem/NK 49 committee and other regulatory bodies. Engaging with these organizations can provide insights into best practices and upcoming changes in standards, aiding in smoother transitions and ensuring ongoing compliance with ISO 13850:2015.

7. Conduct Regular Training Sessions
   Implement ongoing training for staff involved in machinery operation and maintenance to keep them informed about the latest safety standards and practices. Training ensures that all personnel understand the importance of emergency stop functions and how to use them effectively, as emphasized in Section 8 of SN EN ISO 13850:2016.

8. Monitor and Review Compliance
   Regularly review your compliance status against ISO 13850:2015 and related standards. This proactive monitoring allows for timely adjustments and ensures continued adherence to safety protocols, which is crucial for passing audits and maintaining certifications.

Audit preparation checklist

• Establish a Risk Assessment Procedure
• Implement Clear Design Guidelines
• Integrate Functional Requirements for Emergency Stops
• Maintain Compliance with IEC 60204-1
• Document Exclusions Clearly
• Engage with Relevant Committees
• Conduct Regular Training Sessions
• Monitor and Review Compliance

Next steps

To deepen your understanding of the ISO 13850:2015 certification process, consider pursuing training opportunities, acquiring implementation guides, or purchasing the standard itself for comprehensive insights into compliance measures and best practices.