Following best practices for compliance with SN EN ISO 13855:2025 is crucial for ensuring the safety of machinery and preparing for audits. Adhering to these guidelines not only enhances workplace safety but also promotes a culture of compliance and accountability.

Best practices at a glance

This section presents a checklist of best practices designed to align with SN EN ISO 13855:2025. These practices address critical areas such as the arrangement and dimensions of protective devices, safety-related manual control devices, and the assessment of human body approach speeds. Each practice is linked to specific clauses of the standard, ensuring a comprehensive approach to compliance.

The practices

1. Ensure proper placement of protective devices
   Position safeguards based on the calculated safety distances specified in SN EN ISO 13855:2025. This practice minimizes the risk of accidental contact with moving parts, thereby enhancing operator safety (Clause 5.2). An auditor will expect to see documented assessments justifying the placement of these devices.

2. Implement Safety-Related Manual Control Devices (SRMCD)
   Utilize SRMCDs that comply with the requirements outlined in SN EN ISO 13855:2025. These devices are essential for allowing safe manual operation of machinery, thus reducing the likelihood of unintentional machine activation during maintenance (Clause 6.3). Proper documentation will facilitate an auditor's review.

3. Adopt Two-Hand Control Systems
   Incorporate two-hand control mechanisms that require simultaneous activation to operate machinery. This reduces the risk of injury by ensuring that the operator’s hands remain at a safe distance from hazards (Clause 7.1). An auditor will assess the effectiveness of these controls in mitigating risk.

4. Evaluate Locked Separating Protective Devices
   Use locked protective devices that prevent access to hazardous areas when machinery is in operation. This practice ensures that operators cannot inadvertently reach dangerous zones, aligning with safety requirements (Clause 8.2). Auditors will look for evidence of testing and maintenance protocols.

5. Assess Human Body Approach Speeds
   Conduct assessments of human body approach speeds to determine appropriate safety distances. This is critical for establishing effective protective measures and reducing the risk of accidents (Clause 4.1). Documentation of these assessments is vital for audit purposes.

6. Utilize Active Opto-Electronic Protective Devices (AOPD)
   Implement AOPDs that meet the requirements set forth in SN EN ISO 13855:2025. These devices provide an additional layer of safety by detecting the presence of operators in hazardous zones (Clause 9.3). Auditors expect to see compliance documentation and testing results.

7. Regularly Review and Update Compliance Practices
   Continually assess and update safety protocols in line with ISO 13855:2024 compliance requirements. This proactive approach not only meets auditor expectations but also mitigates risks associated with machinery hazards (General Guidance). Regular reviews help maintain compliance over time.

8. Train Personnel on Compliance Requirements
   Ensure that all personnel are adequately trained on the stipulations of SN EN ISO 13855:2025. This training fosters a culture of safety and compliance, reducing the likelihood of human error (General Guidance). Training records will be essential during audits.

Audit preparation checklist

• Confirm the placement of protective devices meets safety distance requirements.
• Ensure SRMCDs are implemented and functioning correctly.
• Verify that two-hand control systems are in place and effective.
• Check that locked separating protective devices are operational.
• Review assessments of human body approach speeds.
• Ensure AOPDs are installed and compliant with the standard.
• Validate that compliance practices are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Confirm that all personnel have received necessary training on compliance requirements.

Next steps

To delve deeper into compliance with ISO 13855:2024, consider pursuing training programs, implementing a comprehensive implementation guide, or purchasing the standard for detailed specifications.