ISO 14120:2015 vs ISO 13849: A Comprehensive Safety Comparison
SN EN ISO 14120:2016
Sicherheit von Maschinen - Trennende Schutzeinrichtungen - Allgemeine Anforderungen an Gestaltung, Bau und Auswahl von feststehenden und beweglichen trennenden Schutzeinrichtungen (ISO 14120:2015)
Safety of machinery - Guards - General requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards (ISO 14120:2015)
ISO 14120:2015 specifies general requirements for the design, construction, and selection of guards provided to protect persons from mechanical hazards. ISO 14120:2015 indicates other hazards that can influence the design and construction of guards. ISO 14120:2015 applies to guards for machinery which will be manufactured after it is published. The requirements are applicable if fixed and movable guards are used. This International Standard does not cover interlocking devices. These are covered in ISO 14119. ISO 14120:2015 does not provide requirements for special systems relating specifically to mobility such as ROPS (rollover protective structures), FOPS (falling-object protective structures), and TOPS (tip over protective structures) or to the ability of machinery to lift loads.
Why compare SN EN ISO 14120:2016 and ISO 14120:2015 vs ISO 13849
The comparison of SN EN ISO 14120:2016 with ISO 14120:2015 and ISO 13849 arises from the need for organizations and safety professionals to ensure that their machinery adheres to the highest safety standards. Manufacturers, safety engineers, and compliance officers often seek clarity on which standards to follow for specific applications. They may be trying to decide whether to implement design and construction requirements for guards under ISO 14120 or assess the functional safety of control systems as outlined in ISO 13849. This decision impacts not only regulatory compliance but also the safety of personnel in the operational environment.
How SN EN ISO 14120:2016 approaches the topic
SN EN ISO 14120:2016 outlines comprehensive requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards used in machinery to mitigate mechanical hazards effectively. This standard emphasizes the importance of guarding devices in preventing access to hazardous areas during operation or maintenance, thereby safeguarding personnel from potential injuries. Key aspects include:
- Design Requirements: The standard specifies criteria for creating guards that are effective, durable, and user-friendly.
- Construction Standards: It provides guidelines on materials and methods to ensure that guards can withstand operational wear and environmental conditions.
- Mechanical Hazards Protection: The standard aims to address various mechanical risks associated with machinery operations, ensuring that guards are tailored to the specific hazards present.
- Relationship with EU Directive 2006/42/CE: It aligns with European directives, ensuring that compliance with ISO standards facilitates adherence to broader regulatory frameworks. With this comprehensive approach, SN EN ISO 14120:2016 provides a robust framework for ensuring safety through effective guarding solutions.
How ISO 14120:2015 vs ISO 13849 approaches the topic
ISO 14120:2015, while often considered interchangeable with SN EN ISO 14120:2016, primarily focuses on the design and construction of guards without delving into the functional safety aspects of control systems. On the other hand, ISO 13849 presents a methodology for assessing the functional safety of safety-related control systems in machinery. Key points include:
- Scope: ISO 14120:2015 sets out requirements for guards, whereas ISO 13849 lays out performance levels for safety-related control systems.
- Approach to Safety: ISO 14120 emphasizes physical barriers to protect against mechanical hazards, while ISO 13849 focuses on the reliability and safety of control systems.
- Use Cases: ISO 14120 is applicable in contexts where guards are crucial, while ISO 13849 is vital in systems where electronic controls play a significant role in safety functions. By understanding these distinctions, professionals can better navigate the applicable standards for their specific machinery safety needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criteria | SN EN ISO 14120:2016 | ISO 14120:2015 / ISO 13849 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Design and construction of guards | Control system safety and guard design |
| Audience | Machinery manufacturers, safety engineers | Control system designers, safety professionals |
| Cost/Effort | Moderate, depending on guard complexity | Higher, due to the need for risk assessments |
| Certification Mechanism | Compliance with ISO standards | Compliance with ISO performance levels |
| Typical Use Cases | Machinery with fixed/movable guards | Systems with electronic controls for safety |
When to choose which
To make informed choices regarding safety standards, consider the following recommendations:
- If you need to design physical barriers to protect against mechanical hazards, choose SN EN ISO 14120:2016 for comprehensive guidelines.
- If your machinery relies heavily on electronic controls for safety functions, opt for ISO 13849 to ensure functional safety compliance.
- If you are transitioning from older standards, such as EN 953:1997+A1:2009, evaluate both SN EN ISO 14120:2016 and ISO 14120:2015 to understand the latest requirements.
- If you need to ensure compliance with EU regulations, consider how both standards align with the EU Directive 2006/42/CE, and choose accordingly based on your operational context.