ISO 13857:2019 safety requirements are critical for organizations adopting SN EN ISO 13857:2020, as they help ensure compliance with safety standards in machinery operations. This guide covers the steps necessary for effective implementation and compliance.

Why implement SN EN ISO 13857:2020 now

Implementing SN EN ISO 13857:2020 is essential for organizations in the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) sector due to several driving factors. The increasing regulatory pressure from authorities mandates compliance with safety standards to protect workers from potential hazards in machinery. Additionally, customers are increasingly prioritizing safety in their procurement processes, making adherence to ISO 13857:2019 safety requirements a competitive advantage. Furthermore, organizations may have internal quality goals aimed at fostering a safer workplace, thus enhancing employee morale and productivity. By aligning with these standards, organizations can mitigate risks and improve their operational effectiveness.

Prerequisites and readiness check

Before embarking on the implementation of SN EN ISO 13857:2020, organizations should ensure they have the following prerequisites in place:

• Management Commitment: Leadership must support and promote safety initiatives.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate sufficient resources, including personnel and budget, for implementation.
• Current Process Documentation: Review existing safety procedures and documentation for gaps.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Engage key stakeholders across departments to ensure comprehensive understanding and buy-in.
• Safety Culture Assessment: Evaluate the current safety culture within the organization to identify areas for improvement.

Step 1: Gap analysis

Conducting a gap analysis against SN EN ISO 13857:2020 involves several steps to identify discrepancies between current practices and safety requirements. Start by gathering relevant documentation, including existing safety policies and risk assessments. Next, assess the current safety measures in place, comparing them against the requirements outlined in the standard. The process typically yields findings such as insufficient safety distances or inadequate risk mitigation strategies. Tools such as checklists, audits, and stakeholder interviews can facilitate this analysis. The outputs should clearly define gaps that need to be addressed to ensure compliance with ISO 13857:2019 safety requirements.

Step 2: Design and documentation

Designing and documenting the management system involves outlining the scope, policies, objectives, and procedures that meet SN EN ISO 13857:2020 requirements. Begin with a scope statement that defines the boundaries of the safety management system. Establish a safety policy that reflects the organization's commitment to safety. Define objectives that align with the ISO 13857:2019 safety requirements, such as reducing incidents related to hazardous zones. Document procedures for implementing safety distances for upper and lower limbs in machinery, referencing specific clauses of the standard. Maintain records of safety measures, risk assessments, and compliance audits to demonstrate adherence and facilitate continuous improvement.

Step 3: Implementation and training

Rolling out the safety management system requires effective change management and staff training. Begin by communicating the objectives and benefits of the new system to all employees, fostering a culture of safety. Organize training sessions that cover the specifics of ISO 13857:2019 safety requirements, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety distances in machinery. Encourage employees to provide feedback and address any concerns during the transition. Common pitfalls include resistance to change and inadequate training; thus, it's crucial to ensure that all team members understand their roles in maintaining safety standards.

Step 4: Internal audit and certification

The internal audit serves as a critical component for assessing compliance with SN EN ISO 13857:2020. Conduct audits regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety management system. The audit process typically consists of two stages: Stage 1 involves reviewing documentation to ensure it meets ISO 13857:2019 safety requirements, while Stage 2 assesses the implementation of the management system in practice. It is essential to address any non-conformities identified during the audits to achieve certification successfully. Certification bodies will require proof of compliance with both the documentation and implementation stages before granting certification.

Common pitfalls

Organizations often encounter several pitfalls during the implementation of SN EN ISO 13857:2020:

• Inadequate Management Support: Ensure leadership is visibly committed to safety initiatives.
• Lack of Employee Engagement: Foster a culture where employee feedback is valued and acted upon.
• Insufficient Training: Provide comprehensive training that addresses all aspects of safety requirements.
• Neglecting Documentation: Maintain thorough records to demonstrate compliance and facilitate audits.
• Ignoring Feedback from Audits: Use audit findings to drive improvements rather than viewing them as mere compliance checks.