The SN EN ISO 14120:2016 standard outlines essential safety requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards in machinery, ensuring protection against mechanical hazards. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard applies to various machinery types across multiple industries.

Purpose and objectives

The primary objective of ISO 14120:2015 is to establish a framework for the design and construction of guards that protect operators and maintenance personnel from mechanical hazards. The standard sets forth performance criteria and design principles that ensure guards effectively prevent accidental access to hazardous areas while maintaining operational functionality. By complying with these standards, manufacturers can enhance the overall safety of their machinery, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Scope: who must comply

ISO 14120:2015 applies to manufacturers, designers, and safety engineers involved in the machinery production process across various sectors, including:

• Manufacturing: Machinery in automotive, food processing, and consumer goods industries.
• Construction: Equipment such as cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery.
• Agriculture: Machinery used in farming and food production.

Organizations must adhere to ISO 14120:2015 as part of their Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) obligations, ensuring that machinery is designed with adequate safety features to protect users from potential mechanical hazards.

How SN EN ISO 14120:2016 relates to other standards

ISO 14120:2015 is part of a broader family of safety standards, which include:

• ISO 14119: This standard addresses the requirements for interlocking devices associated with guards, ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place.
• EN 953: The previous standard, now superseded by ISO 14120:2015, also focused on safety requirements for guards but lacked some of the updated criteria found in the current standard.
• EU Directive 2006/42/CE: This directive outlines essential health and safety requirements for machinery, complementing the specifications of ISO 14120:2015.

Revision history and current status

The SN EN ISO 14120 was first published in 2016, replacing earlier standards such as EN 953:1997+A1:2009. The most recent revision (2016) introduced updated requirements reflecting advancements in technology and safety practices. This ensures the standards remain relevant and effective in mitigating risks associated with mechanical hazards.