Introduction to SN EN ISO 13855:2025 - Safety of Machinery
SN EN ISO 13855:2025
Sicherheit von Maschinen - Anordnung von Schutzeinrichtungen im Hinblick auf Annäherung des menschlichen Körpers (ISO 13855:2024)
Safety of machinery - Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body (ISO 13855:2024)
This document specifies requirements for the positioning and dimensioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body or its parts towards hazard(s) within the intended span-of-control as follows: — the position and dimension of the detection zone(s) of ESPE and pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors; — the position of two-hand control devices and single control devices; — the position of interlocking guards. This document also specifies requirements for the positioning of safety-related manual control devices (SRMCD) with respect to the approach of the human body or its parts from within the safeguard space relative to: — the position and dimension of the detection zone(s) of ESPE and pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors; and — the position and dimension of interlocking guards. When evaluating the ability of the human body or its parts to access SRMCD from within the intended safeguarded space, the requirements of this document are also applicable to determine the dimensions of safeguard(s). Approaches such as running, jumping or falling, are not considered in this document. NOTE 1 The values for approach speeds (walking speed and upper limb movement) in this document are time tested and proven in practical experience. NOTE 2 Other types of approach can result in approach speeds that are higher or lower than those defined in this document. This document applies to safeguards used on machinery for the protection of persons 14 years and older. Safeguards considered in this document include: a) electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) such as: — active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs) (see IEC 61496-2); — AOPDs responsive to diffuse reflection that have one or more detection zone(s) specified in two dimensions (AOPDDRs-2D) (see IEC 61496-3); — AOPDs responsive to diffuse reflection that have one or more detection zone(s) specified in three dimensions (AOPDDRs-3D) (see IEC 61496-3); — vision based protective devices using reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP) (see IEC/TS 61496-4-2); — vision based protective devices using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) (see IEC/TS 61496-4-3); b) pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors (see ISO 13856-1); c) two-hand control devices (see ISO 13851); d) single control devices; e) interlocking guards (see ISO 14120). This document is not applicable to: — safeguards (e.g. pendant two-hand control devices) that can be manually moved, without using tools, nearer to the hazard zone than the separation distance; — protection against the risks from hazards arising from emissions (e.g. the ejection of solid or fluid materials, radiation, electric arcs, heat, noise, fumes, gases); — protection against the risks arising from failure of mechanical parts of the machine or gravity falls. The separation distances derived from this document do not apply to safeguards used solely for presence sensing function.
=== SECTION 1 ===
What SN EN ISO 13855:2025 covers
SN EN ISO 13855:2025 specifies the requirements for the positioning and dimensions of various safety devices that protect individuals from machine-related hazards. The standard focuses on several key areas, including the placement of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE), two-hand control devices, and interlocking guards, as well as safety-related manual control devices (SRMCD). Importantly, the standard does not cover safeguards that can be manually moved closer to hazard zones without tools, nor does it address risks from emissions, mechanical failures, or gravity-induced hazards. The emphasis on correctly positioning safeguards helps ensure that operators are protected from hazards while effectively engaging with machinery.
=== SECTION 2 ===
Who needs to comply with SN EN ISO 13855:2025
The primary audience for SN EN ISO 13855:2025 includes manufacturers of machinery and equipment in the Environment, Health & Safety sector, as well as safety engineers and compliance officers. Companies of all sizes, from small enterprises to large industrial operations, must adhere to these standards to ensure the safety of their machinery and protect their workforce. Compliance is crucial for organizations that manufacture, operate, or maintain machinery that poses risks to individuals aged 14 years and older, and it is especially relevant for those working in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and other heavy industries.
=== SECTION 3 ===
Key requirements
- Positioning of Safeguards: Specifies where safety devices must be located in relation to potential hazards and human approach zones.
- Dimensioning of Detection Zones: Outlines size requirements for detection zones related to electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) and pressure-sensitive mats.
- Control Device Placement: Defines the positioning of two-hand control devices and single control devices for safe operation.
- Interlocking Guards: Stipulates requirements for the placement and effectiveness of interlocking guards to prevent access to hazards.
- Approach Speed Assessment: Provides guidelines for understanding human approach speeds to ensure adequate safety distances are maintained.
These requirements are typically audited through regular safety assessments and compliance checks conducted by internal safety teams or external certifying bodies.
=== SECTION 4 ===
How to implement SN EN ISO 13855:2025
Implementing SN EN ISO 13855:2025 involves several key steps that help organizations align with the safety standards outlined in the document. First, conduct a gap analysis to assess current practices against the requirements of the standard. This should be followed by thorough documentation of safety procedures and modifications needed for equipment and safeguards. Training sessions should then be organized for employees to ensure that they understand the new safety protocols and how to operate machinery safely. After training, an internal audit should be performed to evaluate compliance and identify areas for improvement. Finally, organizations can prepare for a certification audit to verify adherence to the standard.
=== SECTION 5 ===
Related standards
- ISO 13856-1: Addresses pressure-sensitive mats and floors and how they can be integrated into safety measures for machinery.
- ISO 13851: Focuses on two-hand control devices, detailing requirements for their design and placement to ensure operator safety.
- ISO 14120: Pertains to the design and construction of guards and interlocking devices, outlining standards for their protective features.
- IEC 61496-2: Covers active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs) and their requirements for effective safeguarding.
- IEC/TS 61496-4-2: Discusses vision-based protective devices using reference pattern techniques, relating to how these devices can enhance safety protocols.
=== SECTION 6 ===
Why SN EN ISO 13855:2025 matters
Adhering to SN EN ISO 13855:2025 is crucial for ensuring workplace safety and protecting employees from machinery hazards. Compliance not only enhances legal standing and reduces liability but also fosters a culture of safety that can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. By implementing these standards, organizations demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being, which can enhance customer trust and open doors to new market opportunities. To further explore training and purchase options related to this standard, please see the links below.
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