Overview of SN EN ISO 13854:2020 - Safety of Machinery

SN EN ISO 13854:2020

Sicherheit von Maschinen - Mindestabstände zur Vermeidung des Quetschens von Körperteilen (ISO 13854:2017)

Safety of machinery - Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body (ISO 13854:2017)

SWISSMEM

ISO 13854:2017 enables the user (e.g. standard makers, designers of machinery) to avoid hazards from crushing zones. It specifies minimum gaps relative to parts of the human body and is applicable when adequate safety can be achieved by this method. ISO 13854:2017 is applicable to risks from crushing hazards only and is not applicable to other possible hazards, e.g. impact, shearing, drawing-in. NOTE For impact, shearing, drawing-in hazards, additional or other measures are to be taken.

Publikation: 2020-03-015 SeitenICS: 13.110

ISO 13854:2017, also known as SN EN ISO 13854:2020, is a crucial standard that addresses the safety of machinery by specifying minimum gaps to avoid the crushing of human body parts. This standard is primarily designed for standard makers and machinery designers, enabling them to implement effective safety measures that mitigate the risks associated with crushing hazards.

=== SECTION 1 ===

What SN EN ISO 13854:2020 covers

SN EN ISO 13854:2020 establishes safety requirements aimed at preventing crushing injuries in machinery. The standard delineates the minimum gap specifications that machinery must adhere to in order to safeguard human body parts from crushing zones. It is essential for designers and manufacturers of machinery to understand that this standard applies strictly to crushing hazards and does not encompass risks related to other forms of hazards such as impact, shearing, or drawing-in. Therefore, while it provides a framework for gap specifications, additional measures must be taken to address these other hazards adequately.

=== SECTION 2 ===

Who needs to comply with SN EN ISO 13854:2020

This standard is pertinent to a variety of stakeholders within the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) industry. It primarily targets machinery manufacturers, designers, and engineers across different sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and automation. Company sizes can range from small enterprises to large multinational corporations, all of whom are responsible for ensuring that their machinery complies with safety standards. Compliance with SN EN ISO 13854:2020 helps these organizations demonstrate their commitment to safety and regulatory requirements, ultimately fostering a safer work environment.

=== SECTION 3 ===

Key requirements

  • Minimum Gap Specifications: Establishes specific measurements for gaps to prevent crushing hazards related to various parts of the human body.
  • Applicability: Clarifies that the standard only addresses crushing hazards and not other risks such as impact or shearing.
  • Design Considerations: Encourages designers to incorporate these gap specifications during the machinery design phase to enhance safety.
  • Risk Assessment Guidance: Provides information on how to conduct risk assessments focusing on crushing hazards.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Requires proper documentation to demonstrate compliance and facilitate audits.

These requirements are typically audited through internal reviews and external inspections to ensure compliance and safety.

=== SECTION 4 ===

How to implement SN EN ISO 13854:2020

Implementing SN EN ISO 13854:2020 involves a systematic approach to ensure compliance and enhance machinery safety. The typical steps include: conducting a gap analysis to identify current compliance status, documenting existing processes and machinery designs, providing training for staff on safety protocols and the importance of gap specifications, performing internal audits to assess adherence to the standard, and finally, arranging for a certification audit to verify compliance. This structured implementation process facilitates a thorough understanding and application of the standard, ensuring safer machinery operations.

=== SECTION 5 ===

Related standards

  • ISO 12100: Provides general principles for risk assessment and risk reduction, complementing the specific requirements of ISO 13854:2017.
  • ISO 14120: Covers the general principles for the design and construction of guards, which can work alongside ISO 13854:2017 to enhance safety against crushing hazards.
  • ISO 13849: Focuses on the safety-related parts of control systems, important for ensuring that machinery operates safely in conjunction with gap specifications.
  • EN 60204-1: Relates to the safety of electrical equipment, which is crucial for machinery compliance in conjunction with mechanical safety standards.

=== SECTION 6 ===

Why SN EN ISO 13854:2020 matters

Adhering to SN EN ISO 13854:2020 not only ensures legal compliance but also enhances workplace safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This compliance can provide a competitive advantage in the market, foster customer trust, and open access to new markets that prioritize safety standards. Organizations that implement this standard demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding human life, which is increasingly valued in today's business landscape. Explore training and purchase options to further enhance your understanding and compliance with this essential standard below.

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Last updated: April 15, 2026