SN EN ISO 13857:2020

Sicherheit von Maschinen - Sicherheitsabstände gegen das Erreichen von Gefährdungsbereichen mit den oberen und unteren Gliedmassen (ISO 13857:2019)

Safety of machinery - Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2019)

SWISSMEM

This document establishes values for safety distances in both industrial and non-industrial environments to prevent machinery hazard zones being reached. The safety distances are appropriate for protective structures. It also gives information about distances to impede free access by the lower limbs (see Annex B). This document covers people of 14 years and older (the 5th percentile stature of 14-year-olds is approximately 1 400 mm). In addition, for upper limbs only, it provides information for children older than 3 years (5th percentile stature of 3-year-olds is approximately 900 mm) where reaching through openings needs to be addressed. NOTE 1 It is not practical to specify safety distances for all persons. Therefore, the values presented are intended to cover the 95th percentile of the population. Data for preventing lower limb access for children is not considered. The distances apply when sufficient risk reduction can be achieved by distance alone. Because safety distances depend on size, some people of extreme dimensions will still be able to reach hazard zones even when the requirements of this document are met. Compliance with the requirements in this document will prevent access to the hazard zone. Nevertheless the user of this document is advised that it does not provide the required risk reduction for every hazard (e.g. hazards related to machine emissions such as ionizing radiation, heat sources, noise, dust). The clauses covering lower limbs apply on their own only when access by the upper limbs to the same hazard zone is not foreseeable according to the risk assessment. The safety distances are intended to protect those persons trying to reach hazard zones under the conditions specified (see 4.1.1). NOTE 2 This document is not intended to provide measures against reaching a hazard zone by climbing over (see ISO 14120:2015, 5.18).

Publikation: 2020-06-0131 SeitenICS: 13.110

This document, SN EN ISO 13857:2020, establishes critical safety distances necessary to prevent access to hazardous zones in machinery. It aims to ensure safety for individuals aged 14 years and older in both industrial and non-industrial environments, detailing distances for protective structures to mitigate risks associated with machinery operation.

What SN EN ISO 13857:2020 covers

SN EN ISO 13857:2020 specifies safety distances that must be maintained to prevent individuals from reaching hazardous areas with their upper and lower limbs. This standard is applicable in various environments, including factories and public spaces, and focuses on safeguarding individuals aged 14 and older. It outlines specific distances for upper limbs and provides guidance for lower limbs to impede access effectively. The document recognizes the impracticality of determining safety distances for every individual due to variations in size and stature. Therefore, it primarily addresses the needs of the 95th percentile of the population while also offering considerations for children aged 3 years and older in specific contexts. Notably, it excludes certain hazards such as emissions from machinery, emphasizing that the safety distances are applicable only when risk reduction can be achieved through distance alone.

Who needs to comply with SN EN ISO 13857:2020

The target audience for SN EN ISO 13857:2020 includes manufacturers, machine operators, safety engineers, and compliance officers within the Environment, Health & Safety sector. Companies of all sizes that operate machinery are required to adhere to this standard to ensure the safety of their workforce and the public. Industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation, where machinery is prevalent, will particularly benefit from compliance. Furthermore, organizations that design machinery or protective devices must consider these safety distances in their designs to mitigate risks associated with machinery operation effectively. Adhering to this standard not only enhances workplace safety but also facilitates compliance with broader regulatory frameworks, such as the EU Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery safety.

Key requirements

• Safety Distances for Upper Limbs: Establishes minimum distances to prevent upper limbs from reaching hazardous zones.
• Safety Distances for Lower Limbs: Defines distances necessary to impede access by lower limbs in various operational settings.
• Considerations for Various Age Groups: Provides specific guidelines for the safety distances relevant to individuals aged 14 and older, as well as considerations for children aged 3 years and older.
• Application Scope: Clarifies that the safety distances apply in both industrial and public environments, ensuring broad applicability.
• Exclusions: Specifies that the standard does not cover hazards related to machine emissions, such as radiation or heat.
• Risk Assessment Dependence: Stipulates that compliance with safety distances is contingent upon a thorough risk assessment that considers foreseeable access to hazard zones.

These requirements are typically audited through internal assessments and third-party evaluations to ensure compliance and safety standards are consistently met.

How to implement SN EN ISO 13857:2020

Implementing SN EN ISO 13857:2020 involves several key steps. Organizations should begin with a gap analysis to identify existing safety measures in relation to the standard's requirements. Following this, necessary documentation should be updated or created to reflect the established safety distances. Training sessions for employees must be conducted to ensure understanding and compliance with the new safety protocols. Regular internal audits should be scheduled to assess adherence to the standard and identify areas for improvement. Finally, organizations may pursue a certification audit to verify compliance with SN EN ISO 13857:2020 and enhance their credibility in safety practices. Detailed guidance on each of these steps is available in dedicated implementation resources.

Related standards

• ISO 14120:2015: Addresses general requirements for the design and construction of guards, complementing the safety distance measures in ISO 13857:2020.
• ISO 12100: Focuses on general principles for design, providing a framework that supports risk assessment in machinery safety.
• ISO 13849: Outlines safety-related parts of control systems, ensuring that machinery operates within safe parameters.
• ANSI/RIA R15.06: Provides safety requirements for industrial robots and robot systems, relevant for understanding safety distances in robotic applications.
• IEC 62061: Relates to functional safety of safety-related control systems, reinforcing the need for safety measures in machinery operation.

Why SN EN ISO 13857:2020 matters

Complying with SN EN ISO 13857:2020 offers significant business advantages, including enhanced workplace safety, legal compliance, and improved market access. Adhering to this standard not only builds customer trust but also positions organizations as leaders in safety practices within their industry. By implementing the safety measures outlined in this standard, companies minimize risk and enhance their reputation, ultimately contributing to long-term success. Explore training and purchase options for compliance and safety improvement below.