EN ISO 6909:2026

Overview

EN ISO 6909:2026 - Machine Tools Safety – Press Brakes (ISO 6909:2026) is an international standard published by CEN, focusing on the safety requirements and measures for the design, manufacture, and supply of press brakes. This document is essential for professionals involved in machine tool production, ensuring consistent safety protocols for machines that work with cold metal and other sheet materials, such as cardboard, plastic, rubber, and leather.

The standard covers several types of press brakes, including hydraulic, hydraulic servo-drive, screw servo-drive, and belt-spring servo-drive machines. It addresses significant hazards throughout the entire lifecycle of a press brake, providing guidance on intended use, maintenance, and reasonably foreseeable misuse. EN ISO 6909:2026 aligns with ISO 12100:2010 principles for general machine safety, further supporting manufacturers, suppliers, and employers in fulfilling machinery safety obligations.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application

  • Specifies safety requirements for press brakes working with cold metals and similar sheet materials.
  • Applies to machines designed for independent use or integration into manufacturing systems.
  • Excludes press brakes powered by pneumatic or combined drive technologies, and those designed primarily for rotary folding, tube/pipe bending, or roll bending.

• Types of Press Brakes Covered

  • Hydraulic press brakes
  • Hydraulic servo-drive press brakes
  • Screw servo-drive press brakes
  • Belt-spring servo-drive press brakes

• Hazard Identification and Risk Reduction

  • Identification of significant hazards as per ISO 12100, including risks to operators and bystanders.
  • Comprehensive safety measures for mechanical and non-mechanical hazards (e.g., electrical, ergonomic, thermal).
  • Guidelines for safeguarding, emergency stops, control system integrity, and proper machine marking.

• Lifecycle Safety Approach

  • Considers safety requirements during all phases: design, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
  • Provides detailed instructions for use, maintenance, and safe handling.
  • Emphasizes prevention of unintended beam movements and access protection.

• Ancillary Devices and Limitations

  • Safety considerations for ancillary devices (e.g., backgauges, tool loaders).
  • Excludes equipment intended solely for automatic loading/unloading, referencing ISO 11161:2007 for guidance.

Applications

This standard is vital for organizations and stakeholders involved in:

• Machine Design and Manufacturing
  • Ensuring new press brakes comply with international safety expectations.
  • Facilitating risk assessments, hazard mitigation, and ergonomic considerations.
• Industrial Safety Compliance
  • Assisting machine users and employers in meeting European and global regulatory requirements for machinery safety.
• System Integration
  • Serving as a reference when integrating compliant press brakes into automated or semi-automated production lines.
• Third-Party Auditing and Certification
  • Acting as a benchmark during machinery inspection, maintenance, and certification for workplace safety standards.

Related Standards

Compliance with EN ISO 6909:2026 often necessitates referencing key related standards, such as:

• ISO 12100:2010 – Safety of machinery – General principles for risk assessment and risk reduction.
• ISO 13849-1 & ISO 13849-2 – Safety-related parts of control systems.
• EN 1837:2020 – Safety of machinery – Integral lighting of machines.
• ISO 4413:2010 / ISO 4414:2010 – Hydraulic and pneumatic systems safety guidelines.
• ISO 13850:2015 – Emergency stop functions and principles for design.
• ISO 13855:2010 & ISO 13857:2019 – Positioning and distances for safeguards.

Conclusion

EN ISO 6909:2026 is a comprehensive and practical standard that supports the safe operation, design, and integration of press brakes in a modern industrial environment. Adhering to this standard helps reduce hazards, facilitates compliance with legal requirements, and promotes best practices in machine tool safety across various sectors. Incorporating the guidance of EN ISO 6909:2026 in the development and use of press brakes not only enhances workplace safety but also streamlines the path to regulatory conformity.