ISO 13855:2024

Overview

ISO 13855:2024 - Safety of machinery - Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body specifies requirements for locating and dimensioning machine safeguards so they effectively prevent persons (14 years and older) or their body parts from reaching hazards within the intended span of control. The standard covers positioning of detection zones, control devices and interlocking guards and defines how to evaluate reaching distances, separation distances and system response times to achieve intended risk reduction.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of safeguards: Applies to electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE), pressure-sensitive mats/floors, two-hand control devices, single control devices and interlocking guards.
• Detection zones and reaching distances: Requirements for the position and dimensions of ESPE detection zones (including AOPDs, AOPDDRs‑2D/3D, vision-based devices) and pressure-sensitive devices, focused on preventing access to hazard zones.
• Separation distances: Defines static and dynamic separation distances (see terms such as separation distance S, approach speed K and overall system response time T) and methods to calculate them.
• Approach direction & speed assumptions: Considers orthogonal and parallel approaches, known vs unknown direction of approach, and uses time‑tested walking and upper‑limb approach speeds (note: running, jumping or falling are excluded).
• SRMCD positioning: Rules for placing safety‑related manual control devices (SRMCD) relative to detection zones and interlocking guards, including evaluation of access from within safeguarded spaces.
• Special cases: Treatment of vertical detection zones, single‑beam arrangements, reaching under/over/through detection zones, and interlocking guards (with/without guard locking).
• Methodology & system performance: Guidance on methodology, calculation of dynamic separation distances, and normative/ informative annexes on measurement, supplier information, time factors and explanations.

Practical applications and who should use it

ISO 13855:2024 is intended for:

• Machine designers and OEMs implementing safeguards and ESPE
• Safety engineers and integrators specifying detection zones and separation distances
• Risk assessors, compliance officers and inspectors verifying machine safety
• System integrators using pressure‑sensitive mats, two‑hand controls, or interlocking guards
• Consultants preparing safety documentation and conformity assessments

Typical uses: specifying guard placement in machine design, calculating required separation distances, selecting appropriate ESPE or pressure mats, positioning SRMCDs, and supporting risk assessments and compliance with machinery safety requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 61496 series (AOPDs / ESPE)
• IEC/TS 61496‑4‑2 and IEC/TS 61496‑4‑3 (vision‑based protective devices)
• ISO 13856‑1 (pressure‑sensitive mats and floors)
• ISO 13851 (two‑hand control devices)
• ISO 14120 (general requirements for guards)

Keywords: ISO 13855, safety of machinery, positioning of safeguards, ESPE, separation distance, detection zone, pressure-sensitive mats, two‑hand control, interlocking guards, SRMCD.