ISO 14122-2:2016

Overview

ISO 14122-2:2016 - Safety of machinery: Permanent means of access - Part 2: Working platforms and walkways specifies requirements for non-powered working platforms and walkways that form part of stationary machinery. It covers fixed means of access (including non‑powered adjustable or movable parts such as foldable or sliding elements) and applies where the main function of a building element is to provide access to the machine. The standard is intended to be used together with ISO 14122‑1 (choice of fixed means of access) and other parts of the ISO 14122 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & applicability
  • Applies to stationary machinery and fixed means of access installed on machines or as part of building structures whose primary role is machine access.
  • Not applicable to powered access (lifts, escalators) or to machinery manufactured before publication.
• Construction & materials
  • Components, fixings and supports must ensure rigidity, stability and resistance to environmental effects (corrosion, chemicals, thermal expansion).
  • Compatible materials to avoid galvanic action.
• Slip resistance & floorings
  • Walking surfaces must have durable slip-resistant properties; Annex A gives methods for determining slip resistance.
• Dimensions & ergonomics
  • Minimum headroom normally 2100 mm; reduced to 1900 mm where obstacles cross (with padding/warnings).
  • Clear walkway width ≥ 800 mm; increase to 1000 mm for frequent multi-person passage.
  • Width may be reduced to 600 mm for rare/occasional use; short distances (<2000 mm) may be 500 mm.
  • Design dimensions reference ergonomic data in ISO 15534‑1/3.
• Safety features
  • Protection against falling objects (guard-rails, toe-plates), unobstructed evacuation routes, handrails designed for intuitive use.
  • Location guidance: keep platforms and walkways away from harmful emissions or accumulations that cause slipping.
• Temporary and adjustable parts
  • Requirements also apply to non-powered adjustable/movable parts (hinged, sliding platforms and walkways).

Practical applications - who uses ISO 14122-2:2016

• Machine manufacturers designing permanent access for operation, maintenance, inspection and repair.
• Plant designers and building architects when machine access elements are integrated into structures.
• Health & safety professionals and regulators for compliance assessment and risk reduction.
• Maintenance and service providers, operations managers and ergonomics specialists specifying safe access and evacuation.
• Useful where no national regulation exists as a recognized technical reference for safe permanent access.

Related standards

• ISO 14122 series (Part 1, Part 3, Part 4)
• ISO 12100 (machine safety - risk assessment)
• ISO 13857 (safety distances)
• ISO 15534‑1 / 15534‑3 (ergonomic dimensions and anthropometric data)

Keywords: ISO 14122-2:2016, safety of machinery, working platforms, walkways, permanent means of access, slip resistance, guard-rails, platform dimensions, machine access standards.