ISO 16092-3:2017

Overview - ISO 16092-3:2017 (Hydraulic presses safety)

ISO 16092-3:2017 is the Type C standard for machine tool safety specific to hydraulic presses used to work cold metal or materials partly made up of cold metal. Applied in addition to ISO 16092-1, it specifies technical safety requirements and protective measures for the full lifecycle of hydraulic presses (design, manufacture, supply, installation, use, maintenance and decommissioning). The standard covers a wide range of presses - from small, high-speed single-operator machines to large, slow-speed multi-operator systems - and addresses significant hazards and reasonably foreseeable misuse.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Hazard identification and lifecycle coverage: Addresses all significant hazards relevant to hydraulic presses and follows the lifecycle approach of ISO 12100.
• Hydraulic system safety: Requirements for hydraulic circuits, including controlled gravity descent through monitored redundant valves, pressure-limiting valves that are tamper-resistant and set to no more than 10% above maximum operating pressure, and special provisions for down-stroking presses (pressure-intensification protection and relief valve setting at least 10% above maximum system pressure).
• Mechanical safeguards in the tools area: Defines the major danger zone, safeguarding measures and limits (e.g., slow closing speed ≤ 10 mm/s for certain hold-to-run operations; foot-pedal force to switch positions not to exceed 350 N).
• Prevention of unintended gravity fall: Mandatory restraint devices for presses with opening stroke > 500 mm and table depth > 800 mm; integrated, permanently fixed mechanical restraint with position indication where needed.
• Control and monitoring systems: Functional requirements for control, monitoring, muting, selection devices, position sensors, valves and required performance levels for safety functions (see Clauses 5.4 and related annexes).
• Verification and information for use: Procedures for verification of safety measures, marking, warnings and required content of instruction handbooks.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 16092-3:2017:

• Manufacturers and designers of hydraulic presses - to design compliant machines and safety systems.
• Safety engineers and integrators - for risk reduction, control system design and performance-level verification.
• Regulators and conformity assessors - to evaluate machine compliance.
• Plant managers, maintenance and service personnel - for safe maintenance, tool-setting and lockout procedures.
• End users and employers - to understand required guards, indicators, and safe operating practices.

Practical value:

• Ensures consistent, internationally recognized safety measures.
• Reduces risk of crushing, unintended ram descent, hydraulic overpressure and control-system failures.
• Supports compliance documentation, operator training and machine commissioning.

Related standards

Normative references include: ISO 16092-1:2017, ISO 12100:2010, ISO 13849-1:2015, ISO 4413:2010 and IEC 60947-5-8. These should be consulted alongside ISO 16092-3 for complete compliance and system design.