ISO 6055:2023

Overview

ISO 6055:2023 - Industrial trucks - Overhead guards - Specification and testing defines safety, dimensional and test requirements for overhead guards and operator leg/foot protection on industrial trucks that require an overhead guard under ISO 3691‑1 and ISO 3691‑2. The fourth edition updates test procedures and performance requirements, adds provisions for transparent materials used in overhead guard tops, and excludes rough‑terrain variable‑reach trucks.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to ride‑on trucks and variable‑reach trucks where the operator position requires an overhead guard; excludes rough‑terrain and slewing rough‑terrain variable‑reach trucks.
• Protected area: The overhead guard must extend over the operator in normal operating positions and must not extend beyond the truck’s plan outline. Controls and pedals are considered protected within a 150 mm forward projection rule.
• Openings and materials: Top openings shall not allow a sphere larger than 150 mm to pass. If transparent material (e.g., glazing) bridges larger openings, it must meet specific performance and testing criteria.
• Vertical clearances: Minimum clearances are specified for seated and standing operators (notably 903 mm from seat index point (SIP) to underside of guard for seated trucks, and 1 905 mm from standing platform).
• Testing requirements:
  • Dynamic test to assess resistance to permanent deflection (test sequence required before the impact drop).
  • Impact drop test to determine deformation under large loads.
  • Transparent material tests, operators’ leg/foot protection tests, and falling‑objects and overturning tests for certain variable‑reach trucks.
• Reduced‑height guards: Manufacturers may offer reduced clearance guards but must provide clear information on limitations (e.g., operator height) and must still meet performance requirements.

Applications and users

ISO 6055:2023 is used by:

• Forklift and industrial truck manufacturers - to design overhead guards and prove compliance.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform dynamic, drop and transparency tests.
• Safety engineers and fleet managers - to evaluate retrofit guards, select appropriate protective structures and document maintenance/inspection regimes.
• Regulatory and procurement teams - to reference required performance when specifying equipment.

Practical outcomes include improved operator protection from falling objects, standardized test procedures for product validation, and clear guidance for reduced‑height applications and transparent guard components.

Related standards

• ISO 3691‑1 / ISO 3691‑2 (industrial truck safety requirements)
• ISO 3449, ISO 3471 (falling‑object and roll‑over protective structures)
• ISO 5353 (seat index point)
• ISO 13564‑1 (visibility test methods)