ISO 6909:2026

Overview

ISO 6909:2026, Machine tools - Safety - Press brakes is an international standard developed by ISO to establish comprehensive technical safety requirements for the design, manufacture, and supply of press brakes. Press brakes are machines primarily intended for working cold metal, but they can also process other sheet materials like cardboard, plastics, rubber, and leather. This standard is pivotal for stakeholders in the machine tool industry, including manufacturers, designers, suppliers, safety professionals, and end users who need to ensure both operator safety and operational integrity across the entire lifecycle of a press brake.

By referencing established safety practices and standards such as ISO 12100:2010, ISO 6909:2026 provides a robust framework for risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and the communication of clear operational instructions. Its guidance extends to hydraulic press brakes, hydraulic servo-drive, screw servo-drive, and belt-spring servo-drive machines.

Key Topics

ISO 6909:2026 covers multiple crucial safety aspects related to press brakes:

• Technical Safety Requirements: Outlines specific design and operational safety needs for various press brake technologies.
• Significant Hazards: Identifies all recognized hazards associated with press brake operation, from mechanical and electrical to ergonomic and non-mechanical risks.
• Safeguarding and Controls: Details safeguarding methods (e.g., light curtains, interlocking guards), control system standards, and safe operating modes.
• Access and Ergonomics: Considers safety from all directions, ensuring protection for both operators and other persons nearby.
• Verification and Testing: Specifies procedures for verifying compliance with all safety requirements and protective measures.
• Information for Use: Mandates clear marking, safety instructions, and maintenance guidance for users throughout the machine’s life stages.

Applications

Adhering to ISO 6909:2026 delivers practical benefits in a range of industries that rely on press brakes for sheet metal and material processing:

• Manufacturers can design and build press brakes that meet internationally recognized safety standards, minimizing risks of accidents and liability.
• Employers and Operators gain clear operational guidelines for safe use, regular maintenance, and incident prevention.
• Integrators tasked with incorporating press brakes into automated manufacturing systems can reference ISO 6909:2026 for safety compliance, while additional automation guidance is found in ISO 11161:2007.
• Regulatory Inspectors and market surveillance bodies utilize the standard to harmonize safety enforcement and evaluate conformity.
• Service Providers involved in maintenance can follow prescribed testing and inspection routines for safe, efficient operation and longevity.

This standard does not cover machines powered by pneumatic systems, mechanical clutches, or those with a principal purpose of rotary folding, tube and pipe bending, roll bending, or operation in explosive atmospheres.

Related Standards

Professionals using ISO 6909:2026 should be aware of related standards that support comprehensive machine safety and functionality:

• ISO 12100:2010: General principles for machine design, risk assessment, and risk reduction.
• ISO 13849 and ISO 13850 Series: Safety-related parts of control systems and emergency stop functions.
• IEC 61496 Series: Electro-sensitive protective equipment for machinery, including safety light curtains.
• ISO 14120, ISO 14119, ISO 14122: Fixed and movable guards, interlocking devices, and access systems.
• ISO 4413 and ISO 4414: Safety for hydraulic and pneumatic systems and their components.
• ISO 11161:2007: Safety aspects for the integration of machines into manufacturing systems.

For organizations and safety professionals, leveraging the guidance of ISO 6909:2026 and these supporting standards promotes not only compliance but a culture of safety and operational excellence in modern manufacturing environments.