Overview - EN ISO 14120:2015 (Safety of machinery - Guards)
EN ISO 14120:2015 specifies general requirements for the design, construction and selection of fixed and movable guards used to protect persons from mechanical hazards. It applies to guards for machinery manufactured after publication and clarifies other hazards (noise, ejection, radiation, contamination) that influence guard design. The standard covers general principles for machine guarding but does not cover interlocking devices (see ISO 14119) or special protective systems for mobility (ROPS, FOPS, TOPS) or load‑lifting capabilities.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard organizes practical requirements around risk assessment and detailed design considerations. Major topics include:
- Risk assessment - establishing hazards and selecting appropriate guards.
- Machine aspects - access control, containment of ejected parts, hazardous substances, noise and radiation considerations.
- Human aspects - safety distances, access control, viewing, ergonomic aspects and intended use.
- Guard design & construction - prevention of crushing/trapping, durability, hygiene and cleaning, sharp edges, integrity of joints, removable and adjustable guards, and movable guard behavior.
- Materials, rigidity & impact resistance - suitability of materials, secure fixing and mechanical integrity under expected loads.
- Containment & environmental resistance - corrosion, microorganisms, thermal stability, fire/flammability and electrostatic properties.
- Visibility & usability - transparency, viewing windows, avoidance of shadows and stroboscopic effects, warning signs, color and appearance.
- Noise & vibration - influence of guards on machine noise and vibration control.
The document includes informative annexes linking compliance to EU Machinery Directive requirements (2006/42/EC).
Practical applications
EN ISO 14120 is applicable for:
- Designing and manufacturing guards on presses, conveyors, robotic cells, cutting and forming machines, and packaging equipment.
- Specifying guards in risk assessments and technical documentation for CE marking.
- Establishing in‑house standards for workshop safety and retrofit guarding of existing machinery.
Who should use this standard
- Machine designers and OEMs creating fixed and movable guards
- Safety engineers, maintenance personnel and plant managers
- Compliance officers and consultants assessing conformity with the Machinery Directive
- Procurement teams specifying guarded machinery
Related standards
- ISO 14119 - Interlocking devices associated with guards
- Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC - essential requirements for CE conformity
Keywords: EN ISO 14120:2015, safety of machinery, machine guarding, fixed and movable guards, design and construction, risk assessment, machine guards.