CEN/TC 114/WG 2 - Safety distances

The object of this European Standard is to enable the user (e.g. standard makers, designers of machinery) to
avoid hazards from crushing zones. It specifies minimum gaps relative to parts of the human body and is
applicable when adequate safety can be achieved by this method.
This European Standard is applicable to risks from crushing hazards only and is not applicable to other
possible hazards, e.g. impact, shearing, drawing-in.
NOTE For e.g. impact, shearing, drawing-in hazards, additional or other measures need to be taken

The object of this European Standard is to enable the user (e.g. standard makers, designers of machinery) to avoid hazards from crushing zones. It specifies minimum gaps relative to parts of the human body and is applicable when adequate safety can be achieved by this method.  This European Standard is applicable to risks from crushing hazards only and is not applicable to other possible hazards, e.g. impact, shearing, drawing-in.  Note: For e.g. impact, shearing, drawing-in hazards additional or other measures need to be taken.

This European Standard specifies values for safety distances to prevent access and distances to impede free access by the lower limbs of  persons of 14 years of age and above. The values are based on practical experience which has been found to be adequate for this group of persons.   The distances apply when adequate safety can be achieved by distance alone and when access by the upper limbs is not foreseeable according to the risk assessment.  Note: These distances will not provide sufficient protection against hazards, for example radiation and emission of substances. For such hazards additional or other measures can be necessary.  The safety distances to prevent access relate to openings and protect those persons trying to reach danger zones under the conditions specified for the different reaching: situations. Sometimes a reasonably foreseeable approach to danger zones can occur while persons try to use a foot to clean out discharge and/or feed openings or operate pedestrian controlled machinery.  The distances to impede free access relate to the height up to the protective structure and reduce risk to persons by limiting the free movement of the lower limbs.  If persons below 14 years of age are to be taken into account it is not relevant to establish values other than those for upper limbs. Then the safety distances to prevent danger zones being reached by the upper limbs derived from table  of EN  294:1992 will apply.  For certain applications there are justifiable reasons to deviate from these distances. Standards dealing with these applications should indicate how adequate safety can be achieved.

This standard establishes values for safety distances to prevent danger zones being reached by the upper limbs of persons of 3 years of age or above. The distances apply when adequate safety can be achieved by distances alone.  Note: These safety distances will not provide sufficient protection against certain hazards, for example radiation and emission of substances. For such hazards additional or other measures need to be taken.  The safety distances protect those persons who try to reach danger zones without additional aid and under the conditions specified for the different reaching situations.  This standard need not be applied to machinery which is covered by certain electrical standards in which specific testing procedures are laid down, e.g. using the test finger.  For certain applications there are justifiable reasons to deviate from these safety distances. Standards dealing with these applications shall indicate how an adequate level of safety can be achieved.