What is EN ISO 14120:2019?

EN ISO 14120:2019 is an international standard that provides guidance and requirements for the design and manufacture of machine guards. It focuses on the safety aspects of machinery by addressing the potential hazards associated with moving parts, access to dangerous areas, and unintentional start-up of machines.

The Purpose and Scope of EN ISO 14120:2019

The purpose of EN ISO 14120:2019 is to ensure that adequate measures are taken to prevent accidents and promote the safety of operators working with or around machinery. It applies to different types of machine guards, such as fixed guards, adjustable guards, interlocking guards, and movable guards, among others.

This standard is applicable to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and many others, where machinery is utilized. It aims to provide harmonized guidelines that can be applied globally, ensuring consistent safety measures across various countries.

Main Requirements of EN ISO 14120:2019

EN ISO 14120:2019 sets out several requirements that should be fulfilled when designing and manufacturing machine guards:

Guarding Principles: The standard emphasizes the importance of considering the principle of safeguarding when designing machine guards. This includes hazard identification, risk assessment, risk reduction, and ensuring the residual risk is acceptable.

Design Considerations: It provides specific guidance on various design elements, such as minimum distances, openings, material strength, and stability of guards. These considerations are essential to prevent the access of body parts into hazardous zones.

Access Points: The standard addresses the design requirements for access points, including their size, positioning, and means of access. It aims to ensure that operators can enter or exit hazardous areas safely and without exposure to danger.

Interlocking and Lockout/Tagout: EN ISO 14120:2019 highlights the importance of interlocking devices and lockout/tagout systems as additional safety measures. These mechanisms prevent unforeseen machine start-ups and enable maintenance operations in a secure manner.

The Benefits of Compliance with EN ISO 14120:2019

Adhering to EN ISO 14120:2019 brings several advantages to both manufacturers and users of machinery:

Enhanced Safety: Following this standard reduces the risk of accidents and injuries caused by inadequately guarded machines. It ensures that appropriate measures are taken to protect operators and other personnel working with the machinery.

Legal Compliance: Compliance with international standards, such as EN ISO 14120:2019, helps manufacturers meet legal requirements and regulations pertaining to machinery safety.

Improved Productivity: Properly designed and compliant machine guards enable efficient production processes while minimizing disruptions due to accidents or injuries.

Global Market Access: Adherence to internationally recognized standards enhances market opportunities for manufacturers, as many countries require compliance with such standards before importing or using machinery.

In conclusion, EN ISO 14120:2019 plays a crucial role in promoting machine safety by providing clear guidance on the design and manufacture of machine guards. It sets out requirements that aim to protect operators from the various hazards associated with machinery systems. Compliance with this standard ensures enhanced safety, legal compliance, improved productivity, and access to global markets.