This International Standard establishes values for safety distances in both industrial and non-industrial environments to prevent machinery hazard zones being reached. The safety distances are appropriate for protective structures. It also gives information about distances to impede free access by the lower limbs (see 4.3).
This International Standard covers people of 14 years and older (the 5th percentile stature of 14 year olds is approximately 1 400 mm). In addition, for upper limbs only, it provides information for children older than 3 years (5th percentile stature of 3 year olds is approximately 900 mm) where reaching through openings needs to be addressed.
NOTE 1 Data for preventing lower limb access for children is not considered.
The distances apply when adequate safety can be achieved by distance alone. Because safety distances depend on size, there will be some people of extreme dimensions who will be able to reach hazard zones even when the requirements of this International Standard are complied with.
NOTE 2 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 clauses of the International Standard covering lower limbs apply when access by the upper limbs is not foreseeable according to the risk assessment.
The safety distances are intended to protect those persons trying to reach hazard zones under the conditions specified (see 4.1.1).
NOTE 3 This International Standard is not intended to provide measures against reaching a hazard zone by climbing over.