BS EN ISO 17655-2003 PDF

Full title and description

Safety of machinery — Safeguarded machinery — Guidelines for selection and design of fixed and movable guards (BS EN ISO 17655:2003)

Abstract

BS EN ISO 17655:2003 gives practical guidance for the selection and design of fixed and movable guards used to provide protection from mechanical hazards associated with machinery. The document addresses principles for choosing appropriate guarding measures, their integration into machine design, consideration of human factors, and means of access for maintenance and cleaning while maintaining safety. It is intended to support conformity with general machine safety requirements by offering consistent recommendations for guard types, design features, and safe interaction between people and machines.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (original 2003 edition)
• Publication date: 2003
• Publisher: British Standards Institution adopted EN and ISO text (BSI/ISO/ CEN)
• ICS / categories: 13.120.10 (Safety of machinery) / 25.040.40 (Mechanical engineering)
• Edition / version: 1st edition (2003)
• Number of pages: Approximately 30–40 pages (typical for ISO Technical Reports and guidance standards of this type)

Scope

This standard provides guidelines for the selection and design of fixed and movable guards intended to protect persons from mechanical hazards arising from the use of machinery. It covers types of guarding, layout and dimensions, strength and construction considerations, methods for safe access for maintenance and cleaning, and information to be provided with machinery. It does not specify detailed guarding dimensions for every application, nor does it replace hazard-specific standards or legal requirements; rather it complements them by offering general design and selection guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of guards (fixed, interlocked, adjustable, moveable)
• Principles for selecting appropriate guarding measures based on hazard assessment
• Design recommendations for guard construction, materials, strength and durability
• Requirements for interlocking devices and safe guard position monitoring
• Considerations for access (for operation, maintenance and cleaning) that minimize risk when guards are opened or removed
• Human factors: ergonomics, visibility, access, and prevention of bypassing or defeating guards
• Marking, instructions and information to be supplied by the manufacturer regarding guarding
• Integration of guards into overall machine safety and compatibility with other protective measures

Typical use and users

Engineers and designers of machinery, safety specialists, maintenance personnel, machine builders, procurement teams, conformity assessment bodies and health & safety managers use this standard when designing, selecting or evaluating guards for industrial machinery. It is useful during risk assessments, machine design reviews, acceptance testing and preparation of user documentation to ensure guarding measures are appropriate and compliant with general safety requirements.

Related standards

Standards commonly used together with BS EN ISO 17655:2003 include general machinery safety standards (such as the Machinery Directive requirements and EN ISO 12100 for risk assessment and risk reduction), standards on safety distances and protective equipment, and hazard-specific standards covering particular types of machines. Standards on interlocking devices, emergency stops, and protective clothing are also relevant.

Keywords

machine guarding, fixed guards, movable guards, interlocked guards, machine safety, risk reduction, ergonomics, maintenance access, protective devices

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN ISO 17655:2003 is guidance on the selection and design of fixed and movable guards to protect people from mechanical hazards associated with machinery.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of guards, principles for selecting guards based on hazard assessment, design and construction recommendations, interlocking and access considerations, human factors, and information to be provided by manufacturers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Machine designers, safety engineers, maintenance teams, manufacturers, safety assessors and procurement professionals involved in ensuring machines are fitted with appropriate guarding.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2003 edition is the original published version; users should check national catalogues for any revisions or superseding standards and follow current EN/ISO standards and regulations applicable in their jurisdiction.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It complements other machine safety standards such as EN ISO 12100 (risk assessment and reduction) and various EN/ISO standards addressing specific hazards or protective devices; it is not a numbered series but part of the broader body of machinery safety standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Machine guarding, fixed guard, movable guard, interlock, machine safety, risk assessment, maintenance access, ergonomics.