Posted to News on 19th May 2008, 17:00
Free download: EN ISO 13857 Safety Distance Calculator
Procter Machine Guarding has released an updated version of its Safety Distance Calculator for establishing the required safety distances and heights of machine guards, based on the requirements contained in BS EN ISO 13857. Version 2.5 of the calculator corresponds even more closely with the standard and is an invaluable aid for machine designers and those responsible for ensuring that existing machine guards comply with the standard's requirements.
The intuitive Safety Distance Calculator features drop-down menus from which the user selects the application risk level (high or low), the horizontal distance to the hazard and the height of the hazard. Based on these inputs, the calculator immediately displays the required height for the protective structure.
As with the standard, the calculator also gives the safety distances for slots, round, square and irregularly shaped apertures through which a person could reach.
Full instructions are provided on how to use the Safety Distance Calculator V2.5, and there are 'Help' buttons and notes about the minor differences between the Safety Distance Calculator and BS EN ISO 13857 (the Safety Distance Calculator is designed so that the results it outputs are always 'safe'). Indeed, the Safety Distance Calculator is easier to use than BS EN ISO 13857 and eliminates the ambiguities contained therein.
Although it is based on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, no knowledge of this software package is required in order to use the Calculator. All of the calculations are performed automatically, leaving the user to select values from drop-down menus and decide whether the application is low or high risk. Procter Machine Guarding recommends that a risk assessment is always carried out, for which the company offers a free Risk Assessment Calculator.
If users require further assistance with calculating safety distances, Procter Machine Guarding can either help directly or put people in touch with appropriate experts.
Use the buttons above to request a free copy of the BS EN ISO 13857 Safety Distance Calculator or go to the Free downloads section of the Procter Machine Guarding website.
