Revised technical specification IEC/TS 62046 for ESPE

This Technical Specification lays down requirements for the selection, positioning, configuration and commissioning of protective equipment to detect the presence of persons in order to protect those persons from dangerous part(s) of machinery in industrial applications.

IEC/TS 62046 covers the application of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) specified in IEC 61496 (all parts) and pressure sensitive mats and floors specified in ISO 13856-1. It takes into account the characteristics of the machinery, the protective equipment, the environment and human interaction by persons of 14 years and older.

IEC says the second edition constitutes a general technical revision of the first edition, and includes further examples of interfacing and muting techniques.

The objective of the specification is to assist machine designers, manufacturers and refurbishers, machine safety certification organisations, workplace authorities and others on the proper application of protective equipment to machinery. In addition, it is intended to assist committees responsible for developing standards for specific classes of machine (known as 'C' standards).

IEC/TS 62046 runs to 211 pages and is available from IEC priced CHF260.00. For more information and to download a PDF preview, go to webstore.iec.ch/webstore/webstore.nsf/artnum/039091?opendocument&mlref=JP.