Updated guidance on BS EN ISO 14122: Permanent means of access to machinery

The standard is frequently referenced in machinery design and compliance discussions, yet it is often misunderstood or only partially applied in practice. The updated white paper is intended to support machinery designers, production engineers, and health and safety professionals who need a clearer understanding of how the four parts of BS EN ISO 14122 work together.

BS EN ISO 14122 is designated under the UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and harmonised to the European Machinery Directive. When applied correctly, it can support presumption of conformity with the relevant Essential Health and Safety Requirements for CE or UKCA marking.

The white paper breaks down:

- The role of Part 1 (choice of fixed means and general access requirements)

- How Parts 2, 3, and 4 apply to platforms, walkways, stairs, stepladders, guard rails, and fixed ladders

- Why Part 1 must always be applied alongside one of the access-specific parts

- Common grey areas, including when a permanent means of access is required but not explicitly stated

This third edition expands on key clauses, highlights areas where designers often make incorrect assumptions, and provides practical interpretation grounded in real machinery projects.

The BS EN ISO 14122 white paper is available as a free download from the Resources section of the Procter Machine Safety website.