the final say: EN ISO 13849-1 emerging as key global machine safety design standard

摘要

The dawn of 2012 provided an appropriate time to look closely at the EN ISO 13849-1 standard. As of 1 January, the extended transition period for moving from EN 954-1 to EN ISO 13848-1 expired, with EN ISO 13849-1 obviating EN 954-1. Ironically, the original extension for the transition took effect on the same date that the new Machinery Directive became the governing document for safety and supply of machinery across the European Economic Area (EEA). EN ISO 13849-1 was so closely associated with the Machinery Directive that many design engineers thought the standard was just applicable for machine builders exporting to Europe. While it is essential for those builders, the continuing development of global business and machine standards has made EN ISO 13849-1 a key one for machine builders everywhere, not just those exporting to the EEA.