EN ISO 13854, “Safety of machinery – Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body (ISO 13854:2017)”, defines the smallest gap to be left between two machine parts that move towards each other, or between a moving part and a fixed surface. If the gap is large enough, the part of the body that enters it is not crushed. The values are based on human body dimensions and are given in a single table; the standard replaced the earlier EN 349.
Let us take care of EN ISO 13854 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN ISO 13854 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN ISO 13854:2019 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Safety of machinery – Minimum gaps to avoid crushing of parts of the human body (ISO 13854:2017) |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Type of standard | Type B standard |
| Minimum gaps | Body 500 mm, head 300 mm, leg 180 mm, foot 120 mm, toes 50 mm, arm 120 mm, hand, wrist and fist 100 mm, finger 25 mm |
Which situations are covered?
The standard applies only to crushing hazards, where the risk can be dealt with by leaving a minimum gap. Typical examples:
- Gaps between a moving table and the machine frame
- Lifting platforms, scissor lifts and the fixed structure beneath them
- Gaps between robot or axis movement and fences, columns and walls
- Closing edges of power-operated doors and guards
- Conveyor transfer points and pusher cylinders
Other mechanical hazards such as impact, shearing and drawing-in are not covered and need their own measures. Whether a larger gap is needed for thick clothing, carried tools or protective equipment is decided in the risk assessment. Distances that prevent reaching a hazard belong to EN ISO 13857.
Main requirements of the standard
- Identifying crushing zones: Any place where two parts move towards each other, or a moving part approaches a fixed surface, is treated as a crushing zone.
- Which part of the body can enter: It is established whether the whole body, an arm or only a finger can enter the zone; the gap is chosen accordingly.
- Keeping the minimum gap: Even at the narrowest point of the movement, the gap must not be less than the table value.
- Restricting access: If protective structures keep larger parts of the body out, the smaller value for the part that can enter may be used.
- Where the gap is not possible: Guards, protective devices or force limitation are applied instead.
The values are minimum limits and are not reduced by rounding.
EN ISO 13854 verification and checks
No laboratory test is needed; verification is by measurement on the machine and review of the drawings.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Gap measurement | At the narrowest point of the movement the gap meets the table value |
| End stops | The mechanical stops that guarantee the gap are sound and cannot go out of adjustment |
| Access check | Where a smaller value is used, larger parts of the body really cannot enter |
| Additional measures | Where the gap cannot be provided, a guard or protective device is present and works |
Measurements are recorded. Parts, tables or fixtures added later can narrow a gap, so the check is repeated after a modification.
Its place in the CE marking process
- Risk assessment: The crushing zones and the part of the body that can enter each zone are identified under EN ISO 12100.
- Design: Gaps between parts are set to the minimum gaps of EN ISO 13854.
- Verification: Gaps are measured on the machine at the narrowest point of the movement.
- Technical file: Drawings and measurement records go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN ISO 13854 is listed among the standards applied.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements of the machinery legislation. Turkey applies the same rules through its own regulation aligned with 2006/42/EC. See also CE marking of machinery.
Standards applied together
- EN ISO 13857: Safety distances for upper and lower limbs
- EN ISO 14120: Design of fixed and movable guards
- EN ISO 13855: Positioning of safeguards with respect to approach speeds
- EN ISO 14119: Interlocking devices associated with guards
Frequently asked questions
Is a minimum gap the same as a safety distance?
No. A minimum gap is the space left so that a part of the body that enters is not crushed. A safety distance keeps the person from reaching the hazard at all and is given in EN ISO 13857.
How much space is needed between a robot and a fence?
Where a person can get in between, the 500 mm value for the body applies. If that space is not available, access to the zone has to be prevented by other measures.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN ISO 13854:2019. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN ISO 4413: Hydraulic Fluid Power Safety
- EN ISO 4414: Pneumatic Fluid Power Safety
- EN ISO 14122-1: Permanent Means of Access to Machinery
- EN ISO 14122-3: Stairs Stepladders and Guard-Rails
