EN ISO 13851, “Safety of machinery – Two-hand control devices – Principles for design and selection (ISO 13851:2019)”, defines how control devices that need both hands of the operator are designed and how the right type is selected for a machine. The aim is to keep the hands of the operator outside the danger zone while the hazardous movement continues.
Let us take care of EN ISO 13851 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN ISO 13851 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN ISO 13851:2019 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Safety of machinery – Two-hand control devices – Principles for design and selection (ISO 13851:2019) |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Type of standard | Type B standard |
The standard has replaced EN 574.
Which devices are covered?
The standard applies to all two-hand control devices, whatever energy they use. Typical applications:
- Mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic presses
- Guillotine shears and cutting machines
- Riveting, clamping and assembly stations
- Hand-fed moulding and forming machines
A two-hand control protects only the person who operates it; other people near the machine need guards or protective devices of their own.
Main requirements of the standard
- Use of both hands: The hazardous function starts only when both actuators are pressed and continues only while they are held.
- Stop on release: The output signal ends when either actuator is released.
- Condition for a new start: Both actuators must be released and pressed again before a new cycle can begin (types II and III).
- Synchronous actuation: In type III the two actuators must be pressed within 0.5 seconds of each other; otherwise no output signal is produced.
- Types: The standard defines types I, II and III (A, B, C); they differ in the functional features provided and in how the control circuit behaves when a fault occurs.
- Prevention of defeat: The device is arranged so that it cannot be operated with one hand, with the hand and elbow of the same arm, with the forearms, knee or hip, or with simple aids.
- Safety distance: The device is placed far enough from the danger zone for the movement to stop before a released hand can reach it.
- Marking and information for use: The type of the device, the connection and mounting conditions and data such as the response time are given to the user.
EN ISO 13851 verification checks
Verification is done by visual inspection, functional tests, measurement and analysis of the control circuit. The checks that apply depend on the type of the device.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Functional test | No output signal without both actuators pressed; the signal ends when one is released |
| Synchronous actuation measurement | In type III the machine does not start when the time limit between the two actuations is exceeded |
| Defeat tests | Operation with one hand, hand and elbow, forearms and other parts of the body is prevented |
| Fault analysis and fault simulation | Whether a single fault in the control circuit removes the safety function (depending on the type) |
| Safety distance calculation and stopping time measurement | The device is at the correct distance from the danger zone |
Place in the CE marking process
- Risk assessment: Whether a two-hand control is sufficient is assessed within EN ISO 12100.
- Design: The type of device is selected according to the required performance level, and the actuators are laid out so that defeat is prevented.
- Verification and testing: Functional and defeat tests are carried out, the stopping time is measured and the safety distance is calculated.
- Technical file: Test reports, diagrams, the list of critical components and the instructions go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN ISO 13851 is listed among the standards applied and the CE marking is affixed.
Compliance with the harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements of the Machinery Directive; see CE marking of machinery. Turkey applies the same rules through its own aligned regulation.
Standards applied together
- EN ISO 13855: positioning of safeguards with respect to approach speeds; the safety distance is calculated with this standard
- EN ISO 13849-1: safety-related parts of control systems and performance level
- EN ISO 13850: emergency stop function
- EN 60204-1: electrical equipment of machines
- EN ISO 16092-1: general safety requirements for presses
Frequently asked questions
Is a two-hand control sufficient on every machine?
No. It protects only the operator who uses it.
Which type should be selected?
The choice follows the level of risk found in the risk assessment and the type C standard of the machine where one exists. Presses usually call for the highest type.
Is a purchased two-hand control module enough?
The module must be of the right type, but the layout, the arrangement against defeat and the safety distance are verified separately on the machine.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN ISO 13851:2019. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN ISO 20607: Machinery Instruction Handbook
- EN ISO 11202: Machinery Noise Emission Measurement
- EN ISO 13849-2: Validation of Safety-Related Control Systems
- EN ISO 13850: Emergency Stop Function
