EN ISO 14122-3, “Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 3: Stairs, stepladders and guard-rails (ISO 14122-3:2016)”, defines how stairs and guard-rails that are permanently fitted on or around a machine are dimensioned. It deals with operators and maintenance staff getting up and down safely and not falling from raised platforms.
Let us take care of EN ISO 14122-3 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN ISO 14122-3 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN ISO 14122-3:2016 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 3: Stairs, stepladders and guard-rails (ISO 14122-3:2016) |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Type of standard | Type B standard |
Which machines does it cover?
The standard applies to fixed stairs, stepladders and guard-rails that are part of a machine. Where the means of access is fastened to the building in which the machine stands, the standard can still be used, provided that its main purpose is access to the machine. Typical examples:
- Maintenance platforms of machine tools and presses
- Overhead walkways of filling, packaging and process lines
- Working areas on top of silos, mixers and tanks
- Crossing stairs over conveyor lines
The choice between the different means of access is made with EN ISO 14122-1. Working platforms and walkways are dealt with in Part 2 of the series and fixed ladders in Part 4.
Main requirements of the standard
- Stair geometry: Rise and going are chosen so that the step is comfortable and safe; the going plus twice the rise must lie between 600 and 660 mm.
- Stepladders: Steeper stepladders have their own dimensional rules and need a handhold on both sides.
- Landings and headroom: Long flights need a rest landing, and enough headroom and clear width must be kept over the stair.
- When a guard-rail is needed: A guard-rail is fitted where the height of a possible fall exceeds 500 mm.
- Guard-rail construction: The handrail is at least 1100 mm high, with at least one knee rail or an equivalent infill and a toe-plate at least 100 mm high.
- Openings and gates: Openings in a guard-rail at the top of a fixed ladder are protected by a self-closing gate.
- Strength: Stairs, steps and guard-rails are designed to carry the specified loads without permanent deformation.
- Slip resistance: Step surfaces and nosings are chosen to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Information for use: Assembly instructions are supplied for access assembled on site.
Verification and tests under EN ISO 14122-3
Verification is done by measurement, visual inspection and load testing. Calculation is also an accepted method.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Dimensional measurement | Rise, going, pitch, width and headroom comply with the standard |
| Guard-rail measurement | Handrail height, position of the knee rail and height of the toe-plate |
| Guard-rail load test | Deflection under a horizontal load on the handrail stays within the limits and no permanent deformation remains |
| Load test or calculation of steps and stairs | The load-bearing parts carry the specified load |
| Visual inspection | Sharp edges, weld and fastening defects, slip-resistant surfaces and self-closing of gates |
Measurements and test results are recorded in a report together with the drawings of the means of access.
Where it fits in CE marking
- Risk assessment: Hazards of falling, slipping and tripping are identified under EN ISO 12100.
- Design: The type of access is selected and the stairs and guard-rails are drawn to EN ISO 14122-3.
- Verification: Measurements and load tests are carried out on the machine or during fabrication.
- Technical file: Drawings, calculations and the test report go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN ISO 14122-3 is listed among the standards applied.
Conformity with a harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the essential requirements it covers; see CE marking of machinery.
Standards applied together
- EN ISO 14122-1: choice of means of access and general requirements
- EN ISO 14122-2: working platforms and walkways
- EN ISO 14122-4: fixed ladders
- EN ISO 13857: safety distances that prevent hazard zones being reached
- EN ISO 14120: fixed and movable guards
Frequently asked questions
Does every platform need a guard-rail?
A guard-rail is needed where the possible fall height exceeds 500 mm. At lower levels it is still fitted if the risk assessment shows another hazard.
Are building stairs covered?
No. The standard deals with access made for the machine; the stairs of the building itself fall under construction rules.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN ISO 14122-3:2016. The current citation should be checked before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN ISO 13854: Minimum Gaps to Avoid Crushing
- EN ISO 14122-1: Permanent Means of Access to Machinery
- EN ISO 20607: Machinery Instruction Handbook
- EN ISO 11202: Machinery Noise Emission Measurement
