Safety standards are regularly updated to keep up with evolving industries and changes to regulations. As technology advances, there is a need for different methods and techniques to reduce risk to personnel. In 2024, several standards have been updated. These documents are relevant to manufacturers, machine builders, end users, and other stakeholders in machinery safety and interlocking.
Trapped Key Interlocking in the New Edition of ISO 14119
After being in the works for a long time, a new version of ISO 14119 has been published in September 2024, replacing the 2013 version.
ISO 14119:2024 Safety of Machinery – Interlocking Devices Associated with Guards – Principles for design and selection, includes:
• Revised terminology
• Renamed and improved tables
• Integration of ISO/TR 24119 Safety of machinery – Evaluation of the serial link for masking faults of interlocking devices associated with protections with potential free contacts, which addresses situations where faults in interlocking systems might go undetected
• Integration of ISO/TS 19837 Safety of machinery – Trapped Key interlocking device – Principles for design and selection, covering trapped key interlocking systems
There are also interesting requirements for trapped key systems and how to address potential issues related to key coding and the reproduction of keys that are discussed in Annex K.
New Requirements for Interlocking Guards in ISO 13855
Recently (November 2024), the International Organization for Standards has also published ISO 13855:2024 Safety of machinery – Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body. Among other improvements and additions, the 2024 revision replaces ISO 13855:2010 and includes requirements for single control devices and interlocking guards, as well as four new annexes.
The standard provides details on calculating the separation distance, which defines where to place the interlocking guard relative to the hazard zone. In cases where guard locking is released by a time delay that is less than the overall response time of the system, the separation distance calculation is also required.
The new revision also includes:
• Improvements to the methodology
• Restructuring of the document to include additional cases
• Better explanation of the different approach paths
New ANSI and B11 Documents
In the U.S., ANSI has published a few relevant documents.
ANSI B11.TR11-2024 is a new technical report that provides valuable insights into how to CE mark machinery using ANSI consensus standards. B11.TR11 explains how machinery suppliers can use ANSI standards to meet the European Union’s Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) and comply with the Machinery Directive and Machinery Regulation.
A Stronger Focus on Functional Safety in B11.26-2024
The 2024 revision of ANSI B11.26 was published in December. This new edition contains many changes to enhance the usability of the standard, starting from the new title – General Principles for Designing Safety-Related Parts of Control Systems for Machinery – that stresses the focus on functional safety.
Other updates include:
• Harmonization of definitions with other ANSI B11 standards
• Clarification of requirements in Clause 4
• Additional fluid power examples, including more information on monitoring
In addition, new information has been included with regards to:
• Safety Integrity Level (SIL) methodology
• Requirements for trapped key systems used in functional safety
• Basic requirements for software used in functional safety
• Basic requirements for management of change
• An example of using ISO 13849 to avoid overly complex designs
Elevating Alternative Methods in ANSI/ASSP Z244.1-2024
The end of the year has also seen the publication of the 2024 edition of ANSI/ASSP Z244.1 The Control of Hazardous Energy – Lockout, Tagout, and Alternative Methods, following a revision process started in July 2023. A major change to this document is the elevation of alternative methods to the same level of choice as lockout and tagout for the control of hazardous energy.
In addition, new content has been added, including:
• A new section on Hazardous Energy Control Methods
• Information on cybersecurity aspects
• Energy control for processes
• Content on mobile applications, feasible risk reduction, piping systems, fault annunciation, and zoned or partitioned machines or equipment
Along with the added content, updates were made to definitions, requirements for alternative methods, and appendices.
Support and Training from Fortress Safety
As the machinery safety landscape evolves, staying informed about standards is crucial. At Fortress Safety, we always stay up to date with new developments and use our expertise to support customers navigating the complexity of safety standards. If you have questions or need any help, get in touch with our team.
Do you know? Fortress also offers the B11 LMSS™ course – a five-module remote training course certified by B11 Standards, Inc. that covers U.S. machinery safety standards and requirements.
