ISO 13855:2010 Safety Distance Calculation for Machinery
ISO 13855:2010 "Safety of Machinery — Positioning of Safeguards with Respect to the Approach Speeds of Parts of the Human Body" is a key technical specification for cranes. This standard defines the methodology for calculating safety distances in machinery safety. It determines the minimum safety distance between a safeguard and a hazard zone based on the approach speed of the human body and the response time of the protective device.
The standard provides a unified technical basis for design personnel, inspection bodies, and users. Kelude strictly adheres to the technical requirements of this standard throughout its product development and manufacturing processes, ensuring equipment compliance and reliability.
Scope and Positioning of the Standard
ISO 13855:2010 specifies the technical requirements and safety requirements related to crane machinery safety. It applies to all types of lifting appliances with a rated lifting capacity above 0.5t.

Core Technical Parameters Framework
According to the technical provisions of ISO 13855:2010, the design and manufacturing of machinery safety distances must meet a series of stringent core technical parameters. The parameter cards below highlight the key technical indicators of this standard:
Comparative Analysis of Key Technical Parameters
| Item | technical requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Approachspeed | 2.0m/s(Hand)/1.6m/s(Body) | Closer to Hazard Zonespeed Reduce |
| Total Response time T | t1(Guard)+t2(Stop) | Including Sensor+PLC+Contactor+Braking |
| Additional Margin C | Light Curtain: C=8×(d-14)mm | d For Light Curtain Resolutionmm |
| Arm Reach Limit | Over Top Edge of Guard≥850mm | Top Opening Guard |
| Under-Reach Guard | Bottom Opening≥180mm(Leg) | Guard Bottom |
| Step-Over | Guard Height≥1400mm(Safety) | Height<1400Distance Increase Required |
Inspection Requirements and Intervals
| Item | technical requirements | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Guard Effectiveness | safety distance Verification | Annual+Recalculation on Change |
| Response time | Measured Stop Time from Guard Trigger | Annual+Laser Rotational speed Counter |
| Light Curtain Position | Distance from Light Curtain to Hazard Zone | Monthly+≥SCalculated Value |
| Guard Height | Top/Bottom Edge Height Measurement | Annual+≥Standard Calculated Value |
Safe Operation and Management Requirements
Under ISO 13855:2010, safe operation and routine management play a critical role in workplace safety. The standard places strong emphasis on operator qualification and training, requiring all operators to complete specialized training and obtain the necessary certifications before operating machinery.
FAQ: ISO 13855 Safety Distance and Response Time
Q: What is the ISO 13855 safety distance formula?
A: S = K × T + C. K = 2.0 m/s (hand speed), T = total response time, C = 8 × (d − 14) (for light curtains).
Q: What does total response time T include?
A: t1 (sensor response) + t2 (controller/contactor disengagement) + braking time. Measure in practice using a tachometer or high-speed camera.
Q: What is the safety distance for ESPE light curtains?
A: S = 2000 × T + 8 × (d − 14). When S ≥ 500 mm, the formula S = 1600 × T + 8 × (d − 14) may be used.
Q: How does protective height relate to safety distance?
A: Protective heights below 1,000 mm require a larger safety distance; between 1,000 and 1,400 mm, the required distance decreases as height increases; at 1,400 mm and above, the minimum safety distance applies.
Kelude Heavy Industry — specializing in crane design and manufacturing, strictly adhering to the ISO 13855:2010 standard system, and delivering lifecycle service from solution design and manufacturing and installation to after-sales maintenance.