What is EN ISO 61496-1:2013?

EN ISO 61496-1:2013, also known as "Safety of machinery - Electro-sensitive protective equipment," is a technical standard that specifies the requirements and performance criteria for electro-sensitive protective equipment used in machinery.

Importance of EN ISO 61496-1:2013

This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of workers who operate or work near machinery. It provides guidelines for the design, construction, and installation of electro-sensitive protective equipment, such as light curtains and laser scanners, to prevent accidents and injuries.

The goal of this standard is to reduce the risk of hazardous situations by detecting the presence of personnel within a defined area and initiating a stop command to the machine or equipment.

Main Components of EN ISO 61496-1:2013

The standard defines various components of electro-sensitive protective equipment. These include:

Transmitter and Receiver Units: The transmitter emits an optical signal, while the receiver detects any interruptions in this signal caused by the presence of an object or person.

Control Unit: This unit processes signals from the receiver, assesses safety conditions, and initiates control actions.

Protective Field: The area protected by electro-sensitive equipment, where the detection of personnel triggers safety measures.

Installation and Testing Requirements

To ensure proper functionality and compliance with EN ISO 61496-1:2013, the following installation and testing requirements should be met:

Positioning: The equipment must be correctly positioned to detect the presence of personnel throughout the hazardous area.

Alignment: The transmitter and receiver must be aligned properly, ensuring that the emitted signal is received without any obstacles.

Performance Testing: The equipment should undergo performance testing to verify its response time, field range, and triggering of safety measures when personnel are detected.

It is essential to adhere to these requirements to guarantee the effectiveness and reliability of electro-sensitive protective equipment.

In conclusion, EN ISO 61496-1:2013 is a vital technical standard that ensures the safety of workers in proximity to machinery. By providing guidelines for the design, construction, and installation of electro-sensitive protective equipment, this standard helps to prevent accidents and injuries. Compliance with this standard's specifications, including proper positioning, alignment, and performance testing, is crucial to maintain the reliability and effectiveness of these safety measures.