BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020: Safety of Machinery - Electro-sensitive Protective Equipment

Ensure the highest level of safety and compliance in your machinery operations with the BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard. This essential document provides comprehensive guidelines and requirements for electro-sensitive protective equipment, specifically focusing on active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs).

Overview

The BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard is a critical resource for manufacturers, engineers, and safety professionals involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of machinery safety systems. Released on September 30, 2020, this standard is the latest in ensuring that machinery equipped with AOPDs meets stringent safety requirements.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020
• Pages: 54
• ISBN: 978 0 539 01014 5
• Status: Standard

What are Active Opto-electronic Protective Devices (AOPDs)?

AOPDs are advanced safety devices used in machinery to detect the presence of individuals or objects within a hazardous area. These devices utilize opto-electronic technology to create an invisible barrier that, when interrupted, triggers a safety response to prevent accidents and injuries. The BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard outlines the specific requirements and performance criteria for these devices, ensuring they operate effectively and reliably in various industrial environments.

Why Choose BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020?

Adhering to the BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard is crucial for several reasons:

• Enhanced Safety: By following the guidelines set forth in this standard, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in your workplace.
• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with this standard ensures that your machinery meets international safety regulations, avoiding potential legal and financial repercussions.
• Improved Efficiency: Implementing AOPDs according to the standard can lead to more efficient operations by minimizing downtime caused by safety incidents.
• Reputation Management: Demonstrating a commitment to safety and compliance enhances your organization's reputation and can be a key differentiator in the marketplace.

Comprehensive Coverage

The BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard covers a wide range of topics related to AOPDs, including:

• Design and construction requirements
• Performance criteria and testing methods
• Installation and maintenance guidelines
• Environmental considerations and durability
• Safety integrity levels and risk assessment

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for:

• Machinery Manufacturers: Ensure your products meet the highest safety standards and gain a competitive edge in the market.
• Safety Engineers: Design and implement effective safety systems that comply with international regulations.
• Maintenance Professionals: Maintain and inspect machinery to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
• Regulatory Bodies: Use this standard as a benchmark for evaluating machinery safety and compliance.

Stay Ahead with the Latest Safety Standards

In an ever-evolving industrial landscape, staying up-to-date with the latest safety standards is crucial. The BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard represents the cutting edge of machinery safety, providing the tools and knowledge needed to protect workers and optimize operations.

Conclusion

Investing in the BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 standard is an investment in safety, compliance, and operational excellence. Equip your organization with the knowledge and guidelines necessary to implement effective AOPDs and create a safer working environment for all.

BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020

This standard BS EN IEC 61496-2:2020 Safety of machinery. Electro-sensitive protective equipment is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.110 Safety of machinery
• 29.260.99 Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions

IEC 61496-2:2020 specifies requirements for the design, construction and testing of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) designed specifically to detect persons as part of a safety-related system, employing active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs) for the sensing function. Special attention is directed to features which ensure that an appropriate safety-related performance is achieved. An ESPE can include optional safety-related functions, the requirements for which are given in Annex A of IEC 61496-1:2020 and of this document. This document does not specify the dimensions or configurations of the detection zone and its disposition in relation to hazardous parts for any particular application, nor what constitutes a hazardous state of any machine. It is restricted to the functioning of the ESPE and how it interfaces with the machine. Excluded from this document are AOPDs employing radiation at wavelengths outside the range 400 nm to 1 500 nm. This document can be relevant to applications other than those for the protection of persons, for example, the protection of machinery or products from mechanical damage. In those applications, additional requirements can be necessary, for example, when the materials that are to be recognized by the sensing function have different properties from those of persons. This document does not deal with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission requirements. IEC 61496-2:2020 cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) Requirements and test procedures in Part 2 that were found to be common to all ESPEs have been moved to Part 1. Test procedures that are dependent on the sensing technology remain in Part 2.