Start at the danger zone
Locate the hazardous point, movement or area accurately before setting out the guard line.
SAFETY DISTANCES
AS/NZS 4024.1801 machine guarding safety distances
A practical guide to the geometry behind a guard: barrier height, distance to the hazard and opening size must work together.
FROM STANDARD TO SCOPE
Four conversations to have before the layout is locked
Use AS/NZS 4024.1801 to place the physical boundary so people cannot reach the danger zone. The exact decisions still depend on the machine, tasks, risk assessment and current authorised standard.
Consider every reach path
Assess reaching over, under, around and through the proposed protective structure.
Coordinate openings and offset
Mesh aperture, gaps, guard height and distance from the hazard are linked design variables.
Check the installed reality
Floors, platforms, steps, pallets, machine frames and nearby objects can change how far a person can reach.
WHY IT MATTERS
A guard can look substantial and still be in the wrong place
Safety distance work converts hazard location and foreseeable human reach into layout dimensions. It belongs at the start of the design—not after panels have been ordered.
THE COMPLETE DESIGN PICTURE
One standard rarely works alone
Risk assessment, physical guards, safety distances, interlocking, unexpected start-up and emergency-stop functions are connected. Follow the regional hub to move between the relevant guides without losing the project context.
Edition and jurisdiction note
AS/NZS 4024.1801:2025 is publicly identified as the joint adoption of ISO 13857:2019. Confirm current status before specifying dimensions. Standards and guidance support—not replace—a project-specific risk assessment, applicable WHS/HSWA duties, regulator guidance and competent professional advice.
COMMON QUESTIONS
AS/NZS 4024.1801 FAQs
Can I use one standard offset for every mesh panel?
No. Required distance depends on factors including the opening, hazard position and reach path. Use the applicable tables and conditions in the current standard.
Does a taller fence always solve reach-over risk?
Height and horizontal distance work together. The surrounding environment and any footholds or platforms also need to be considered.
Can this page replace the standard's tables?
No. This guide explains the design logic but intentionally does not reproduce controlled tables. Use an authorised current copy for project dimensions.
Turn the standard conversation into a buildable guard layout.
Send the machine layout, photos and access requirements. We’ll help shape a practical modular guarding concept for your project team to assess.
Start the guarding conversationCommercial information only. This page is not legal, engineering or certification advice and does not reproduce the controlled requirements of the standard.
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