Choose the guard type
Use the risk assessment and access frequency to decide where fixed or movable guarding is appropriate.
FIXED + MOVABLE GUARDS
EN ISO 14120 fixed and movable machine guards
The central physical-guard page for EU machinery projects: guard selection, construction, mounting, access, visibility and lifecycle performance.
FROM STANDARD TO SCOPE
Four conversations before the design is frozen
Use EN ISO 14120:2015 to shape a robust physical boundary around the hazard and the work people need to perform. The exact solution still depends on the machine risk assessment, applicable EU framework, current standards and any relevant C-type machinery standard.
Design the physical boundary
Consider coverage, retention, mounting, openings, visibility and containment of ejected material or parts.
Support legitimate access
Plan cleaning, adjustment, inspection and maintenance so the guard remains practical and is less likely to be removed or defeated.
Specify inspection and information
Capture installation, use, maintenance and condition checks needed to keep the guard effective through its service life.
WHY IT MATTERS
The best guarding stays effective because it fits the operation
More steel is not automatically a better system. A clear boundary, sensible access, appropriate distance and durable mounting create guarding people can work with and keep in place.
EU STATUS + DESIGN CONTEXT
Use the standard inside the complete conformity strategy
Harmonised standards are generally voluntary. Where an exact reference is published in the Official Journal, it can support presumption of conformity only for the essential requirements it covers. It does not replace the complete risk assessment, technical file, conformity procedure or machine-specific requirements.
Directive period
The current consolidated citation decision supports Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Check the precise reference, restrictions and transition dates.
Regulation transition
Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies generally from 20 January 2027. Do not assume a Directive-era citation automatically answers the future Regulation position.
C-type standards
A machine-specific C-type standard may provide more specific solutions or requirements for a particular machinery category.
Edition and Official Journal note
The current consolidated EU decision lists EN ISO 14120:2015 for the Machinery Directive. Check current citation and any machine-specific C-type standard before specifying. Check the current consolidated EU decision and Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 at the point of use.
COMMON QUESTIONS
EN ISO 14120:2015 FAQs
Does EN ISO 14120 include interlock selection?
It addresses the guard itself. Interlocking devices associated with guards are treated in EN ISO 14119 and safety-related control functions may involve EN ISO 13849-1.
Does it set one universal guard strength?
No single marketing specification proves suitability. Strength and containment considerations depend on the hazards, machine, material, mounting and applicable standards.
Is EN ISO 14120:2015 listed in the EU Official Journal?
It appears in the current consolidated harmonised-standards decision for Directive 2006/42/EC. Confirm the current reference and applicable project framework.
Turn the standards work into a buildable guard layout.
Send the machine layout, access requirements and target market. We’ll help shape a practical modular guarding concept for the project team to assess.
Start the guarding conversationCommercial information only. This page is not legal, engineering, conformity-assessment or certification advice and does not reproduce controlled standards content.
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