Why ISO 13857 matters

Machine guarding plays a vital role in safeguarding personnel from mechanical risks. NTF Protect solutions fully comply with DS/EN ISO 13857:2019, the European safety standard for preventing hand, finger, and arm injuries.

We help OEMs and end-users meet their legal obligations and reduce injury risk through modular, hygienic stainless steel guarding systems.

Single section Combiline wire mesh fencing

Safety distance to prevent access with higher limbs.

EN ISO 13857 – 4.2.4.1

To protect people from reaching through protective barriers, the size of any opening is critical. The measurement “e” refers to the side of a square opening, the diameter of a round opening, or the narrowest width of a slot-shaped opening.

If the opening is larger than 120 mm, greater safety distances must be used to prevent access to hazardous areas.

The NTF Protect system uses a 17 mm wide slot, which means the required safety distance is significantly reduced. According to the standard, when the slot is 65 mm or less, the thumb blocks further access. This allows the guard to be placed as close as 200 mm from the hazard, saving valuable space while still maintaining full compliance.

Hand reaching through wire mesh barrier

Access by reach

When designing machine guarding, both reach over and reach through must be considered. ISO 13857 defines how far a person can access a hazard – not just directly, but also from above or across.

At NTF, we account for this in every system. Guard height, opening size, and installation position are carefully matched to the standard. We also consider real-world factors like platforms, operator height, and floor level changes – all of which can affect reach.

The result: guards that are not just compliant on paper, but safe in actual use.

Combi-Line shielding enclosure with tunnel entrance

Preventing climbing

EN ISO 13857 – 4.2.2 & 4.2.4.2

Machine guards must not only block direct reach but also prevent access over or around the barrier. ISO 13857 requires that protective structures are designed so people cannot climb, step, or lean over them to reach dangerous zones.

The standard assumes that if someone can climb a structure – intentionally or not – the required safety distance must increase significantly. To avoid this, NTF Protect systems are designed with no horizontal surfaces, closed vertical profiles, and optional raised footings to maintain clear floor space and reduce risk of misuse.

In practice, a guard that’s high enough – but easy to step on – is not compliant. True safety means removing the opportunity to climb altogether.

Foot stepping onto wire mesh flooring grating

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Jeppe Dam Madsen

Wereldwijd verkoopmanager

[email protected]

+45 93 96 00 19

Thomas Moust

Technisch manager

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+45 41 91 86 87

Søren Michno

Verkoopadviseur - Interne verkoop

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+45 41 91 86 83

Peter Binder Nielsen

Verkoopadviseur en marketingondersteuning - Interne verkoop

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+45 41 91 86 89

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