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.
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.
We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality products to our customers. This commitment to quality starts within – it´s how we work together, build partnerships, and uphold our standards every day.
"*" indicates required fields
