GB/T 19876-2026 Safety of machinery - Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for the positioning and dimensioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body or its parts towards hazard(s) within the intended span-of-control as follows:
- the position and dimension of the detection zone(s) of ESPE and pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors;
- the position of two-hand control devices and single control devices;
- the position of interlocking guards.
This document also specifies requirements for the positioning of safety-related manual control devices (SRMCD) with respect to the approach of the human body or its parts from within the safeguard space relative to:
- the position and dimension of the detection zone(s) of ESPE and pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors; and
- the position and dimension of interlocking guards.
When evaluating the ability of the human body or its parts to access SRMCD from within the intended safeguarded space, the requirements of this document are also applicable to determine the dimensions of safeguard(s). Approaches such as running, jumping or falling, are not considered in this document.
Note 1: The values for approach speeds (walking speed and upper limb movement) in this document are time tested and proven in practical experience.
Note 2: Other types of approach can result in approach speeds that are higher or lower than those defined in this document.
This document applies to safeguards used on machinery for the protection of persons 14 years and older. Safeguards considered in this document include:
a) electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) such as:
- active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs) (see IEC 61496-2);
- AOPDs responsive to diffuse reflection that have one or more detection zone(s) specified in two dimensions (AOPDDRs-2D) (see IEC 61496-3);
- AOPDs responsive to diffuse reflection that have one or more detection zone(s) specified in three dimensions (AOPDDRs-3D) (see IEC 61496-3);
- vision based protective devices using reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP) (see IEC/TS 61496-4-2);
- vision based protective devices using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) (see IEC/TS 61496-4-3);
b) pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors (see ISO 13856-1);
c) two-hand control devices (see ISO 13851);
d) single control devices;
e) interlocking guards (see ISO 14120).
This document is not applicable to:
- safeguards (e.g. pendant two-hand control devices) that can be manually moved, without using tools, nearer to the hazard zone than the separation distance;
- protection against the risks from hazards arising from emissions (e.g. the ejection of solid or fluid materials, radiation, electric arcs, heat, noise, fumes, gases);
- protection against the risks arising from failure of mechanical parts of the machine or gravity falls.
The separation distances derived from this document do not apply to safeguards used solely for presence sensing function.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 15706-2012 Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction (ISO 12100:2010, IDT)
GB/T 23821-2022 Safety of machinery - Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2019, IDT)
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB/T 15706-2012 and the following apply.
3.1.1
overall system response time
T
time interval between the actuation of the sensing function and achieving the intended risk reduction
Note: This time typically includes tolerance factors (e.g. due to uncertainty of measurements, consideration of environmental factor such as friction).
3.1.2
response time
tx
maximum time between the occurrence of the event leading to the actuation of the safeguarding device and the achieving of its intended state
Note: This time typically includes tolerance factors (e.g. due to uncertainty of measurements, consideration of environmental factor such as friction).
[SOURCE: GB/T 19436.1-2025, 3.21, modified.]
3.1.3
detection capability
d
ability to detect the specified test piece(s) in the specified detection zone
[SOURCE: IEC 61496-3:2018, 3.3, modified.]
3.1.4
effective detection capability
de
sensing function parameter limit set by the integrator of the device that will cause its actuation
3.1.5
electro-sensitive protective equipment; ESPE
assembly of devices and/or components working together for protective tripping or presence-sensing purposes and comprising as a minimum:
- a sensing device;
- controlling/monitoring devices;
- output signal switching devices and/or a safety-related data interface.
Note: ESPEs refer only to non-contact sensing devices.
[SOURCE: GB/T 19436.1-2025, 3.5, modified.]
3.1.6
indirect approach
approach where the shortest path to the hazard zone is obstructed by a mechanical obstacle
Note: The hazard zone can only be approached by going around the obstacle.
3.1.7
detection zone
zone within which a specified test piece is detected by the sensitive protective equipment
Note 1: The detection zone can also be a point, line or plane.
Note 2: ISO 13856-1 uses the term “effective sensing area” when describing pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors. In this document, the terms “detection zone” and “effective sensing area” are used synonymously.
[SOURCE: GB/T 19436.1-2025, 3.4, modified.]
3.1.8
separation distance
S
minimum distance required between the actuation position of the protective devices and the hazard zone to prevent the human body or its parts from reaching the hazard zone before the cessation of the hazardous machine function
Note 1: Examples of protective devices are found in GB/T 15706-2012, 3.28.
Note 2: The separation distance is always the shortest distance between the detection zone and the hazard zone, independent from the entry point of the person through the detection zone.
3.1.9
reaching distance associated with a protective device
DDS
distance that a part of the body can move through or past the safeguard prior to actuation of the safeguard, either towards the hazard zone or towards a safety-related manual control device (SRMCD) (3.1.14) from within the safeguarded space
3.1.10
reference plane
level at which persons would normally stand during the use of the machine or access to the hazard zone or safety-related manual control device (SRMCD) (3.1.14)
Note: The reference plane is not necessarily the ground or the floor (e.g. a working platform can be the reference plane).
[SOURCE: GB/T 23821-2022, 3.2, modified.]
3.1.11
span-of-control
predetermined portion of the machinery under control of a specific device or safety function
Note: A protective device can initiate a stop function of a machine or a portion of a machine.
3.1.12
safeguarded space
area or volume enclosing a hazard zone(s) where guards and/or protective devices are intended to protect persons
3.1.13
whole body access
situation where a person can be completely inside a safeguarded space (3.1.12)
Note: The term whole body access is used differently in other documents to specify the opening size for ergonomic access.
3.1.14
safety-related manual control device; SRMCD
control device which requires deliberate human action and whose actuation can result in an immediate increase of the risk(s)
Note: Examples include actuating devices such as pushbuttons, selector switches, or foot pedals designed for functions such as reset, start/restart, unconditional guard unlocking or hold-to-run control (e.g. jog, inching).
Standard
GB/T 19876-2026 Safety of machinery - Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body (English)
Standard No.
GB/T 19876-2026
Status
to be valid
Language
English
File Format
PDF
Word Count
25000 words
Translation Price(USD)
590.0
Implemented on
2027-4-1
Delivery
via email in 1~3 business day
Detail of GB/T 19876-2026
Standard No.
GB/T 19876-2026
English Name
Safety of machinery - Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body
GB/T 19876-2026 Safety of machinery - Positioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for the positioning and dimensioning of safeguards with respect to the approach of the human body or its parts towards hazard(s) within the intended span-of-control as follows:
- the position and dimension of the detection zone(s) of ESPE and pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors;
- the position of two-hand control devices and single control devices;
- the position of interlocking guards.
This document also specifies requirements for the positioning of safety-related manual control devices (SRMCD) with respect to the approach of the human body or its parts from within the safeguard space relative to:
- the position and dimension of the detection zone(s) of ESPE and pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors; and
- the position and dimension of interlocking guards.
When evaluating the ability of the human body or its parts to access SRMCD from within the intended safeguarded space, the requirements of this document are also applicable to determine the dimensions of safeguard(s). Approaches such as running, jumping or falling, are not considered in this document.
Note 1: The values for approach speeds (walking speed and upper limb movement) in this document are time tested and proven in practical experience.
Note 2: Other types of approach can result in approach speeds that are higher or lower than those defined in this document.
This document applies to safeguards used on machinery for the protection of persons 14 years and older. Safeguards considered in this document include:
a) electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) such as:
- active opto-electronic protective devices (AOPDs) (see IEC 61496-2);
- AOPDs responsive to diffuse reflection that have one or more detection zone(s) specified in two dimensions (AOPDDRs-2D) (see IEC 61496-3);
- AOPDs responsive to diffuse reflection that have one or more detection zone(s) specified in three dimensions (AOPDDRs-3D) (see IEC 61496-3);
- vision based protective devices using reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP) (see IEC/TS 61496-4-2);
- vision based protective devices using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) (see IEC/TS 61496-4-3);
b) pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors (see ISO 13856-1);
c) two-hand control devices (see ISO 13851);
d) single control devices;
e) interlocking guards (see ISO 14120).
This document is not applicable to:
- safeguards (e.g. pendant two-hand control devices) that can be manually moved, without using tools, nearer to the hazard zone than the separation distance;
- protection against the risks from hazards arising from emissions (e.g. the ejection of solid or fluid materials, radiation, electric arcs, heat, noise, fumes, gases);
- protection against the risks arising from failure of mechanical parts of the machine or gravity falls.
The separation distances derived from this document do not apply to safeguards used solely for presence sensing function.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 15706-2012 Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction (ISO 12100:2010, IDT)
GB/T 23821-2022 Safety of machinery - Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs (ISO 13857:2019, IDT)
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB/T 15706-2012 and the following apply.
3.1.1
overall system response time
T
time interval between the actuation of the sensing function and achieving the intended risk reduction
Note: This time typically includes tolerance factors (e.g. due to uncertainty of measurements, consideration of environmental factor such as friction).
3.1.2
response time
tx
maximum time between the occurrence of the event leading to the actuation of the safeguarding device and the achieving of its intended state
Note: This time typically includes tolerance factors (e.g. due to uncertainty of measurements, consideration of environmental factor such as friction).
[SOURCE: GB/T 19436.1-2025, 3.21, modified.]
3.1.3
detection capability
d
ability to detect the specified test piece(s) in the specified detection zone
[SOURCE: IEC 61496-3:2018, 3.3, modified.]
3.1.4
effective detection capability
de
sensing function parameter limit set by the integrator of the device that will cause its actuation
3.1.5
electro-sensitive protective equipment; ESPE
assembly of devices and/or components working together for protective tripping or presence-sensing purposes and comprising as a minimum:
- a sensing device;
- controlling/monitoring devices;
- output signal switching devices and/or a safety-related data interface.
Note: ESPEs refer only to non-contact sensing devices.
[SOURCE: GB/T 19436.1-2025, 3.5, modified.]
3.1.6
indirect approach
approach where the shortest path to the hazard zone is obstructed by a mechanical obstacle
Note: The hazard zone can only be approached by going around the obstacle.
3.1.7
detection zone
zone within which a specified test piece is detected by the sensitive protective equipment
Note 1: The detection zone can also be a point, line or plane.
Note 2: ISO 13856-1 uses the term “effective sensing area” when describing pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors. In this document, the terms “detection zone” and “effective sensing area” are used synonymously.
[SOURCE: GB/T 19436.1-2025, 3.4, modified.]
3.1.8
separation distance
S
minimum distance required between the actuation position of the protective devices and the hazard zone to prevent the human body or its parts from reaching the hazard zone before the cessation of the hazardous machine function
Note 1: Examples of protective devices are found in GB/T 15706-2012, 3.28.
Note 2: The separation distance is always the shortest distance between the detection zone and the hazard zone, independent from the entry point of the person through the detection zone.
3.1.9
reaching distance associated with a protective device
DDS
distance that a part of the body can move through or past the safeguard prior to actuation of the safeguard, either towards the hazard zone or towards a safety-related manual control device (SRMCD) (3.1.14) from within the safeguarded space
3.1.10
reference plane
level at which persons would normally stand during the use of the machine or access to the hazard zone or safety-related manual control device (SRMCD) (3.1.14)
Note: The reference plane is not necessarily the ground or the floor (e.g. a working platform can be the reference plane).
[SOURCE: GB/T 23821-2022, 3.2, modified.]
3.1.11
span-of-control
predetermined portion of the machinery under control of a specific device or safety function
Note: A protective device can initiate a stop function of a machine or a portion of a machine.
3.1.12
safeguarded space
area or volume enclosing a hazard zone(s) where guards and/or protective devices are intended to protect persons
3.1.13
whole body access
situation where a person can be completely inside a safeguarded space (3.1.12)
Note: The term whole body access is used differently in other documents to specify the opening size for ergonomic access.
3.1.14
safety-related manual control device; SRMCD
control device which requires deliberate human action and whose actuation can result in an immediate increase of the risk(s)
Note: Examples include actuating devices such as pushbuttons, selector switches, or foot pedals designed for functions such as reset, start/restart, unconditional guard unlocking or hold-to-run control (e.g. jog, inching).
