By observing (or exceeding) safety distances, it can be avoided that workers come into contact with danger zones. In the standards ÖNORM EN 349 and ÖNORM ISO 13857, safety distances are defined. These vary depending on whether the danger of getting crushed between moving parts is to be eliminated or if in general hand, arm, body or leg contact is to be prevented. The safety distances applying, for example, to avoid crushing are 500 mm for the body, 300 mm for the head, 180 mm for legs, 120 mm for feet, 50 mm for toes, 120 mm for arms, 100 mm for hands (fists) and 25 mm for fingers. Depending on the shape of the opening (round, square, slit-shaped) and the danger that fingertips, fingers, hands, arms and shoulder joints could be crushed, different dimensions are specified for openings used for reaching through. If safety distances cannot be observed, the danger zones must be safeguarded by protective equipment. Example of compliance with safety distances.
