Functional Safety Certification for Collaborative Robots (Cobots): ISO 14120 Explained

Date
2026-10-30
Location
Online
Host
Zach L

About this event

A Tabletop Exercise for Machine Safety Specialists pursuing functional safety certification. A live 30-minute tabletop exercise on ISO 14120 (Guards) for collaborative robots (cobots), built for machine safety specialists pursuing functional safety certification. What We'll Cover: What ISO 14120 (Guards) requires and how its scope applies to collaborative robots (cobots) Mapping ISO 14120 clauses to the certification evidence assessors expect System-specific hazards and safety functions typical of collaborative robots (cobots) Common findings that delay certification, and how to avoid them A practical readiness roadmap for machine safety specialists preparing for assessment Related topics: ISO 14120 · Collaborative Robots (Cobots) · functional safety certification · functional safety asses

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About ISO 14120 (Guards)

This event covers the compliance, engineering, and verification requirements defined by ISO 14120.

EN ISO 14120 gives general requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards: strength, containment, fixing, openings, and the properties guards need to protect against machinery hazards without creating new ones.

What it regulates

Guard types and selection, material and impact resistance (including projectile containment), fixing requirements (captive fasteners, tool removal), visibility, noise/ventilation considerations, and testing.

Who must comply

Machine builders and fence/enclosure suppliers across all machinery sectors.

Key requirements of ISO 14120

  • Fixed guards: removal only by tool, fasteners captive, no self-retention in place when unfixed
  • Movable guards paired with 14119 interlocks
  • Impact and retention testing guidance (projectiles, burst containment)
  • Openings dimensioned with 13857; climb-resistance geometry

Key concepts: ISO 14120

Captive fastener rule
Fixed-guard fasteners must remain with the guard or machine when removed, discouraging permanent removal.
Containment function
Guards as protection against ejected parts and fluids, not just contact — with material selection evidence.
Tool removal principle
Fixed guards must require a tool, making casual defeat an deliberate act.

Frequently asked questions: ISO 14120

When must a movable guard be used instead of fixed?

Where access frequency makes fixed guarding impractical (more than about once per shift as a rule of thumb), a movable interlocked guard per 14119 is the ergonomic and compliant choice.

Polycarbonate or steel mesh for machine windows?

Polycarbonate offers impact containment and visibility but degrades with coolants/UV (aging plan required); mesh ventilates and resists chemicals but limits containment of fine ejecta — selection follows the hazard's energy and media, sometimes laminated combinations.

Standard information based on the published text of ISO 14120 (Guards). Event content is provided by the host. For authoritative guidance, consult the official standard body.