Functional Safety Certification for Collaborative Robots (Cobots): ISO 14119 Explained

Date
2027-02-15
Location
Online
Host
Zach L

About this event

An Applied Practicum for Auditors pursuing functional safety certification. A live 30-minute applied practicum on ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices) for collaborative robots (cobots), built for auditors pursuing functional safety certification. What We'll Cover: What ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices) requires and how its scope applies to collaborative robots (cobots) Mapping ISO 14119 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 auditors preparing for assessment Related topics: ISO 14119 · Collaborative Robots (Cobots) · functional safety certification · functional safety assessment · Applied Practicum

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About ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices)

This event covers the compliance, engineering, and verification requirements defined by ISO 14119.

EN ISO 14119 covers interlocking devices associated with guards: selection and installation of position switches, coded magnetic/RFID switches, and guard locking, including measures against defeat by reasonably foreseeable means.

What it regulates

Interlock device types (Type 1-4 by actuation principle and coding), guard-locking requirements and release rules, defeat-resistance assessment and required countermeasures, and fault exclusions for locking elements.

Who must comply

Every machine builder using movable guards; component suppliers of interlocks and locking devices.

Key requirements of ISO 14119

  • Type classification and coding levels (low/high) for actuators
  • Anti-defeat requirements: mounting out of reach, coded actuators, dedicated fasteners
  • Guard locking: spring-applied vs power-applied, escape release, emergency release rules
  • Selection matrix considering stopping time vs access time (with 13855)

Key concepts: ISO 14119

Defeat by foreseeable means
The realistic operator workaround (spare actuator, tape, magnet) that design must render unattractive and difficult.
Escape release
Mandatory inside release where a person could be enclosed behind a locked guard.
Guard locking
Holding the guard closed until hazards cease (run-down), engineered so power loss fails to a safe state per application.
Type 4 high-coded
RFID-style uniquely coded interlocks with the strongest defeat resistance, now standard for accessible guards.

Frequently asked questions: ISO 14119

How is 'motivation to defeat' handled?

The standard requires assessing why operators would bypass (speed, ergonomics), reducing that motivation by design (usable modes, visibility), and applying escalating technical anti-defeat measures — coded actuators, concealed mounting, tamper-proof fixing.

When is guard locking mandatory?

When the machine's stopping time exceeds the access time (per 13855 calculations) — otherwise a person could reach the hazard while it still runs; locking holds access until safe standstill, verified by monitored release conditions.

Standard information based on the published text of ISO 14119 (Interlocking Devices). Event content is provided by the host. For authoritative guidance, consult the official standard body.