1. If the length of a slit-shaped opening is ≤ 65 mm, the thumb serves as a limitation, and the safety distance can be reduced to 200 mm.
2. The dimensions of the openings e correspond to the side of a square opening, the diameter of a circular opening, and the smallest dimension of a slit-shaped opening.

• For openings > 120 mm, safety distances must be applied when crossing over protective constructions.
• The stronger lines in the table define the body part limited by the size of the opening

• All protective devices must be equipped and arranged in a way that prevents any change in the safety distances. The specified dimensions have been determined under the assumption that no aids such as boxes, chairs, or ladders are used to reach the hazard area.
• A risk assessment according to DIN EN ISO 12100 must be conducted to determine the necessary safety distances.
• If the table values for a, b, or c fall between two values, the values providing the higher safety level must be applied.

Before determining safety distances that prevent people from reaching hazard areas, it is necessary to decide whether high or low-risk values are to be used. A risk assessment (see ISO 12100) must be carried out. Low risks arise only result from hazards like friction or abrasion, where long-term or irreversible body damage is not foreseeable.

Low risk            High risk
h ≥ 2500 mm                 h ≥ 2700 mm

or other safety-related measures.

1. If the length of a slit-shaped opening is ≤ 75 mm, the safety distance can be reduced to ≥ 50 mm.
2. The value refers to "toe to knee".
3. The value refers to "toe to groin".

Slit-shaped openings with
e > 180 mm and square or circular openings with
e > 240 mm allow full body access

An additional protective construction can be used to restrict free access of the lower limbs under existing protective constructions. For this procedure, the distances given in this annex refer to the height from the floor or reference level to the

protective construction. This method offers limited protection, and in many cases, other methods may be more suitable.
Note: These distances are not safety distances, and additional precautions may be necessary to restrict access.

This table contains distances for special cases where access of the lower limbs for the person remaining in an upright position is restricted without any additional help.
Where there is a risk from slipping or misuse, the application of the values in the

table may not be suitable.
Interpolation between the values in this table should not be performed. If the height h to the protective construction falls between two values, the distance for the higher value of h should be applied.

Safety Fence