ISO 13856-1:2013 establishes general principles and specifies requirements for the design and testing of pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors normally actuated by the feet for use as devices for protecting persons from hazardous machinery. The minimum safety requirements for the performance, marking and documentation are given.

ISO 13856-1:2013 is applicable to pressure-sensitive mats and pressure-sensitive floors, regardless of the type of energy used (e.g. electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical), designed to detect

— persons weighing more than 35 kg, and

— persons (e.g. children) weighing more than 20 kg.

It is not applicable to the detection of persons weighing less than 20 kg.

It does not specify the following because they are application-specific:

a) dimensions or configuration of the effective sensing area of pressure-sensitive mat(s) or pressure-sensitive floor(s) in relation to any particular application;

b) when pressure-sensitive mats or floors are appropriate in a particular situation;

c) performance levels (PLs) for safety-related parts of control systems (SRP/CSs) other than providing a minimum level.

ISO 13856-1:2013 gives guidance to assist the user (i.e. machinery manufacturer and/or user of the machinery) in providing an adequate arrangement.