Safety of machinery — Two-hand control devices — Principles for design and selection

This document specifies the safety requirements of a two-hand control device (THCD) and the dependency of the output signal from the actuation by hand of the control actuating devices.

This document describes the main characteristics of THCDs for the achievement of safety and sets out combinations of functional characteristics for three types. It does not apply to devices intended to be used as enabling devices, as hold-to-run devices or as special control devices.

This document does not specify with which machines THCDs shall be used. It also does not specify which types of two-hand-control device shall be used for a specific application. Moreover, while guidance is given, it does not specify the required distance between the THCD and the danger zone (see 8.8).

This document provides requirements for design and guidance on the selection (based on a risk assessment) of THCDs including the prevention of defeat, the avoidance of faults and verification of compliance.

NOTE 1 A THCD only offers protection for the person using it.

NOTE 2 For specific machines, the suitability of a two-hand control as a suitable protective device can be defined in a type-C standard. If such a standa