This International Standard specifies general requirements for the design and construction of guards provided primarily to protect persons from mechanical hazards.

This International Standard applies primarily to machines which will be manufactured after it is published.

Attention is drawn to the use of guards to minimize exposure to non-mechanical hazards.

The requirements are applicable if fixed and movable guards are used. This International Standard does not cover those parts of guards which actuate interlocking devices. These are covered in ISO 14119.

This International Standard does not provide requirements for special systems relating specifically to mobility or to the ability to lift loads such as rollover protective structures (ROPS) and falling-object protective structures (FOPS).