scope:

This Technical Specification specifies requirements for the design, construction and testing of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) designed specifically to detect persons or parts of persons as part of a safety related system, employing vision based protective devices (VBPDs) using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) for the sensing function. Special attention is directed to features which ensure that an appropriate safety-related performance is achieved. An ESPE may include optional safety-related functions, the requirements for which are given in annex A of IEC 61496-1:2012 and this technical specification. This technical specification does not specify the dimensions or configurations of the detection zone and its disposition in relation to hazardous parts for any particular application, nor what constitutes a hazardous state of any machine. It is restricted to the functioning of the ESPE 238 and how it interfaces with the machine.