Safety Light Curtain Testing

HSG180 Light Curtain Testing is guided by the UK Health and Safety Executive’s publication HSG180, which sets out best practices for the safe use and regular testing of light curtains and other electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) on machinery. Light curtains are designed to detect when a person or object enters a hazardous area, stopping machine movement to prevent injury.

Under HSG180, employers and machine operators must ensure that light curtains are correctly installed, maintained, and tested at least every 12 months as part of a formal inspection.

In addition to this annual verification, HSG180 also recommends frequent functional checks—typically daily or before each shift—to confirm the system is operating correctly and has not been bypassed or damaged. These regular checks help maintain legal compliance with UK machinery safety regulations and provide ongoing protection for workers.

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Safety Light Curtain Testing – Ensuring Reliable Machine Guarding and Operator Protection

Safety light curtains are a critical part of modern machinery safety systems, protecting operators from injury by automatically stopping dangerous motion when the light beam is interrupted. Regular safety light curtain testing and inspection ensures these systems perform correctly, helping you stay compliant with PUWER, HSE, and machinery safety regulations.

What is Safety Light Curtain Testing?

Safety light curtain testing is the process of checking that light curtains are working accurately and providing the required level of protection.

During testing, a competent engineer will:

Verify beam alignment, response times, and stop distances
Check the control circuitry and safety relays
Confirm integration with machine controls and emergency stop systems
Ensure compliance with BS EN ISO 13855 (Safety of Machinery – Positioning of safeguards)
Provide a detailed inspection and test report highlighting results and any corrective actions needed

These tests confirm that your safety light curtains will respond instantly in the event of an intrusion — keeping operators safe and machinery compliant.

Who Should Carry Out Safety Light Curtain Testing?

Safety light curtain testing should only be carried out by a competent and qualified safety engineer with specific knowledge of machine guarding systems, electrical safety, and HSE requirements.

At Cobots and Machinery Safety, our engineers are fully trained in machine safeguarding and PUWER compliance, using calibrated test equipment to verify the performance of all types of safety light curtains — including Type 2 and Type 4 systems, 2 hand controls, safety laser scanners and safety radar systems.

We offer on-site testing, inspection, and certification for both standalone machines and integrated production lines, ensuring every system meets legal and safety standards.

How Often Should Safety Light Curtains Be Tested?

The frequency of safety light curtain inspection and testing depends on your machinery use, environment, and internal safety policies.

However, as best practice, light curtains should be tested:

At initial installation or commissioning
After repair, relocation, or system modification
Following any incident or suspected malfunction
At regular intervals — typically every 6–12 months, depending on usage and risk level

Routine testing ensures continued reliability, reduces downtime, and provides documented proof of compliance with PUWER 1998 and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.

Protect Your Team and Stay Compliant

A faulty or misaligned light curtain can put lives at risk and expose your business to enforcement action. Regular testing provides the reassurance that your safety systems are working effectively, meeting legal standards, and protecting your people every day.

Book your Safety Light Curtain Testing today and keep your machine guarding systems fully compliant and reliable.

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light curtain testing equipment attached to a piece of machinery

Ensure Your Light Curtains Perform When It Matters Most

Comprehensive On-Site Testing

Our service begins with a detailed on-site inspection of your light curtains and associated safeguarding systems. Using the latest calibrated testing equipment, we check for:

Proper alignment and detection zones
Correct response times
Safe stopping distances
Any signs of wear, damage, or contamination

We identify potential issues that could compromise safety and provide practical recommendations to address them immediately.

Clear, Actionable Reporting

After testing, you receive a detailed report documenting:

Test results and compliance status
Any deviations from manufacturer specifications or safety standards
Recommended corrective actions with prioritised steps

Our reports are easy to understand and designed to help you act quickly, ensuring your light curtains meet regulatory requirements and function reliably.

Ongoing Support & Safety Partnership

Safety isn’t a one-time check—it’s a continuous process. We work with you to implement our recommendations, schedule future testing, and provide advice on maintenance and upgrades. By partnering with us, you gain a long-term ally committed to keeping your workforce safe and your operations fully compliant.

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