Overview
ISO 20957-2:2024 - "Stationary training equipment - Part 2: Strength training equipment - Additional specific safety requirements and test methods" is the third edition of the International Standard that supplements the general safety rules in ISO 20957-1:2013. It defines additional safety requirements and test methods for stationary strength training equipment that use stacked weights or alternative resistance (elastic cords, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, magnetic, springs, externally loaded weights). This standard applies to equipment classes H, S and I and focuses on protecting users through design, testing and marking requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 20957-2:2024 addresses practical safety subjects relevant to manufacturers, test labs and safety assessors:
- Scope & classification - Applicability to selectorized, externally loaded and user‑defined motion equipment (classes H, S, I).
- Stability (Clause 5.1) - Requirements and tests to ensure equipment remains stable in all foreseeable positions and load conditions.
- Loading and strength (Clause 5.2–5.3) - Requirements for loading, structural endurance and fatigue resistance for selectorized and externally loaded systems.
- Access to squeeze/shear points (Clause 5.4) - Protection and clearances for stacked weights, weight disc clearance and finger entrapment hazards.
- Weight retention & entrapment (Clauses 5.5–5.7) - Measures to secure weight discs, prevent entrapment and avoid pull‑in/pinch points.
- Catch mechanisms and drop stops - Safety elements for guided equipment and rack stations to prevent uncontrolled drops.
- Instructions and marking (Clauses 5.8–5.9) - Required user instructions, warnings and labeling to support safe operation.
- Test methods (Clause 6) - Prescribed tests including dimensional, visual, tactile, performance, stability, loading, endurance and a newly added finger entrapment test (6.1.5).
- Test reporting (Clause 7) - Requirements for documenting test results.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Manufacturers and product designers - to design compliant stationary strength equipment (selectorized machines, Smith machines, rack stations).
- Test laboratories and conformity assessors - to perform stability, loading, endurance and entrapment tests per the standard.
- Fitness facility operators and procurement teams - to verify equipment meets international safety requirements before purchase or deployment.
- Regulatory and certification bodies - to reference accepted test methods and marking requirements for market surveillance and certification.
Related standards
- ISO 20957-1:2013 - General safety requirements and test methods for stationary training equipment (this part is complementary).
- ISO 12100:2010 - Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction.
- Other parts of the ISO 20957 series (e.g., ISO 20957-4:2016 for free-weight racks) for specific equipment categories.
ISO 20957-2:2024 is essential for anyone responsible for the safety, testing or compliance of stationary strength training equipment and helps ensure consistent, internationally recognized safety practices.