I.M. Services Provides OSHA Required Stop Time Measurement Service.

Stop-time measurement is used to calculate the minimum safety distance required for machine guarding systems and safeguarding devices such as light curtains, two-hand controls, and interlocks. Accurate stop time measurement assists in meeting OSHA and ANSI safety standards and helps minimize the risk of injury and operational downtime as part of effective industrial safety solutions.

What is stop time measurement?

Stop time measurement is the process of recording how long a machine or hazardous motion takes to come to a complete stop after a stop signal is initiated, such as an emergency stop, light curtain interruption, interlock opening, or safety relay actuation.

Accurate stop time data is essential for:

Safety distance calculations for guards, light curtains, scanners, and other protective devices.
Verification of safety system performance after installation, modification, or repair.
Ongoing compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
Early detection of mechanical or control issues that increase stopping time over months or years.
Evaluating machine guarding equipment to help ensure protective devices are positioned at appropriate safety distances.

Why stop time measurement matters

Operator protection: Ensures that protective devices are placed far enough away so a person cannot reach the hazard before motion stops.
Regulatory compliance: Supports compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations by providing documented evidence of stopping performance and supporting effective industrial safety solutions.
Risk reduction: Identifies degraded braking, worn components, or control faults that can silently increase risk over time.
Data-driven decisions: Provides objective measurements to justify upgrades, maintenance, or changes to safety distances

How our service works

On-site assessment: We visit your facility, review the machine, its safety functions, and operating modes, and define the measurement points and scenarios.

Instrumented measurements: Using calibrated stop time measurement equipment, we record multiple stop events for each relevant safety function, including e-stops, interlocks, and industrial safety light curtains.

Analysis and safety distance calculations: Measured stop times are used to calculate or verify safety distances for machine guarding equipment and devices, based on applicable formulas and standards.

Clear documentation: You receive a detailed report including:

Measured stop times and test conditions
Safety distance calculations and assumptions
Observed issues or non-conformances
Recommended corrective actions or improvements

Follow-up support: We can assist with implementing recommended changes, retesting after modifications, and setting up periodic re-measurement schedules.

Typical applications

Presses and press brakes
Robotic cells and automated lines
Conveyors and material handling systems
Packaging and converting machinery
Machine tools and special-purpose equipment

If your machine has hazardous motion and relies on machine safety guards, light curtains, scanners, or interlocks, stop time measurement is a critical part of validating the safety system. Our expertise in industrial machine guarding also supports applications requiring specialized press brake guarding and press brake safety.

Benefits of working with us

Specialized expertise: Focus on industrial machine safety and stopping performance.
Calibrated equipment: Professional stop time measurement tools for reliable, repeatable results.
Compliance-oriented reports: Documentation designed to support audits, inspections, and internal safety programs.
Practical recommendations: Actionable guidance that balances safety, productivity, and cost.

Stop Time Measurement Service