Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Hazards and harm

Puncture hazard

Also known as: stabbing hazard

In machine safety, a puncture hazard is a mechanical hazard from pointed tools, projections or materials that can penetrate the body.

  • Machine safety
  • Risk assessment

In one sentence

A puncture hazard comes from needles, nails, drill bits, wire ends and sharp projections that can pierce the body.

Example

A nailing station on a pallet assembly line can drive a nail through a hand; a two-hand control device keeps both hands away from the nailing head during the stroke.

How it applies

  • Machine safety: Sources include needles, nailing and stapling heads, drill bits, wire ends, gripper spikes and sharp projections on workpieces. Guards, two-hand control devices and removing projections by design are typical measures.
  • Injection: High-pressure fluid from a hydraulic leak can penetrate the skin with barely a visible wound. ISO 12100 lists injection as a separate consequence; cover it wherever hydraulics are present and describe it in the maintenance manual.
  • Technical documentation: Describe the response where it is not obvious, for example that a hydraulic injection injury needs immediate medical attention even if it looks minor.
  • Evidence: Record which pointed elements remain accessible and why.

Puncture hazard vs. cutting hazard

A cutting hazard involves an edge moving along or across tissue. A puncture involves a point penetrating it.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 25, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Blog editorial definition, based on ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

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