Two Hand Control Distance Calculator

Work out two hand control distance instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Two Hand Control Distance Calculator

A two hand control must be far enough from the hazard that an operator releasing it cannot reach the danger zone before the machine stops. The distance is K x T plus an additional 250 mm, because the hand starts at the control rather than at a detection plane and the operator can begin moving before fully releasing.

Formula

Minimum distance

S = 1600 x total stopping time in seconds + 250 mm

Worked example

With the default values below, Two Hand Control Distance Calculator returns Minimum distance from control to hazard of 618. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Machine stopping timeminimum 1 ms: 200 ms
Control system response timeminimum 0 ms: 30 ms
Assumed hand speedminimum 100 mm/s: 1,600 mm/s

Results

Minimum distance from control to hazard: 618 mm
Hand travel during the stop: 368.0 mm
Total response time: 230 ms
Additional distance C applied: 250 mm

Step by step

1Values used
2Minimum distance
3Minimum distance from control to hazard= 618 mm
4Hand travel during the stop= 368.0 mm
5Total response time= 230 ms
6Additional distance C applied= 250 mm

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Preliminary estimate only. Two hand control design and positioning must follow the applicable machinery safety standards and be verified by a competent person.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Preliminary estimate only. Two hand control design and positioning must follow the applicable machinery safety standards and be verified by a competent person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Two Hand Control Distance figure worked out?

S = 1600 x total stopping time in seconds + 250 mm. A two hand control must be far enough from the hazard that an operator releasing it cannot reach the danger zone before the machine stops.

Can the operator defeat a two hand control?

That is precisely the design concern. Controls must be spaced so they cannot both be operated by one hand or an elbow, and simultaneity timing must be enforced by the control system.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 3 inputs: Machine stopping time, Control system response time, Assumed hand speed. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.