hätäpysäytys

Hätäpysäytys is a Finnish term meaning emergency stop. It refers to a control device or switch intended to halt machinery, equipment, or transport systems immediately to prevent harm to people or damage to property. Hätäpysäytys devices are designed to be highly visible, easily reachable, and quick to trigger in urgent situations.

Use and scope

Emergency stop devices are found across industrial environments, including manufacturing lines, construction machinery, and process plants, as well as in transportation and consumer equipment such as trains, trams, buses, elevators, and escalators. They are used when normal operating procedures cannot safely continue and an immediate halt is required.

Operation and design

Most hätäpysäytys devices are red pushbuttons or mushroom-shaped switches that latch when pressed. Activation breaks the normal energy supply to the drive system and initiates a safe state, which may involve braking or stopping all motion. After activation, resetting the device typically requires a deliberate action, such as turning or pulling a reset mechanism, before normal control can resume. The exact effect of an emergency stop depends on the system design, but it is intended to stop movement quickly while preserving a safe state.

Standards and safety

Emergency stop devices are addressed by safety standards and directives that cover functionality, visibility, labeling, and reliability. In Europe, they are aligned with machinery safety standards such as EN ISO 13850 and related directives, with implementation varying by application. Regular testing, maintenance, and a clear procedure for reset are important to ensure readiness and reduce nuisance activations.

Hätäpysäytys emphasizes rapid, reliable intervention to protect people and equipment, and its correct use relies on clear labeling, accessibility, and compliance with applicable safety standards.