Safety apparatus for a machine, in particular for a press brake

In a machine having a first machine part and a second machine part, with the first machine part and the second machine part performing a working movement towards each other, and with the first machine part having a leading edge in the direction of the working movement, the leading edge defining a plane of movement, a safety apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of first light barriers arranged for moving together with one of the machine parts during the working movement,
• a control unit, and
• a configuration device,
• wherein the first light barriers are configured to generate a plurality of first light beams extending parallel to the plane of movement,
• wherein the plurality of first light barriers are arranged such that the first light beams run in advance of the leading edge, and
• wherein the plurality of first light beams run with a plurality of different distances from the leading edge as viewed in the direction of the working movement,
• wherein the control unit is configured to stop the working movement of the first machine part in response to the first light barriers, and
• wherein the configuration device is configured to deactivate selected ones from the first light barriers for at least the duration of the working movement.