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Contrinex Industrial Electronics
DEFINITION OF HAZARDS AND RISK
REDUCTION STRATEGY
EN/ISO 12100 serves as a basis for all subsequent standards. It de-
scribes every type of hazard that needs to be considered in terms of
machine safety. Exposure to hazards includes numerous potential situ-
ations that must first be identified.
Mechanical hazards may result in crushing, shearing, cutting/severing,
entanglement, drawing-in/trapping, impact, stabbing/puncture, friction/
abrasion, injuries due to high pressure fluid ejection, etc. Machine haz-
ards are also influenced by sharp edges, vibrations and unstable or
moving objects. The list quotes electrical and thermal hazards, radia-
tion, dust and hazardous substances (gas, vapors). In terms of ergo-
nomics and the working environment, there are risks of falling, tripping
or slipping. A combination of hazards may result in a specific new haz-
ard.
EN/ISO 12100 subsequently gives general guidelines for eliminating or
reducing hazards through prevention and protection. It is recommended
to use technology that avoids most of the problems linked with the haz-
ards listed above. Any decision that contributes to prevention against
hazards is part of the security process and risk reduction strategy.
In this respect, taking ergonomic principles into consideration is im-
portant. A high level of automation will not only help operators, it will
also increase productivity and reliability. Reducing unnecessary human
movements and efforts can contribute to a safer working environment.
Proper lighting of the work place will help to minimize hazards.
Operators must be able to stop machines at any time in case of an
emergency. Starting and/or restarting the machine after an interruption
must be carefully planned. When programmable electronic safety sys-
tems are used, the behavior of such systems in case of defect and the
protection of the software requires particular attention.
RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
In essence, conducting a risk assessment involves identifying hazards,
evaluating the potential severity of harm and identifying measures and
solutions for eliminating or reducing such risks.
This requirement is stated in U.S. standards (Title 29 US Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, Part 1910, Subpart O).
For more details, please refer to the following documents:
–
OSHA 3071, Job Hazard Analysis
–
ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999, Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots
and Robot Systems
–
ANSI B11.TR3, Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction
–
EN/ISO 14121, Principles of Risk Assessment. EN/ISO 14121 re-
fers to additional standards, such as EN/ISO 13849-1 and EN/ISO
12100
RISK ASSESSMENT
EN/ISO 12100
