21
4. PERIODIC CHECKING
4.1 GENERAL
The following sections describe the
periodic checks to be performed on a
machine fitted with a Tapeswitch safety
mat system. If the machine is fitted with
additional safety devices the periodic
checks prescribed by the manufacturer
of these devices should be incorporated
into the periodic checking regime
described below.
If the machine fails any of the
prescribed checks the machine must be
isolated and must not be used until the
fault has been identified and rectified.
4.2 COMMISSIONING CHECKS
The commissioning checks should be
carried out by persons who are
competent and who have access to all
the information supplied with the
machine and its safety equipment. The
results of the examination should be
recorded and copies of this record
should be kept by the user and the
employer of the person performing the
examination.
The person carrying out the examination
should, as a minimum, perform the
following checks:
(a) Check that the Tapeswitch safety
mat system is suitable for use in the
application in question using the
guidance provided in section 1.4 of this
manual. In particular:
(i) Check that the machine control
system
meets
the
general
requirements of section 1.4.2.1 of
this manual.
(ii) Check that the level of safety
integrity provided by the safety mat
system is suitable for the level of
risk presented by the machine as
described in section 1.4.2.2 of this
manual.
(iii) Check that the environment is
suitable for the use of the device
taking into account the factors
described in section 1.4.2.3 of this
manual.
(b)
Check that the dimensions and
position of the sensor(s) are correct
taking into account the operating mode as
described in section 1.6.2 of this manual.
For this purpose it will be necessary to
check the overall system response time
using a device designed for this purpose.
(c)
Check that adequate measures have
been taken to prevent access to the
dangerous parts of the machine from any
direction not covered by the sensor(s).
(d)
Examine the machine controls and
connections to the Tapeswitch safety mat
system to ensure that the requirements
described in this manual and in the
machine manual have been met.
(e)
Check that the sensor (s) are fixed in
position and that no trip hazards are
present within the dangerous area.
(f)
Except where the device is used
solely as a trip device, check that it is not
possible for a person to stand in the
dangerous area without actuating the
sensor(s).
(g)
Check that it is not possible for the
dangerous parts of the machine to be set
in motion while the sensor is actuated.
