When considering the design of any machine it is important to eliminate as
many hazards as possible and by doing so negating the need for any
additional safety measures. However, most machines are not as simple as
that and there will undoubtedly be hazards that cannot be eliminated. For
hazards that cannot be reasonably removed or limited by design, protective
guards (or similar safeguards) are required. These guards may be reinforced
by interlocking devices, direct mechanical guard locking and/or control system
linked, to affirm the guard’s integrity. The design of the control system should
be such that proximity to the hazard is restricted, typically by requiring two
hand control or perimeter monitoring (light curtains etc.). Where the
operational requirements of the machine leave hazards exposed or to
reinforce other safeguards, then display notices in the form of text, words,
signal, symbols, diagrams, etc., and, importantly, training and instructions.
Andy
www.automationengineering.co.uk