Careful risk assessment guards against accidents
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC ensures that we only use technical machines and systems which are safe. It specifies performing a mandatory risk assessment to the manufacturer when developing or modifying a machine. The central standard for performing this risk assessment is the harmonised European standard EN ISO 12100 under the Machinery Directive. It helps to identify hazards and increase the safety of machinery.
Our knowledge
for your safety
We do not consider the risk assessment according to the Machinery Directive as a "mandatory evil", but as a key step on the path to creating a safe machine. For this reason, we incorporate the safety-relevant considerations required into our system planning as early as possible. The earlier hazards are detected, the easier it is to find a solution to them.
The advantage to you: you save money! This is because early consideration is a lot more cost-effective than replanning towards the end of the project. Moreover, a structured approach also allows us to evaluate complex machines.
Risk analysis
We perform a risk analysis before the risk assessment. This includes determining the limits of the machine, i.e. where and by whom will the machine be used, which range of motion is required, what is the expected service life of the machine and what maintenance intervals need to be considered.
We then examine the machine for possible risks. In doing so, we include the whole lifecycle of the machine and take all operating modes into consideration. We even go as far as thinking about the hazards that could arise if the machine stops working properly. After we have identified all the possible risks, we estimate the hazard level. In specific terms, this means that the likelihood of damage occurring and the severity of the potential injury are assessed.
Risk assessment and reduction
Within the scope of the risk assessment, we perform a risk estimate for each hazardous situation. We assess whether a risk is acceptable or whether it is too serious and therefore has to be minimised. If the latter is the case, a risk reduction takes place in a "three-step process".
The first step involves the "inherently safe design" and puts forward protective measures concerning the design and construction of the machine. If these measures do not suffice, "technical protective measures" are introduced. The final step involves "user information". These instructions inform users of the residual risks that still exist despite the safety measures taken. A reappraisal follows the risk reduction stage, which examines whether the risk has sufficiently been minimised or even whether new weak spots have been added.
We document the entire risk assessment process and hand it over to the machine manufacturer, who saves it. We also provide the machine operator with the operating instructions required.
Our services at a glance
- Preparation of a risk assessment according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
- Compliance with guidelines and standards
- Identification of hazard points on a machine
- Consideration of all life phases and operating modes
- Identification of hazards according to EN ISO 12100
- Evaluation of existing hazards
- Development of countermeasures
- Detailed documentation of the entire process
Whether you are planning a new machine or need a risk assessment according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC performed on an existing machine – we are your first port of call in both cases. Contract your project out to us and benefit from our experience on more than 25 projects and the comprehensive knowledge of our team.