Your machine’s ”context” matters more than you think! ☝️

Think of industries like metalworking and woodworking. These are large and hugely dangerous machines – often with rotating saws, hydraulic presses, and all sorts of other equipment that can easily cost an employee their life.

Cut to a modern  manufacturing company (imagine, for example, a few of the large ones in EU), where machines and equipment are usually so safe that you can barely even get a bruised fingernail.

Machines in both industries can easily be 'safe enough' and live up to their CE mark, even though they are not ‘equally dangerous’.

In short, in some industries, people are simply used to machines and processes being significantly more dangerous than in others.

So how can that be? 👉

I am often asked how ”safe” a machine needs to be, and my answer is always quite unsatisfactory: The risk assessment has to tell you that.

However, most risk assessments start and end with addressing hazards, but that is actually the wrong place to start. A proper risk assessment starts by determining the limits of the machinery – what I also like to call its context. 👷

(By the way, this is also stated as one of the very first things in the Machinery Directive regarding risk assessment.)

ISO 12100 shows you how to do it, and it isn't actually that difficult. Among other things, you must consider:

Who will use the machine? Is it trained staff, or is it accessible to the general public – perhaps even children?

Which industry will it be used in?

Where may it be used?

Can it stand outside?

What about temperature requirements – can it, for instance, be used in a production facility in India?

Put it in writing so that designers, engineers, and technical writers don't have to guess the context in which this machine will be used. Many of the sections you create according to ISO 12100 can actually be used directly in your user manual.

And the great thing is that, for most manufacturers, they usually only need to be defined once. It is normal for a manufacturer to make machines and plant equipment for the same industry and thus the same context.

If you need ONE thing to back up your CE marking, it is a properly performed risk assessment! 💪

And a proper risk assessment always starts with determining the limits of the machinery.

So how ‘safe’ does a machine need to be? 🤔

It depends on the context!

About the author

Jesper Deleuran Larsen (LinkedIn)

CEO & Founder at Yellow Safety

• _‍FS Eng (TÜV Rheinland) # 33932 / 26 - Safety Instrumented Systems‍
• CMSE® Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV Nord)

Jesper has many years of practical experience in automation, electrical installations, and safety-related control systems. He manages the sales function within the company as well as consultancy tasks regarding European and international regulations and standards. Jesper is the primary presenter for courses and training, serves as the managing director, and is the owner and founder of Yellow Safety.

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_{Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute, nor should it be considered, professional engineering advice or technical assistance. For specific projects or concrete machinery installations, obtaining an individual professional evaluation is always recommended. While we strive to keep the information as up-to-date as possible, always verify that all standards, executive orders, regulations, directives, etc., are the latest applicable versions.}