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We have a robot cell with 2 robots that are die-punching and stacking mud-flaps. The cell is protected with steel fencing and light curtains and uses a 2 key system to reset and restart the cell after the safety chain is breached. The safety circuitry is Cat. 3 and had a PHSR done in 2009. My question is regarding Lock-out and tag-out procedure. Operators will routinely enter the cell by taking the A key out and putting it in their pocket. They typically adjust tooling etc. Is this sufficient for a lock-out or do we need to completely isolate the power to the equipment in the cell? Where do we draw the line and require a full power lock-out?
Hi, You may be able to use the CSA Standard, CSA Z460-05, Control of Hazardous Energy Lockout and Other Methods, section 7.4 Other hazardous energy control methods. This section allows the use of engineering safeguards as an alternative to full zero energy lockout. Appropriate tasks as listed in 7.4.2 To be considered integral to production, designed tasks shall exhibit most of the following characteristics: (a) of short duration; (b) relatively minor in nature; (c) occurring frequently during the shift or production day; (d) usually performed by operators or others functioning as operators; (e) represent predetermined cyclical activities; (f) minimally interrupt the operation of the production process; (g) exist even when optimal operating levels are achieved; and (h) require task-specific personnel training.
I would recommend you review this standard and the applicable sections to determine whether your tasks meet the criteria and whether an engineering safeguard is applicable.
Kevin Harris - Safety Associate
kharris@prosafeinc.ca
(519) 272-0486
How to determine fence height requirements for Fanuc 2000IC_210F Robot cell?
Hello Scott, Assuming you are integrating the robot cell in the US, you will want to follow ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012, Part 2 (Note: ANSI/RIA adopted ISO10218, Part 1 and Part 2). Clause 5.10.4.2 dictates using ISO1357 to determine the required height, with the a minimum height of 1400mm (55in) from the adjacent walking surface. ISO13857, Table 2 - Reaching Over Protective Structures - High Risk, is the table you want to refer to. In general terms, industry standard is a minimum of 1800mm (72in), and possibly more depending on the height of the robot hazard, distance, risk of material being flung outside the fenced area etc.
Kevin Harris - Business Manager
kharris@prosafeinc.ca
(519) 272-0486
In the facility I work in ( Ontario Canada covered under Reg 851 Indutsrial ) we have numerous "Lifts"/" Hopists". This machinery is taking product from level to another ( car bodies ). Currently many of these "lifts" are NOT guarded. Any Team member may walk into the area and no motion is stopped nor does it prevent the Team member from engaging all moving and lifting devices. Some of these "lifts" are on the second floor of our facility with NO guarding surrounding the "lift" nor the drop to the floor. The company continues to use verbage like " Legacy issues" and/or " Grandfathered".......your thoughts please?
Andrew. While the equipment may have been installed before the introduction of Pre-Start Health and Safety reviews it does not exempt the company from making these lifts safe. If the operation and motion of these lifts expose personnel to hazardous motion then Section 24 and 25 of the Ontario Regulation 851 would require that fixed guarding or safeguarding be installed.
If a safeguarding devices (i.e. light curtain, safety mat etc.) were installed to meet these requirements it would trigger the requirement for a Pre-Start Health and Safety review to be performed on the modification (in accordance with Ontario Regulation 851 Section 7).
Miles Purvis - General Manager
mpurvis@prosafeinc.ca
+519 (272) 048-6201