Master Thesis - Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

6. Evaluating the safety Master Thesis Björn Ostermann page 102 of 126
Where a control device is designed and constructed to perform several different actions, namely
where there is no one-to-one correspondence, the action to be performed must be clearly
displayed and subject to confirmation, where necessary. […]
� 1.2.3. Starting
It must be possible to start machinery only by voluntary actuation of a control device provided
for the purpose. […]
For machinery functioning in automatic mode, the starting of the machinery, restarting after a
stoppage, or a change in operating conditions may be possible without intervention, provided
this does not lead to a hazardous situation. […]
� 1.3.7. Risks related to moving parts
The moving parts of machinery must be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent
risks of contact which could lead to accidents or must, where risks persist, be fitted with guards
or protective devices. […] [66]
6.2 Standards
Generally directives all require applying the state of the art. When using so called harmonized
standards, the manufacturer has the consumption of conformity. That means he can assume that he has
fulfilled the essential health and safety requirements, as laid down in the technical annexes of the
directives. In the machinery directive this is formulated in article 2 l.
“Article 2 (l):
‘harmonised standard’ means a non-binding technical specification adopted by a
standardisation body, namely the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) or the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), on the basis of a remit issued by the
Commission in accordance with the procedures laid down in Directive 98/34/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the
provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on
Information Society services.” [66]
Standards are divided into A, B and C norms, ranging from fundamental safety standards which are
applicable to all machinery (type A) over standards dealing with aspects of safety that can be applied
across a group of machinery (type B) to specific standards, applicable to a specific type of machinery
(type C).
Since the approach given in this project is still under development no type C standard that matches the
complete project exists. Thus, where possible, only type A and B standards can be used. Type C
standards can only be used in parts.
The standards to be considered in a collaborative robot workplace are especially:
Type A:
- EN 12100-1 “Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design — Part 1:
Basic terminology, methodology”
This standard covers the complete first part of annex I of the Machinery Directive. Therefore it
covers also the points listed in chapter 6.1.1.
- EN ISO 14121 “Safety of machinery — Risk assessment — Part 1: Principles”