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15Why are safety interlock switches and safetycontrollers required?For machinery builders who export to the EuropeanUnion, the use of such components designed expresslyfor machine guarding safety systems is mandated by therequirements of the European Machinery Directive andthe need to comply with relevant safety standards. Theserequirements include:. Use of interlock switches that feature positive-breaknormally closed contacts.. Use of interlock switches or machine guarding positionsensors, which are tamper-resistant/difficult todefeat.. (Where risk level dictates) the need to monitor theintegrity of the safety circuit components and itsinterconnection wiring to ensure the system willfunction properly when called upon to do so.For machinery builders selling in the U.S., the use ofsuch components is encouraged by the safety guidelinesand standards of the Federal government and severalindustry standards-making groups including:. OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration). ANSI (American National Standards Institute). UL (Underwriters Laboratories). ISA (Instrument Society of America). SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).16As an OEM, what are the benefits of usingpositive-break and tamper-resistant interlocksin safety applications?Proper selection and installation of safety interlocks whichhave been tested and certified by an approved, independentsafety testing body benefits the equipment manufacturerby:. Providing greater protection from injury for machineoperators, maintenance personnel, set-up and otheruser personnel.. Satisfying international safety regulations … a must forU.S. equipment manufacturers who wish to export tothe European Economic Community.. Enhancing product marketability.. Satisfying safety standards and guidelines againstwhich manufacturer’s responsibility, in the event of aninjury, is judged.. Reducing liability risks.. Minimizing insurance claims/costs.370