Levels of safety

Priorities for eliminating hazards in the workplace Eliminate the hazard through the machine design stage Apply safeguarding technology Use warming signs and labels Train and instruct the worker, programmer, and maintenance personnel Prescribe personal protective equipment and devices

Safety monitoring strategies Complete shut down of the robot upon detection of an intruder Activation of warning alarms Reduction in the speed of the robot to a safe speed Directing the robot to move its arm away from the intruder to avoid collision Directing the robot to perform tasks away from the intruder

Ways to minimize errors

Introduction –Guidelines for Robotics Safety “Recent studies in Sweden and Japan indicate that many robot accidents do not occur under normal operating conditions but rather during programming, adjustment, testing, cleaning, inspection, and repair periods. During many of these operations, the operator, programmer or corrective maintenance worker may temporarily be within the robot work envelope while power is available to moveable elements of the robot system.” –STD – pub – Guidelines For Robotics Safety Deploying Industrial Robotics

Introduction –Sources for Guidelines/Recommendations: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). –Guidelines for Robotics Safety, STD –Industrial Robots and Robot System Safety – OSHA Technical Manual, TED A. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Introduction –Sources for Guidelines/Recommendations (continued) : National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). –Preventing the Injury of Workers by Robots, PUB No Deploying Industrial Robotics

Introduction –Sources for Guidelines/Recommendations (continued) : American National Standards Institute (ANSI). –Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – Safety Requirements, ANSI/RIZ R –Manufacturing Systems/Cells, ANSI B International Organization for Standardization (ISO). –Safety of Integrated Manufacturing Systems, ISO Deploying Industrial Robotics

Sources of Robotic Hazards –Human error. –Control error. –Unauthorized access. –Mechanical failures. –Environmental sources. –Power systems. –Improper installation. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Accident Types –Impact. –Crushing. –Trapping. –Mechanical part injuries. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Guarding Methods –Interlocked barrier guards. –Fixed barrier guards. –Awareness barrier devices. –Presence sensing devices. –Emergency stops. –Audible and visible warning systems. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Guarding Methods (continued) –Interlocked barrier guards. Physical barrier around robot work envelope incorporating gates equipped with interlocks which will stop automatic operations when opened. –Fixed barrier guards. A permanent fence requiring tools for removal. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Guarding Methods (continued) –Awareness barrier devices. Defines a safety perimeter intended to prevent inadvertent entry into the work envelope. –Presence sensing devices. Detect a person stepping into a hazardous area near a robot. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Guarding Methods (continued) –Emergency stops. Dangerous robot movement is arrested by dynamic braking systems rather than simple power cut-off to counteract the effect of robot inertia. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Guarding Methods (continued) –Audible and visible warning systems. Not acceptable safeguard methods but may be used to enhance effectiveness of positive safeguards. –Control devices. Located outside the robot work envelope. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Installation, Maintenance and Programming –Installed in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and applicable codes. –Verify compatibility with environmental conditions. –Power to robot conforms to manufacturer’s specifications. –Robot is secured to prevent vibration movement and tip over. –No additional hazards are created. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Worker Training and Supervision Managers. Operators. Engineers. Programmers. Maintenance personnel. Bystanders. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Worker Training and Supervision (continued) –Safe operation. –Maintenance. –Emergency procedures. Shut down controls. Inspection of safeguards. –Disciplinary action. –Working with teams. –Proper attire. Deploying Industrial Robotics

Conclusion –Keeping well informed of these guidelines and risks signifies employers’ commitment to the safety and health of their employees. Deploying Industrial Robotics