Impartial assessments
June 1st 2008 When it comes to machinery,
a formal risk assessment
needs certain requirements
to be fulfiled, and the
person performing the risk
assessment must be
competent to carry it out.
There is a British/
European/International
standard, BS EN ISO 14121-
1:2007 (Safety of machinery
- Risk assessment, Part 1:
Principles). Although
adhering to this standard is
not mandatory, it is advised.
While some companies
have personnel who are
competent to perform formal
risk assessments on
machinery, others need
support from consultants.
Pilz Automation
Technology can undertake
risk assessments on
machines or machine designs
in accordance with the
requirements of BS EN ISO
14121-1:2007. Each
assessment identifies the
hazards present, estimates
and evaluates the risks, and
outlines measures that may
be applied to reduce the
risks to acceptable levels.
As part of the risk
assessment, the consultants
identify applicable
standards, regulations and
best industry practises,
prepare a statement of the
machine's limits, and
examine all hazards
throughout the relevant
machine lifecycle phases.
If the client requires
ongoing support, Pilz can
provide engineering services
to take the safety concept
forward and supply products
to implement a safetyrelated
control and
monitoring system.
alternatively, the client can
take the consultant's risk
assessment and carry out the
necessary work in-house or
work with a third-party
supplier or system integrator
of their choice. More articles from Pilz Automation Technology: | 
