Putting your safety first

Checks to be carried out daily

Extract from "Application of electro-sensitive protective equipment using light curtains and light beam devices to machinery" HSE Publication HSG180

127 While functional safety checks are not required by regulation 6, they are good practice and may be carried out on a frequent (e.g. daily) basis, dependant on the risk. The checks may be selected from those given in paragraph 128 as appropriate. These checks could be carried out by a suitably trained operator.

128 The person undertaking these checks should:

(a)      check that access to the dangerous parts of the machinery is not possible from any direction not protected by the AOPD, and that side and rear guards are in order:

(b)      check that the separation distance from the danger zone to the AOPD is not less that the distance stated on the machine and/or ESPE information plate:

(c)      check that it is not possible for a person to stand between the AOPD (e.g. light curtain) and the danger zone:

(d)      test the effectiveness of the ESPE with power on but with the machine at rest as follows:

                         I.      first establish that the AOPD is functioning by checking the state of the appropriate indictors, and ensure that the ESPE is not muted

                         II.      insert the appropriate diameter test piece into the AOPD (e.g. light curtain). The test piece should be passed very slowly down the light curtain in three separate places: close to one transmitter/receiver column, close to the other transmitter/receiver column, and in the middle of the light curtain. The indicator lights which indicates actuation (interruption) of the AOPD (light curtain) should change whenever the test piece enters and leaves the AOPD (light curtain) and should not change state for the whole time the test piece is in the detection zone.

                        III.      Initiate machine operation and insert the test piece into the AOPD (light curtain). The axis of the test piece should be at right angles to the detection zone so as to interrupt the minimum area. Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to insert the test piece into the danger zone. Upon insertion of the test piece during hazardous operation, the dangerous parts of the machine should come to rest, or to an otherwise safe condition, without apparent delay: 

(e)      test that when the mute mode is operative, i.e. the ESPE is muted, the machinery operation is no longer hazardous. For example, the gap between the top and bottom tools at muting on a press brake should be just greater that the material thickness. Check that the mute indicator (when provided) is illuminated when the ESPE has been muted:

(f)      check that the stopping performance monitor (where provided) is in use and is set up and functioning in the manner recommended by the supplier:

(g)      check that the cabinets housing the electrical/electronic equipment are closed and locked and that the key is removed for retention by  suitable person:

(h)     check for external signs of damage to equipment or to electrical wiring. Any damage found should be reported to line management.

AOPD - Active Opto-electric Protective Device    ESPD - Electro-Sensitive Protective Equipment

PERMITTED USES. Visitors to this Web Site are granted permission to access this Crown copyright material and download it onto electronic, magnetic, optical or similar storage media provided such activities are for the private research, study or in-house use only.

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to feedback with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: December 10, 2001