Machine Safety Audit Checklist

As per the European Standard EN ISO 12100:2010, "Machine safety" is defined as the implementation of measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of harm to people who interact with a machine or its associated equipment during its lifecycle, including the phases of design, manufacture, installation, use, maintenance, and disposal. The standard emphasizes the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of a machine, from the initial design through its eventual disposal, and of addressing all potential hazards and risks associated with the machine to ensure that it is safe to use.

"Essential Standards for Machine Safety: A Comprehensive List "

• ISO 13849-1:2015 - Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design
• ISO 12100:2010 - Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction
• IEC 62061:2005 - Safety of machinery - Functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems
• ANSI B11 series - Safety standards for various types of machinery, including presses, robots, and woodworking machinery
• EN 60204-1:2018 - Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General requirements
• EN ISO 13850:2015 - Safety of machinery - Emergency stop - Principles for design
• EN ISO 14119:2013 - Safety of machinery - Interlocking devices associated with guards - Principles for design and selection
• ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 - Industrial Robots and Robot Systems - Safety Requirements
• AS 4024.1:2019 - Safety of Machinery series, including general principles, guards, control systems, and risk assessment.

Conducting a machine safety audit is important for several reasons:

• Ensuring compliance with regulations and standards: By conducting a machine safety audit, organizations can ensure that their machines are compliant with relevant regulations and standards, such as OSHA, ISO, or other local regulations.
• Identifying hazards and risks: A safety audit can help identify potential hazards and risks associated with the use of machines, allowing organizations to take necessary steps to mitigate those risks and prevent accidents or injuries.
• Improving safety culture: Regular safety audits demonstrate an organization's commitment to safety and help create a safety culture. It sends a message to employees that safety is a top priority and helps promote safe behavior's.
• Reducing downtime and maintenance costs: By identifying potential safety issues early, safety audits can help reduce downtime and maintenance costs associated with machine breakdowns or accidents.
• Enhancing productivity: Safe machines can operate at optimal efficiency without causing disruptions due to accidents or breakdowns.

In today's fast-paced industries, machines play a crucial role in increasing productivity and efficiency. However, with their benefits come the potential hazards that can endanger the safety of the workers. Therefore, it is essential to implement safety measures to protect the workers from machine-related accidents. Here are some key components of a machine safety checklist that can help improve safety in your workplace:

Safety Devices and Guards:

• Check if all the required safety devices and guards are in place and functioning properly. Ensure that they are maintained, adjusted, and checked for defects. Guards should be securely attached and prevent access to dangerous parts of the machine. Emergency stop buttons or other emergency devices should also be installed.

Electrical Safety:

• Make sure that the electrical system of the machine is properly grounded. Ensure that all electrical connections and components are properly insulated and protected. Check if all electrical panels and enclosures are properly marked and secured.

SOP (Standard Operating Procedures):

• Check if written operating procedures are available for the machine. Ensure that the procedures are updated regularly, clear, concise, and easy to understand. Make sure that the procedures are being followed by the operators.

Training for Employees:

• Ensure that all employees have been trained on the proper use of the machine. They should also be trained on the hazards associated with the machine and the necessary safety precautions. Refresher training sessions should be conducted periodically.

Risk Assessment:

• Conduct a risk assessment for the machine. Identify and evaluate the hazards associated with the machine. Implement the necessary risk control measures.

Danger Signs:

• Post danger signs in visible locations on and around the machine. Make sure that the signs are easily understandable, in good condition, and properly maintained.

Slip, Trip, and Other Hazards:

• Ensure that the floor around the machine is clean and free of debris. Spills should be promptly cleaned up. Use slip-resistant materials on the floor surface. Maintain appropriate lighting levels to avoid tripping hazards.

Leakage and Abnormal Sound:

• Check for any visible leakage from the machine or its components (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, coolant, lubricant, fuel). Observe for abnormal sounds or vibrations during operation. Immediately report, investigate, and address any leaks or abnormal sounds.

By implementing these key components of a machine safety checklist, you can improve safety in your workplace and ensure that your workers are protected from potential hazards.