The innovative PSENslock series

The innovative PSENslock series, from Pilz Automation Safety L.P. the German manufacturer of safe automation components and systems, takes safety to a new level. It operates magnetically, not mechanically, as do the more traditional systems. "The PSENslock non-contact magnetic interlocking gate switch is an outstanding alternative to traditional mechanical gate switches," said Sales Engineer Ben Harper. "It's safer because it combines secure safety gate monitoring and a non-contact magnetic interlock within the same unit. And because it's mechanically non-wearing, PSENslock has a longer service life."

PSENslock has an electro-magnetic holding force of either 500 N or 1000 N to prevent the unintentional opening of swing gates and sliding gates. Its proven transponder technology is manipulation proof because the switch and actuator are totally different items. This provides an additional measure of safety. Existing mechanical technology, on the other hand, requires the use of a keyed actuator. Consequently, it's possible that this "key" could be damaged, suggesting the door is closed, creating a potentially unsafe condition. Ideal for use in rugged industrial environments, PSENslock is easy to install. With its combination of safe position monitoring and process guard locking, it's suitable for mounting onto standard 45mm profiles around the machine.

PSENslock can be used on flap gates and safety gates and is extremely tolerant to gate misalignment. With bright, double-sided LED diagnostics on both sides; it can be mounted left or right handed. An M12 plug connection allows for simple assembly. "It's really quite an achievement," Harper added. "In addition to the longer life cycle, ease of installation, higher tolerance to alignment, and strong holding force, the PSENslock has the option to include a fully coded switch which is more difficult to defeat and can be wired in series while maintaining the high safety categories that many applications demand."

PSENslock is designed for applications up to SIL3 in accordance with EN/IEC 62061, Category 4 in accordance with EN 954-1 and protection type IP67. In terms of a complete solution, PSENslock can be connected to all Pilz evaluation devices.

Pilz manufacturers a line of safety equipment used in plants. These sensors, relays and other components can be applied as individual pieces or group components to machines throughout many industries where man and manufacturing equipment are utilized together, including automotive, robotics, packaging, amusement, and wind power. The company also provides a wide array of safety consulting services.

What new requirements impact machine instructions?

Safe operation of machinery depends on clear instructions. The obligations on machine designers to provide clear information on machine use and the hazards to be expected in operating and using machines are elaborated in detail in the new directive. The contexts of the instructions must cover not only the intended use of the machinery, but also take into account any reasonably foreseeable misuse. Other essential contents include:

• information about th eresidual risks that remain despite the inherent safe design measures, safeguarding and protective measures adopted;
• instructions on the protective measures to be taken by the user, including, where appropriate, the personal protective equipment to be provided;
• the operating method to be followed in the event of accident or breakdown and the unblocking of a machine.

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How can I manage situations where there are different assessments of the same risk by different machine builders?

Machine risk assessment is part qualitative, part quantitative requiring judgment by competent persons. Consequently there is likely to be a dispersion of the results achieved by different manufacturers or their authorized representatives when carrying out a risk assessment on the same or similar equipment. With the strength of the obligation in the directive machine builders may expect that machinery buyers and statutory authorities will seek more opportunity to examine the procedures followed, the assumptions and judgments made, and the results achieved.

Additionally the demands on machine builders to provide more detailed instructions will provide traceability between Risk Assessment and Instructions.

New Pilz website has more to offer!

Whatever the reason for undertaking a formal risk assessment on machinery or work equipment, Pilz consultants can provide an impartial service. Risk assessments are encountered in almost every walk of life, even for crossing the road. But when it comes to machinery, a formal risk assessment needs certain requirements to be fulfilled, and the person performing the risk assessment must be competent to do so.

While some companies have personnel who are competent to perform formal risk assessments on machinery, others appreciate that they lack the competence and therefore need support from consultants. There are also occasions when companies are busy and do not have the resources available when required, or they may choose to use an independent service provider for this critical task.

For any of these scenarios, the consultancy division of Pilz Automation Safety L.P. can undertake risk assessments on machines or machine designs in accordance with the requirements of relevant standards. Each assessment identifies the hazards present, estimates and evaluates the risks, and determines and outlines the 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 practices, prepare a statement of the machine’s limits, and examine all hazards throughout the relevant machine lifecycle phases.

Because Pilz consultants have decades of experience of machine safety, their advice related to risk-reduction measures is particularly useful. This is in contrast to some other consultants that can highlight problems but are unable to advise on pragmatic, cost-effective risk-reduction measures.

Furthermore, if the client requires ongoing support, Pilz can provide engineering services to take the safety concept forward, and even supply products to implement a safety-related control and monitoring system. Alternatively, the client can take the consultants’ risk assessment report and carry out the necessary work in-house or work with a third-party supplier or system integrator of their choice.

For more information on the issues mentioned in this article please email marketing@pilzusa.com

For more information on Pilz Services please email consulting@pilzusa.com

Can I demand a copy of a risk assessment from the machine builder?

Certain social partners including European trade unions lobbied for a requirement that Risk Assessments be supplied with machinery to create more transparency and to compensate for such variations in assessment. However, it is not mandatory for machine builders to provide a risk assessment.