Machine Safety

machine safety and AS/NZS 4024:2019

Machines can be dangerous.

It’s very important that everybody, from the CEO of a corporation, down to the people on the factory floor, are part of the system that prevents as much as possible, even the slightest injury occurring in the workplace.
Some examples of dangerous parts of machines include:

• Belts and pulleys
• Welders
• Pipe benders
• Flywheels
• Slides and cams
• Brake presses
• Industrial Robots

All operational machinery in Australia is required to meet the relevant Australian Standards, the foremost being AS/NZS 4024:2019, comprising 26 detailed sections.

           A review of the  most important sections of AS/NZS 4024:

• Part 1201: General Principles for Design – Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction. Risk assessment is fundamental to machinery safety. This part outlines methods for identifying hazards and minimizing risks during machinery installation and use.
• Part 1204: Electrical Equipment of Machines – General Requirements Aligned with IEC 60204-1:2016, this standard ensures that machinery’s electrical systems meet Australia’s stringent safety requirements.
• Parts 1302 & 1303: Risk Assessment Methods. These sections offer detailed guidance on conducting effective risk assessments, with practical methodologies to help businesses comply with safety regulations.
• Parts 1501-1503: Control Systems Design and Validation. The safety and reliability of control systems are critical for accident prevention. These parts detail design and validation processes for safe and dependable control systems.
• Parts 1601-1604: Controls, Interlocks, and Guarding. Protecting workers from hazardous machinery is essential. These guidelines provide best practices for designing controls, interlocks, and guarding systems to minimize risks. This section is especially relevant to Industrial Robot installations.