The increasing implementation of automated production solutions has created the need for legal regulations aimed at ensuring worker safety in mechanized enterprises. Today, machines must meet specific requirements and have appropriate safety features to prevent posing a hazard to people. Otherwise, they cannot be approved for sale or use. The responsibility for ensuring that a robot complies with applicable regulations lies with both the manufacturer and the employer (the machine user). Here, we present which legal acts regulate the safety of specialized equipment and which safety standards industrial machines must meet.
Standards and regulations concerning machine safety
The most important document defining the legal regulations regarding machine safety is the Machinery Directive. It came into force at the end of 2009 and applies throughout the European Union. It concerns manufacturers, regulating the approval of the devices they produce for the market. The directive specifies the so-called essential requirements, covering both the design and construction of machines. It also outlines the responsibilities of the manufacturer that must be fulfilled before the machine is put into use. These include conducting a risk analysis and assessment, creating technical documentation, providing operating and maintenance instructions, and submitting test reports along with the relevant certificates. Among these, the most important is the CE certificate, which confirms that the industrial device complies with EU standards.
The second applicable EU legal act, this time concerning the user, is the Tooling Directive. It defines the so-called minimum requirements that must be met for machines to be used safely. The directive was implemented to protect the health and lives of employees working in automated enterprises and outlines the responsibilities of the employer. The most important responsibility is verifying whether the industrial device has a CE safety certificate. In addition, the user must operate machines according to their intended purpose and maintain them in proper technical condition.
Safety systems in industrial machines
An extremely important aspect that manufacturers must consider is the proper safeguarding of machines. Basic protective measures, as outlined in the EN 60204-1 standard, include appropriate insulation, labeling, protection against electric shock, short circuits, and overload. These measures primarily aim to minimize risks associated with the electrical installation. Industrial robots must also be equipped with emergency stop switches, which immediately shut down the device in case of a malfunction. Additionally, the machine should have built-in visual and audible indicators to communicate its status and allow for a quick response if a hazard is detected.
In addition to basic protective measures, many companies choose to implement additional safety features. One such solution is the use of light barriers and curtains, which help secure and monitor risk zones. Depending on their purpose, they can protect entrances to automated areas within the facility or be positioned directly on the machine, alerting employees when they enter its operational area. Safety interlocks are also commonly used, automatically locking doors while the robot is in operation, as well as fencing systems that physically separate the device from operators.
The impact of machine design on operator safety
It is worth noting that machine safety should be considered already at the design stage. During this process, a risk assessment must be conducted, including the identification of potential hazards and an evaluation of the likelihood of their occurrence. At the same time, the company responsible for robotizing production and creating specialized devices must ensure that these hazards are eliminated or at least reduced to a minimum. To test the machine’s functionality in practice, it is advisable to create a prototype. This allows safety systems to be improved before the machine is put into production, ensuring comprehensive protection for operators during operation.
At Taskoprojekt S.A., we fully understand how important employee safety is in robotized enterprises. By choosing the services of an experienced machine manufacturer, you can be confident that every device will be properly safeguarded and compliant with legal standards!
