Free white paper: preventing unexpected start-up of machinery

The white paper explains that emergency stop devices are important as a means of stopping machines but they must not be relied upon to prevent a machine from restarting when maintenance is taking place. International standard ISO 14118:2018 (Safety of Machinery. Prevention of unexpected start-up) was recently updated (in 2018) but this standard was first published as European standard EN 1037 back in 1995. As the white paper says, ISO 14118 guides readers through the identification of power supplies, stored energy sources and external influences - but it does not involve Performance Levels or Safety Integrity Levels.

To prevent unexpected start-up of machinery it is necessary to lock the energy sources in an isolated and dissipated state. This is particularly important when personnel must enter areas where hazards might be present or if physical machine guarding needs to be removed.

Fortress Interlocks' new white paper discusses ways of securing all energy sources, including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and others. If more than one person needs to enter the safeguarded space, readers are advised to consult the recently published International Technical Specification ISO/TS 19837:2018 (Safety of machinery. Trapped key interlocking devices. Principles for design and selection).

The new white paper explains the issues relating to prevention of unexpected start-up in plain English, providing helpful guidance for what machine builders can do to comply with the relevant standard. Follow the link for your copy of How to Be Safe During Maintenance Activities - Preventing A Machine Restarting.