RISK ASSESSMENT FOR MACHINERY TO EN 14121-1

EN ISO 14121-1:2007 - principles of risk assessment is the Harmonised European Standard that specifies the risk assessment for machinery.

The standard does not supply methods for analysing or assessing risks but provides guidance on the information required.

The risk assessment should consider all phases of life of the machine, the possibility of circumventing safety measures, misuse and emergencies such as power failure.

Annex A to EN 1050 provides useful examples of hazards to be taken into account

The Risk assessment is to be documented demonstrating the procedure and the results.

The oddity about the process is that it does not include risk reduction. However, we always recommend that risk reduction is integrated into the consideration of risk.

“Limits” of the Machinery

Consider:

• All phases of life of the machine
• Use
• Misuse (consider the temptation to misuse the machine or parts of it)
• Who may use the machine, training of users and limiting physical abilities
• Use by trainees or inexperienced operators
• Exposure to hazards by any person (environmental etc)

Identify Hazards

Use Annex A, EN 292 and any machinery specific standards, as well as assessments by designers, safety experts and users of the machinery. Think how can harm occur, why, when and to whom.

Note: Read the standard for precise wording and for additional information conatct David Baker

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