Section Menu

Hazard identification and Risk Assessment

Hazard identification and the subsequent risk assessment/risk elimination or reduction is a fundamental and mandatory element in meeting the requirements of the EHSRs of the Machinery Regulations. This procedure is covered in some detail by the two A-type standards – "BS EN ISO 12100:2003 Parts 1 and 2 Safety of Machinery" and "BS EN 1050 Risk Assessment" and the following précis of the process should not be taken as a substitute for using the standards.

• Specifying the limits of the machine - the use and lifetime, space, services, number of employees, special training required. See BS EN ISO 12100:2003  Part 1 clause 5.
• Systematic assessment of the hazards and risks - intended and unintended use, normal and abnormal use. See BS EN ISO 12100:2003 Part 1 clause 3 and 4 and BS EN 1050.

The above procedure if properly carried out will ensure that machines will be placed on the market that are safe for the intended use. However, to execute the procedure with success it is essential that the designer has a clear understanding of:-

• The performance requirements of the machine
• How the machine will be used (not always the same as the performance requirements).
• The accident history of similar machines.
• The legal requirements applied to the machine or industry.
• Sources of information - national standards, professional publications.

These requirements may seem obvious but it is surprising how many designers are quite remote from the workplace and, if left by themselves, may have little idea of the realities of the environment in which their machines are to be used.

How is the designer to get this information? In large organisations there should be resources available to continue a dialogue with customers, accident prevention bodies and enforcement agencies. There may be no such riches for the designer in a small or medium size enterprise and the best source of information is the range of Harmonised Standards produced by national and regional standards bodies such as CEN/CENELEC and the international standards bodies ISO/IEC, together with many professional bodies and organisations.

The accident history for machines in the same product area or for similar machines is an essential element in this process. Some accident data is published by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in their annual reports but in most cases it is not detailed enough to give anything but generalised trends. Some manufacturing associations may give more information but the best source is from the HSE who record and investigate accidents as part of their enforcement duties. Inspectors have a wealth of information on accidents and remedial measures and information can be obtained from:-

• HSE, Field Operations Directorate (FOD) Safety Unit on 0161 952 8400.
• HSE "Infoline" on 08701 545 500

In addition, HSE publish a series of guides dealing with machines that have given specific problems. The guides are very comprehensive and give details of recommended protective measures. Details can be obtained from:-

"HSE Direct" (purchase of publications)

A publication that is are particularly relevant is the HSE Leaflet - Five steps for Risk Assessment.

This is also where the potential purchaser of the machine can have a great influence over the design of the machines by making their requirements very clear and providing feedback once the machine is in service. Whatever the designer may think, the person who operates the machine is the one with the most detailed knowledge of what the machine can do - both what the designer intended - and the other things that an astute operator can make possible. It is therefore essential that the user involves the operating and maintenance personnel both in the initial discussions and in the feedback.

The risk elimination and risk reduction process can then proceed using BS EN ISO 12100:2003 Safety of Machinery Part 2 as the basis of your approach together with any relevant B and C-type 

Harmonised European Standards - produced by CEN and CENELEC in support of the relevant EU Directives

Return