The safety system must be maintained the same way the machine is maintained. If the safety system is changed or partially disassembled, validation is highly recommended to prevent any mistakes from occurring during re-assembly. In fact, most companies make this part of the preventative maintenance process when they perform line shutdowns or upgrades.
It is not typical for a machine to remain unchanged throughout the life of the equipment. Any changes should be evaluated to determine if a risk assessment is necessary. ANSI B11.0 offers Table 1 as requirements for new and existing machinery. A new risk assessment is required when non-comparable components are replaced or when a change in use of the machine is made.
Table 1 – Requirements for New and Existing Machinery
Scenario and Description | Requirement |
---|---|
1. New Machinery / System (created utilising new or used components) | Perform a risk assessment to confirm the risks are at an acceptable level. Comply with current applicable standard(s). |
2. Repair / Rebuild / Refurbish Machinery (utilising comparable components) | No risk assessment required. Comply with applicable standard(s) existing at time of manufacture or initial installation. |
3. Rebuild / Refurbish Machinery (utilising non-comparable components, changing the use of the machinery) | Perform a risk assessment to confirm the risks are at an acceptable level. Comply with current applicable standard(s) on any new hazards. |
4. Reconfigure / Relocate Machinery (existing machinery is relocated or layout is reconfigured) | Perform a risk assessment on any hazards created by the new layout or change in spatial configuration, and to confirm the risks associated with the reconfigured machinery are at an acceptable level. Comply with current applicable standard(s) on any new hazards associated with relocation. All other (pre-existing) hazards comply with applicable standard(s) existing at time of manufacture or initial installation. |
5. Modify, Reconfigure, or Remanufacture Machinery (machinery or components are added to or removed from an existing machinery system, or are modified to introduce new features) | Perform a risk assessment to confirm the risks are at an acceptable level. Comply with current applicable standard(s). |