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Robots continue to find their way into our
precision machining shops as we move away from departments of similar machines
as a business model.
Savvy shops today are creating cells that use
the robot to efficiently transfer work from one type of machine to another.
(Robots can also
deburr, pick and pack or present to inspection equipment.)
As
robots become more common in our operations, we need to assure that we are up
to date on safety practices and procedures for our employees who are now
sharing the same shop floor work environment with our robots.
Chapter 4 of the
OSHA Technical Manual is a "must understand" reference for shops with Robots.
You can get it at the link below for free:
Industrial Robots and Robot System Safety
This is a
comprehensive resource covering an introduction to robotics, types of robotic
systems etc.
I believe that
you will get your greatest takeaway in the sections covering hazards and control and safeguarding personnel.
Also
you need to be aware of the ANSI RIA 15.06 Standard.
The current US
robot standard is the 1999 version of R15.06 which was reaffirmed in 2009.
You can buy it
from ANSI here. (cost $45.00)
This standard is
currently being updated, with a major focus on risk assessment.
ANSI/RIA R15.06
will combine the ISO 10218-1 standard ( cost: 146 Swiss
francs) which applies just to the robot, with ISO 10218-2 (cost 184 Swiss francs) which
covers the integration of the robot into your systems. While these have
been finalized by ISO, the final adoption into ANSI RIA 15.06 has not
yet taken place. The updated ANSI/RIA R15.06 standard will include both of
these as well as some additional USA requirements. The Canadian standard Z434
committee is also at work on the national adoption of these ISO standards. We
have our fingers crossed that the U.S. and Canadian robot
standards will be harmonized.
While we're
waiting for the updated ANSI/RIA R15.06 to be published, you probably ought to
make sure that your team is up to speed on the OSHA material mentioned above.
And for $45 the
current (2009) version of ANSI R15.06 is worth your time and monies to obtain.
Just remember that
when the update is released, it will be best practice and authoritative.
Want more info?
Siemens is sponsoring a webinar on April 25, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time.
Here's a link: Siemens Industry Robotics Changes Webinar
PMPA
is not a sponsor of this webinar.
But
we are committed to giving our members tools they can use to keep their shops
safe, competitive, and sustainable.
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