Direct answer
Require a risk assessment at concept stage, specified performance levels for each safety function, and validation evidence at acceptance.
What this discipline delivers
- Risk assessment to a recognised methodology
- Safety functions with required performance level or SIL
- Guarding, interlocks, scanners and emergency stop concept
- Validation of safety functions before production use
- Technical file and conformity documentation
Method and stages
Risk assessment
Hazard identification and risk estimation per ISO 12100 or equivalent.
Safety function specification
Required performance level per ISO 13849 or SIL per IEC 62061.
Protective measures
Inherently safe design first, then guarding, then information for use.
Validation and documentation
Function testing, technical file, declaration and instructions.
Engineering and project considerations
- Modifying a machine can transfer manufacturer obligations to the modifier
- System-level safety must be assessed when machines are linked
- Access for cleaning and maintenance is where most incidents occur
- Operators bypass guards that obstruct legitimate work — design for the real task
- Regional differences: EU machinery regulation, OSHA, and local requirements
What to prepare before engaging engineering companies
- Applicable regulatory regime for the installation site
- Existing plant safety standards
- Cleaning and maintenance access requirements
- Interfaces with adjacent machines and traffic
What to measure
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible when machines are linked into a line?
Linking machines usually creates a new assembly requiring its own risk assessment and conformity assessment. Assign this responsibility explicitly in the contract.
Related engineering knowledge
Independent, buyer-side and supplier-neutral
Global B2B Group does not sell machines and does not represent equipment manufacturers. This material is published to help industrial organisations define the problem, prepare the specification and structure the investment before engineering partners are selected.