New Standard Shifts Focus for Safety

This year a new European safety guideline for machinery obsoletes an old one. A quick look at how EN ISO 13849-1:2006 necessitates a change in focus for machine builders. Over the past few years, safety has become one of the dominant factors that impact product design processes. European guidelines for machine safety, which have played a major role in reducing injuries, are changing this year, bringing new requirements for product and component developers. At the end of 2011,... Read More

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Siemens vs. Allen-Bradley: A Third-Party Look at Current Safety Platforms

Both platforms have changed a lot in the last year. A systems integrator compares the state of the art in both platforms, addressing ease of programming, troubleshooting, ability to share data, and use of libraries and modules. View this webinar, where the integrator creates a safety program in each platform, highlighting similarities and differences. When it comes to safety, the past year has seen plenty of activity. Regulators continue to demand improvements in safety, prompting... Read More

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What You Need to Know About the Changes in the CE Mark

Original Equipment Manufacturers selling into Europe must understand the newest version of the 2006/42/EC Directive. This article contrasts legal protections of U.S. vs. European safety standards and reviews some of the important changes in the newest update. In today’s global economy, it’s a basic necessity for products to meet the regulatory requirements of different countries. For companies to succeed in different international markets, it’s critical that everyone involved... Read More

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Safety System Adds AS-Interface Connectivity

Siemens Industry, Inc. has expanded its safety products, focusing on ease of installation and cost reduction. The new MSS Advanced base (Central) unit for the SIRIUS 3RK3 Modular Safety System now provides connectivity to AS-Interface network nodes. Central modules in the Basic and Advanced versions are the centerpiece of the SIRIUS 3RK3 Modular Safety System, which lets users quickly and easily change configurations, altering the number of inputs and outputs with flexible expansion... Read More

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Webinar: Changes to NFPA 79 electrical standard explained

On Jan. 25, 2012, Underwriters Laboratories will explain significant changes to the 2012 version of the NFPA 79 electrical standard for industrial machinery. Read this article for an overview of what will be presented, and to register. Critical changes in the 2012 NFPA 79 include: New definitions and revised rules for expanded wireless and cableless technology that align with IEC 60204-1 New sections recognizing deadly arc flash and stored energy hazards to protect workers and... Read More

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Understanding Benefits and Security Implications of Using Wireless for Safety

A look at the multiple benefits of using wireless for industrial safety applications, along with a detailed discussion of implications and pitfalls to avoid when implementing the latest wireless security measures. In recent years, wireless communication systems have become ubiquitous. A standard feature in your local coffee shop, wireless networks have also been increasing in industrial and manufacturing settings, delivering value and reliability even in the harshest environments.... Read More

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Hazardous Environments: Understanding the Latest Certification Requirements

Two prominent certification schemes are compared and contrasted to understand the nuances of getting equipment and automation systems certified for use in hazardous environments at high risk of fire or explosions. ATEX consists of two European Union directives describing the equipment and work environments allowed in a potentially explosive atmosphere. ATEX derives its name from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives. “The... Read More

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Seamless Safety Integration with SIMATIC STEP 7 Advanced V11

All configuration and programming tools required for generating a safety-oriented program are integrated into the SIMATIC STEP 7 user interface and use a common project structure. The SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety Advanced V11 option empowers users to leverage all the advantages of the TIA Portal for fail-safe automation.  Safety Advanced V11 functionalities include project-wide cross-reference list, safety administration editor, online/offline comparator, as well as other integrated... Read More

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ISO 12100 Machinery Safety Standard Explained

A primer on the newly updated ISO 12100 machine safety standard, the three types of standards it encompasses, and how it helps designers identify risks during the design stage of machine production, reducing the potential for accidents. ISO 12100:2010 (ISO 12100) specifies basic terminology, principles, and a methodology for achieving safety in the design of machinery. It specifies principles of risk assessment and risk reduction to help designers achieve this objective. These... Read More

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New Robotic Technology Aims to Prevent Dangerous Arc Flash Incidents

Many arc flash incidents are related to racking circuit breakers, chiefly in the power industry. A new robotic device allows a worker to rack circuit breakers from a safe distance of over 75 feet away. An arc flash is an electrical explosion that results from a low impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. In other words, an arc flash is an electrical breakdown of the resistance of air resulting in an electric arc. This can occur when there... Read More

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