In the world of machinery, ensuring safety is paramount. Yet, the concept of safety is not as straightforward as it may seem. Safety is a multifaceted issue that involves various factors such as operator training, environmental conditions, and more obviously, the inherent design of the machine itself. While striving for absolute safety is a noble goal, it’s essential to understand that achieving it entirely is very likely an unattainable feat.
As a machinery safety and compliance consultant, I rarely encounter the question: What is the difference between a safe machine and a compliant machine? However, this question cuts to the heart of a crucial distinction, and potential illusion, in the realm of machinery regulation and operation.
Firstly, let’s delve into the notion of a safe machine. Safety, by its very nature, is subjective and context-dependent. What may be considered safe in one situation could pose risks in another. Safety is not solely determined by the machine itself but also by various external factors, including operator behaviour, maintenance practices, and the surrounding environment.
For example, a piece of heavy machinery may be equipped with numerous safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, guards, and warning signs. However, if operators fail to follow proper safety/operating protocols or if maintenance is neglected, the machine’s inherent safety features may not suffice to prevent accidents or injuries.
Furthermore, no machine can be entirely safe under all circumstances. There will always be inherent risks associated with machinery operation, and it is crucial to acknowledge and mitigate these risks to the best of our abilities. Some machines, for example chainsaws, are inherently dangerous and the implementation of further safety controls would likely inhibit the function of the machine. A desire to make such a machine “safer” may actually achieve the opposite effect. Through limiting the machine’s function operators may be encouraged to bypass safety features, leading to the use of a more dangerous machine. This can often be seen with the likes of angle grinders and lawn strimmer’s that (not infrequently enough) can have rather dangerous aftermarket cutting tools attached. See the following link for an example OPSS angle grinder tool recall – UK Safety Alert issued for angle grinder chainsaw disc attachment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
On the other hand, compliance refers to meeting specific legal requirements set forth by regulatory authorities. In the European Union (EU), machinery must comply with the Machinery Directive to be placed on the market. Compliance involves adhering to standards and regulations related to design, construction, and operation, among other aspects.
However, it’s essential to recognize that compliance does not equate to safety. A compliant machine may meet all relevant legal requirements and carry the necessary certifications, such as CE marking or UKCA marking, yet still pose safety risks if not used correctly or if operating conditions change.
For instance, consider the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive. This directive focuses on managing electrical noise and ensuring compatibility between machines and equipment, rather than directly addressing safety concerns. While compliance with the EMC Directive is crucial for ensuring proper functioning and preventing interference, it does not guarantee the safety of the machinery in question.
In summary, the distinction between a safe machine and a compliant machine is essential for understanding the complexities of machinery safety. While compliance with regulations is necessary to ensure legal market access, it does not guarantee the absolute safety of the machine. Safety is a multifaceted issue that depends on various factors, including operator behaviour, training, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions.
As machinery safety and compliance consultants, our role is to help manufacturers navigate the regulatory landscape and implement effective safety measures. By fostering a culture of safety consciousness and providing comprehensive compliance support, we can work towards minimizing risks and promoting the safe operation of machinery in diverse industrial settings.
