IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Practical integration of safety considerations into the design of production-control systems incorporating programmable industrial robots and distributed command systems in the pulp and paper sector, with particular emphasis on modernisation processes

Abstract

Increasingly, pulp and paper plants are incorporating programmable industrial robots and distributed command systems into their equipment and processes. Although these technologies present new health and safety challenges, there are no Québec standards or guidelines upon which designers can rely to ensure that their control systems are safe. The approach taken in this study is the result of extensive sectoral consultation, exemplified by the creation of an advisory committee before the research protocol was even written. Companies’ participation in the project was ensured by in-depth site visits to 12 companies, group discussions in all regions, and the creation of a technical advisory committee. The project established a solid knowledge base, developed a safer design methodology, and produced training materials and programs which will help designers integrate safety considerations into the new technologies.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0094-7250
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2001
Team:
  • René Benoît (IRSST)
  • François Charron (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Gilles Bouchard (Sandwell)
  • Mark Mileshik (Cowan-Lavallin inc.)
  • Gilles Bouchard (FACCE)
  • François Gauthier (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)
  • Marcel Bélanger (Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec)
  • Jacques Tardif (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Cécile Collinge (IRSST)