Abstract

This report proposes a process for evaluating the safety of an automated machine according to the procedure in ISO 14121:1999, as applied to a plastics injection press located in the IRSST’s safety of industrial tools, machines and processes laboratory. The researchers observed different interventions on two similar presses used in two plants in the Québec plastics industry. Their report presents the starting hypotheses, the data considered, and the limitations of the risk analysis of the injection press that was used in the process. Although this project’s results cannot be directly transferred to a risk analysis on another injection press or another type of automated machine, they nevertheless reveal several typically dangerous phenomena, situations and events associated with industrial machines. The document also discusses different safety principles, functions and components integrated into the electrical, programmable electronic and hydraulic control circuits relating to the safety of the press that are applicable to several types of industrial machines.