Page 67 - OHS, June 2023

all machine movement when the door is opened. ThThe operator must enter the coil feed area routinely to manually adjust tension on the coil feeder. ThThe alternative measure for the task is utilizing the interlocked door to shut down the hazardous energy when the operator enters the area. But how do we know that we can rely on the interlock system to fully protect the operator from the machine hazards in this situation? We need to consider things like the dependability of the safety system components and the stopping speed of hazardous motion when the system components are triggered. Also, what would happen if the start button on the control panel were initiated by someone else who is unaware that the machine operator is behind the machine in the coil feed area? A thorough review and analysis must be done to identify and evaluate all potential failure modes for the alternative measures we are utilizing. Risk Assessment Under ANSI Section 8 of ANSI/ASSP Z244.1-2016 The Control of Hazardous Energy, Lockout, Tagout and Alternative Methods covers alternative measures including evaluating and reliability and effectiveness of alternative measures. Section 8 of this standard also specifies that alternative methods to lockout or tagout shall be based on a risk assessment that identifies the hazards associated with the tasks to be performed. Risk assessment methods can be found in ANSI B11.0, ISO 12100, ANSI/PMMI B155.1, ISO 14121-2, SEMI S10, ANSI/ ASSP Z10.0 and others. However, the key elements of a risk assessment include: ■ Prepare for/set limits of the assessment ■ Identify tasks, elements of each task and hazards single elements to redundancy, monitoring and self-checking). ThThe higher the risk of harm, the more robust the architecture/ structure required. ISO 13849-1 Safety of Machinery – Safety related parts of control systems: Part 1 – General principles for design provides information on performance and reliability of these types of systems and must be incorporated into the machine risk assessment where applicable. In summary, before implementing alternative measures for LOTO, a machine safety risk assessment process must be completed to ensure that the measures are effffective and residual risks associated with themeasureshavebeenidentififiedand evaluated for potential failure modes. Risk assessments should be performed by qualified persons who, because of training and experience, understand and demonstrate competence with the design, construction, operation or maintenance of the system and associated hazards. Joseph Gasparino, Jr. is the Owner and Founder of Odiz Safety. SEE US AT ASSP, BOOTH #1130 ■ Assess initial risk ■ Reduce risk ■ Assess residual risk ■ Achieve acceptable risk ■ Validate solutions ■ Document the process When considering THE V-Gard C1TM HARD HAT safety-related components of control systems utilized in devices for alternative measures within the scope of a risk assessment, as the risk increases the architecture/structure requirements shall also increase (from A higher degree of heat stress protection. ReflectIRTM Thermal Barrier technology helps keep the inside of the hard hat up to 20°F (11°C) cooler in sunny conditions, helping to reduce the risk of heat stress. Find where to buy at www.msasafety.com/vgardc1 06-6660-MCP / 05.2023 www.ohsonline.com JUNE 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 65