ROBOTICS
WEEK 5
2.0 PERFORM ROBOT SAFETY CHECK
2.1 ILLUSTRATE ROBOT SAFETY
◦ 2.1.1 Check functionality of robot according to manufacturer’s specification.
◦ 2.1.2 Determine features of robot according to job specification requirements.
◦ 2.1.3 Identify manufacturer’s specification according to job specification
requirements.
◦ 2.1.4 Apply method of checking robot safety according to job specification
requirements.
2.2 RECORD ROBOT SAFETY CONDITION
◦ 2.2.1 Identify record method according to job specification requirements.
◦ 2.2.2 Check types of documentation according to job specification requirements.
WORKPLACE ROBOTICS SAFETY
◦ An aspect of occupational safety &
health when robots are used in the
workplace.
◦ Includes traditional industrial
robots, drone aircraft & wearable
robotic exoskeletons.
WORKPLACE ROBOTICS SAFETY
◦ Robots have the potential to improve work conditions but
also to introduce workplace hazards.
◦ Poor workplace design & human error caused most
injuries.
[Hazard = danger or risk]
WORKPLACE ROBOTICS SAFETY
Research needs identified by NIOSH:
i. Tracking & preventing injuries & fatalities.
ii. Intervention & dissemination strategies to
promote safe machine control &
maintenance procedure.
iii. Translating effective evidence-based
interventions into workplace practice.
[dissemination=spread something (information) widely]
HAZARD
◦ Many hazard & injuries can result
from the use of robots in the
workplace.
◦ Some robots especially in the
traditional industrial environment are
fast & powerful.
HAZARD
◦ There are 4 types of accidents that can occur with robots:
1. Impact or collision = from malfunctions & unpredicted changes.
2. Crushing & trapping = part of a worker’s body become trapped or
caught on robotic equipment.
3. Mechanical parts accidents = robot malfunction, ejection of parts or
exposed wire can cause serious injury.
4. Others = general accidents that occur from working with robots.
HAZARD
◦ There are 7 sources of hazards that are associated with human interaction
with robot:
i. Human errors v. Environmental causes
ii. Control errors vi. Power system
iii. Unauthorized access vii. Improper installation
iv. Mechanical failures
HAZARD – HUMAN ERRORS
◦ Could be anything from one line of
incorrect code to loose bolt on a
robotic arm.
◦ Many hazards can stem from
human-based errors
HAZARD – CONTROL ERRORS
◦ Control errors are intrinsic and are
usually not controllable nor
predictable.
HAZARD – MECHANICAL FAILURES
◦ Mechanical failures can happen at any
time, and a faulty robot is usually
unpredictable.
◦ Example of mechanical failure: faulty
gripper mechanism, failure of end-
effector power tools (grinding wheels,
welding torch, spray paint)
HAZARD – UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS
◦ Occur when a person who is not
familiar with the area enters the
domain of a robot.
HAZARD CONTROLS
◦ Ways to prevent injuries.
◦ Risk assessments to gather information about a robot’s status.
◦ By being aware of the status of a robot, injuries can be
prevented and hazards reduced.
HAZARD CONTROLS
◦ Safeguarding devices can be
implemented to reduce the risk of
injuries.
◦ Such as: physical barriers, guard
rails, presence-sensing
safeguarding devices, etc.
HAZARD CONTROLS
◦ Installation of awareness devices.
◦ Such as: rope or chain barriers
with lights, signs, whistles, and
horns.
