Industrial robots can improve productivity, reduce repetitive strain, and help remove hazardous tasks from employee to-do lists (commonly referred to as being able to take over the “Dumb, Dirty, and Dangerous” jobs), but they also introduce complex safety considerations that must be addressed before, during, and after installation. Conversion Technology, Inc. (CTI) helps facilities evaluate robotic systems, identify hazards, document risk, and implement practical safeguards that support regulatory compliance and recognized robot safety standards.
Robot safety is the systematic application of engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices to prevent harm to employees interacting with or working near robotic systems. In industrial settings, robot safety encompasses the full lifecycle of a robot: design, integration, installation, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, and more. Thorough risk assessments identify and control hazards through a documented analysis, clear procedures, and effective safeguards.
Comprehensive Robot Risk Assessments
When it comes to protecting employees and maintaining compliance for industrial robots, collaborative robots, welding robots, CNC machines, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and integrated robotic cells, a robot risk assessment is a critical first step, as well as is required per the A3/ANSI R15.06 and R15.08 robot safety standards, with newly published user requirements. Our experienced team evaluates the full robotic application, including normal operations, setup, troubleshooting, maintenance, energy control, foreseeable interactions between workers and equipment, and any other tasks that may be involved with the system.
We provide a detailed written report that identifies potential safety deficiencies, evaluates potential hazards, and recommends corrective actions. We work with your team to provide recommendations that are safe and compliant, but also are feasible for your operations. CTI has extensive experience helping facilities align with applicable OSHA regulations, ANSI/A3 consensus standards, ISO guidance, and recognized industry best practices.
Robot Safety Requires a Specialized Approach
Robotic systems are not one-size-fits-all. Each application has unique hazards and needs based on robot type, tooling, speed, control systems, built-in guarding, access points, maintenance tasks, and more. Even when safety devices are installed, facilities still need a documented, task-based evaluation to confirm that hazards are fully understood and appropriately controlled.
Our consultants help bridge the gap between production goals and safety obligations by reviewing the system as it is actually used in your facility, not just how it was designed on paper. We are able to work with the system integrators on the design of the system, reviewing calculations and risk reduction measures, as well as with on-site teams to determine any residual risks within the system and provide guidance on further risk reduction measures.
Our Robot Safety Services
- Collaborative and non-collaborative robot machine risk assessments
- Mobile Robot and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) risk assessments
- Machine guarding audits and safeguard recommendations
- Prepare and review safety policies, procedures, training support, and documentation development
- Implementation guidance for new or existing robotic systems
Industry Credibility You Can Rely On
CTI brings extensive experience with industrial robots and CNC machines. CTI is an Associate Member of the ANSI/A3 R15.06 and ANSI/A3 R15.08 Rulemaking Committee, as well as a part of the OSHA-RIA-NIOSH Alliance Committee, with direct participation in updating the sections in OSHA’s Technical Manual that covers robot safety. As part of the Alliance, CTI was the team leader tasked with preparing and presenting OSHA and NIOSH’s inspector and supervisor training modules on Robot Safety awareness and standards. This is the information that OSHA officers are to use when determining safety and compliance in robot system at a worksite.
That experience allows us to provide more than just a checklist. We help facilities understand the intent behind the standards and apply them to complex, real-world robotic applications.
Partner with CTI for Robot Safety Consulting
Robotic automation should make work safer and more efficient, not introduce unmanaged hazards. Whether your facility is planning to implement its first robot, expanding an automated line, evaluating an existing robot cell, or responding to compliance concerns, CTI can help you move forward with confidence.
Contact CTI today to schedule a robot safety consultation or risk assessment for your facility.
- See also our Machine Guarding Risk Assessment services.
- Are You at Risk of OSHA Citations for Robot Safety?
Click here for our Robot Resources page
Click below to explore a number of the safety and health consulting services that CTI can tailor to your personal industry and business dynamic.
Services:
Confined Space Entry Procedures
Industrial Hygiene/Indoor Air Quality
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Lab Safety
Lockout/Tagout and Energy Control Procedures
Machine Guarding Audit & Design
Machine Guarding Risk Assessment and Evaluation
Noise Exposure Monitoring and Hearing Conservation
OSHA Compliance Audits & Mock OSHA Inspections
OSHA Required Safety Training
Robot Safety Consulting and Risk Assessment
Safety Policies, Procedures, and Programs
Adam Haroz’s conference presentation on Robot Risk Assessments
Click here to view CTI’s company profile on the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Website