RoboticsLocking out a robot before maintenance
Before anyone services a robot, the federal lockout/tagout rule sets the order of every step. This guide follows OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.147 and the robot chapter of the OSHA Technical Manual.
Free to startApplying the lockout
Know the type and size of the energy and how to control it, shut the robot down in an orderly way, operate every energy isolating device, and put your own lock or tag on each one. Only the authorized employees doing the servicing apply locks or tags, and affected employees are told before and after.
Stored energy and verification
After the locks go on, relieve, disconnect or restrain all stored or residual energy, then verify the robot is isolated and will not start. Tags are only warnings: they do not physically hold a device like a lock.
Inside the cell and the restart
If work must be done with power on, the robot should be in manual mode, programmed with a teach pendant that has an enabling device. Before restarting, clear the tools, check everyone is out, have each person remove their own lock and tell everyone. Practice the whole lockout free with Blocky.
Official sources
The lockout/tagout rule
29 CFR 1910.147 sets the steps in order to shut down, isolate, lock, release stored energy and verify, how to remove the locks, the training and the yearly inspection. The full text is free to read.
Robots in the OSHA Technical Manual
The OSHA Technical Manual, robot chapter shows how workers get hurt while programming and servicing robots, and says to control the energy with lockout/tagout. It names ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 as the safety standard for robots.
Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by OSHA, RIA or any robot maker or training provider. Agency and standard names are named only to describe the content.