Instructions are one of the basic items that users expect to get when they purchase a product, and yet these important documents are often poorly written, badly translated, and incomplete. Key product features are badly described, and information on features, settings and hazards may be absent. All of this despite the fact that the minimum requirements…
Read MoreMore E‑Stop Questions
Here are some more questions I’ve been asked regarding emergency stop requirements. These ones came to me through the IEEE PSES EMC-PSTC Product Compliance Forum mailing list. Primary Sources There are three primary sources for the requirements for emergency stop devices: [1] Safety of machinery — Emergency stop — Principles for design, 3rd Edition. ISO 13850. 2015. [2] Safety of…
Read More5 Things You Need to Know About ANSI
Have you ever wondered about ANSI? Needed to know how ANSI standards are developed? Find your answers and more in this post!
Read MoreCETA in force!
CETA comes into force today, 21-Sep-2017 If you are unfamiliar with CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, this groundbreaking trade agreement between Canada and the European Union will be a game-changer for Canada. Until today, the actual date for implementation of the agreement has been a moving target. There were at least two previous dates announced…
Read MoreMachinery Safety Labels: 3 Top Tools for Effective Warnings
Machinery Safety Labels The third level of the Hierarchy of Controls is Information for Use. Safety Labels are a key part of the Information for Use provided by machine builders to users and are often the only information that many users get to see. This makes the design and placement of the safety labels critical to…
Read MoreA Note about Our Travel Policy
We believe travel gives us a broad perspective both personally and professionally. Our focus is global. Our ethical position is clear; we believe in the health and safety of ALL people. We believe in the power of scientific data, and in the power of connecting with others globally, so we might learn from one another. Compliance…
Read MoreWhy should you get involved in Standards Development?
It’s now been more than 30 years since I first learned about standards, in the form of the Ontario Electrical Code. I was studying electricity and electronics in high school, and Steve Struk, the Electricity Teacher at Erindale Secondary School in Mississauga, introduced us to the rules. My first encounter with international standards was 25 years ago, when I was tasked…
Read MoreRisk Assessment Blunders
Updated 7‑Jul-2014 Recently I read a blog post written by David Cant, called, “Are You Making These Risk Assessment Blunders?”. Writing in the UK, Mr. Cant spoke to some of the common kinds of problems that can occur when employers conduct risk assessments. Many his points are equally applicable to machine building: No Risk Assessment – This seems self…
Read MoreWhy YOU need a Product Safety Certification Strategy that Works!
How compliance efforts go wrong Clients call me when they have problems. They sent some product to a certification body, some tests were done, and the product failed. Now what? Usually, the delivery date for the certified product is approaching quickly, and no time is available to react. Delivery is delayed, and the customer is upset.…
Read MoreGet the Basics Right!
For more than 15 years I’ve been teaching people about risk assessment, machinery safety and CE Marking of machinery in private, onsite classes and through presentations at safety conferences. Things are about to change! This fall, Compliance InSight Consulting will begin offering open-enrolment workshops in CE Marking, Risk Assessment Functional Safety, and Machinery Safety, all with a focus…
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