Q&A Archives | Machinery Safety 101

16 May, 2018

Q & A: Category 2 and Testing Intervals

in Control Functions, Functional Safety, Interlocks, ISO 13849, Q & A /

Logical block diagram for ISO 13849-1 Category 2 architecture.

During the Free Safety Talks with Schmersal Canada and Franklin Empire, we had a “hot question” regarding Category 2 architecture and the testing interval requirement. Category 2 in [1, 6.2.5] does not mention a minimum testing rate, but [1, 4.5.4], “Simplified procedure for estimating the quantifiable aspects of PL,” adds a requirement for test rate…

15 May, 2018

Q & A: Can Safety PLCs be used for Lockout?

by Doug Nix

in Functional Safety, Hazardous Energy Control Procedures, ISO 13849, Lockout, Ontario, Q & A /

3 Comments

Questions about equipment lockout using safety PLCs are more frequent these days. Can Safety PLCs be used for lockout? Safety professionals don’t always agree on this controversial topic!