Safety check before working with robot cells
Fixed procedure before you enter a robot cell or change a robot program.
Use this checklist each time you need to enter a robot cell, or when a robot programme needs to be changed. The purpose is to ensure that the robot is in a state where it cannot move unexpectedly while you are in the hazard zone.
§1 — Assess the task
- 01Should the robot be completely shut down or should it be able to continue moving in a controlled slow state?
- 02What type of robot and task are we talking about — traditional cell or collaborative robot?
- 03Are there other hazards in the cell besides the robot itself (e.g. tools, pressure, conveyor belt)?
§2 — Put the robot in safe state
- 01Follow the company's fixed procedure for putting the cell in a safe state — never a guess
- 02Disconnect and lock the power if the task requires full disconnection
- 03Confirm that the robot is actually still and not waiting for a start signal
§3 — Check shielding and access
- 01Check that door contacts, light curtains or other access controls work before you leave the cell again
- 02Make sure that any emergency stops in and around the cell are easy to reach and work
- 03Never block a safety device to complete a task faster
§4 — During work
- 01If there are multiple people in or around the cell, everyone must know the procedure and each other's position.
- 02For testing movements: use low speed and keep good distance to tool and robot arm
- 03For off-line changes: check the program thoroughly before running it on the physical robot
§5 — Completion
- 01Remove tools and persons from the hazard area before the cell is returned to normal operation
- 02Reinstall all safety functions and guards
- 03Document changes in program or setup so the next colleague knows the status