Robotic risk assessments: How to conduct one

What is a robotic risk assessment?

A robotic risk assessment is crucial for identifying and mitigating the potential dangers a new robotic colleague may bring to your workplace. 

Here’s what it is:

• An eye on potential robo-harm. It evaluates every possible way a robot could harm workers or cause damage.
  
  From pinch points to electrical faults, no potential hazard is overlooked. A thorough assessment leaves no stone unturned.
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• Assessing the likelihood and severity of each risk. Some risks may be improbable but catastrophic if they occur.
  
  Others happen frequently but are minor annoyances. Careful analysis prioritizes which risks demand the most attention.
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• It helps you find control measures to eliminate or minimize risks. Solutions could include physical guards, operating restrictions, warning systems, and more.
  
  Proper controls turn an unsafe robot into a safe production asset.

All in all, these risk assessments protect your team and your bottom line. 

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The importance of a thorough robotic risk assessment

We’ve established that robotic risk assessments are crucial for safeguarding your workforce. But also, they’re essential if you’re looking to stay compliant.

Let’s take a look at why:

• Prioritize operator safety above all else. An in-depth risk analysis identifies hazards that could lead to worker injuries or fatalities, allowing you to implement proper safeguards and robot safety training. 
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• Stay ahead of the compliance curve. Rigorous assessments ensure your robotic systems adhere to vital safety standards like ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, and ANSI/RIA R15.06 — protecting your business from fines and litigation.
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• Pinpointing areas for improvement. A robust assessment exposes bottlenecks, safety gaps, and areas of inefficiency that can then be optimized. This also maximizes operational efficiency. 

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How to conduct a robot risk assessment

Robots can be intimidating, especially in industrial settings where their sheer size and power can mean injuries — or worse. 

Here’s how to make sure to nip these risks in the bud: 

Spotting the hazards

Before you let your robot loose, it's all-important to identify potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Here’s how to avoid being blindsided by the unknown:

• Mechanical hazards: Think pinch points, sharp edges, or moving parts that could cause injury.
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• Electrical hazards: Watch out for exposed wires, faulty connections, or unexpected power surges that could shock or electrocute.
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• Environmental hazards: Don't forget about spills, extreme temperatures, or other environmental factors that could affect the robot's performance and safety.
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• Human error: We all make mistakes, but when it comes to robots, those mistakes can be costly. Consider how human error, like incorrect programming or improper maintenance, could lead to accidents.

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Assessing the risks

Now that you know the hazards, it's time to figure out how likely and severe they are.

Here’s how to assess these risks: 

• Qualitative assessment: This is where you use your judgment and experience to assess risks. It's a good starting point to get a general sense of the dangers involved.
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• Quantitative assessment: Get down to the nitty-gritty with numbers and statistics. This involves calculating the probability and severity of each risk to determine which ones need the most attention.

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Taking action

Once you've identified and assessed the risks, it's time to put in actual measures to keep everyone safe.

Here’s how: 

• Engineering controls: Design the robot and its workspace to minimize hazards. Think of safety barriers, emergency stop buttons, and other physical safeguards.
  
  Note that collaborative robots (cobots) may not need physical safeguards, but proper risk assessment should still be a priority. 
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• Administrative controls: Establish clear procedures and training programs to ensure safe operation. This could include regular inspections, maintenance schedules, and safety protocols.
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• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Don't forget the basics. Make doubly sure that workers wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, goggles, and hard hats, to protect themselves from potential hazards.

Industrial robot safety with a six-axis robotic arm

You can’t forget about conducting a proper risk assessment even if you’ve just got a high-tech six-axis robotic arm.

These versatile machines are capable of high-speed movements along intricate trajectories, introducing unique hazards that require careful evaluation.

Let’s take a look: 

• Unique dangers: Six-axis robotic arms, with their ability to move at lightning speeds and execute complex maneuvers, pose a significant risk of collisions and entanglement.
  
  Their substantial payload capacity and powerful joints further amplify the potential for harm.
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• Risk evaluation: A comprehensive risk assessment involves analyzing the robot's full reach and range of motion, maximum payload capacity, and joint speeds.
  
  It's also crucial to identify potential pinch points, crush zones, and areas where human intervention may be necessary.
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• Total safety measures: Implementing safety-rated monitored stops is a must; these stops immediately halt the robot's motion in hazardous situations.
  
  Additionally, collision detection systems can prevent impacts with obstacles or personnel. A well-designed workspace with clearly defined boundaries and restricted access zones further enhances safety.

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Summing up

That was our quick overview of some major considerations when conducting a robotic risk assessment.

Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your robotic systems, processes, and controls. Then, you can flag potential risks and be mindful about implementing the necessary preventive measures.

Remember: Breaking it down step-by-step makes it very manageable. The most important thing is to get started — even small actions to understand and improve safety will pay dividends over time!

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Next steps 

Need a powerful yet budget-friendly automation solution? Look no further than RO1 by Standard Bots, the ideal choice for businesses of any size, from growing startups to established industry leaders.

• Cost-effective automation: RO1 offers unmatched value, delivering top-tier performance at half the price of similar models.
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• Best-in-class speed and power: RO1 beats the competition in both speed and precision with an impressive 18 kg payload capacity that's unparalleled in its class.
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• Intelligent and user-friendly: RO1 isn't just strong; it's smart. Its advanced AI, comparable to GPT-4, opens up continuous learning and adaptation. And with its intuitive, no-code interface, you don't need to be a tech expert to harness its capabilities.
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• Collaboration without compromise: RO1 prioritizes safety with built-in sensors and collision detection, ensuring smooth and secure collaboration with your workforce on the factory floor.
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Get in touch with our solutions team to schedule a free 30-day on-site trial and receive personalized support on integrating RO1 into your operations.