Ask the Experts
Published on: 02/08/2021
Last Reply on: 02/10/2021
Category: Safety
Technology: Robotics
Is it ok to have the light curtains of a cell muted, during teach mode, without having some type of interlock partition key switch with a visual indication such as a rope with signage attached? I am concerned about having someone come in to the cell from the loading/unloading side, while teaching is being performed.
1 Reply
Whenever you are bypassing safeguards adequate alternative safety measures must be in place. 1. Why is it necessary to mute the LC on the load/unload side? 2. In teach mode, the robot will be at a safe, limited speed. Warnings might be sufficient such as a beacon along with signage and training. A risk assessment will determine that. 3. If you must mute the light curtain, perhaps a scanner to detect intrusion could be used. Each case is different and may require a different approach.
Lee Burk from Pilz Automation Safety L.P. | 02/10/2021