• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Isthmus Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Automation Technologies
    • Automated Assembly Equipment
    • Custom Material Handling & Packaging Equipment
    • Flexible Automation and Robotic Integration
    • Custom Process Solutions
    • System Integration
  • Markets
    • Consumer Products
    • Medical & Life Science
    • Industrial
    • Transportation
    • Emerging Markets
  • Our Work
    • Project Examples
  • Isthmus Advantage
    • Our Company
    • Our Process
    • News & Blog
    • Careers
  • 608-222-9000

Machine Safeguarding

April 25, 2019 by isthmuseng_adm

Machine Safeguarding

Apr 25, 2019
All machines designed, built, and sold by Isthmus Engineering & Manufacturing undergo a thorough Safety Risk Assessment.  All Isthmus Project Managers are trained in completing both hazard-based and task-based risk assessments.  In addition, a cross-functional ISTHMUS team provides oversight and expertise to all projects on an ongoing basis. We use an objective scoring method based on several applicable industry standards, including ANSI 12100 and ISO 13849 (parts 1 and 2) standards. The assessment process begins during machine design and is reviewed by the project team and customer team prior to final design approval.  Completion of the preliminary assessment may reveal the need to include a variety of common safety elements in the design of the machine, including, for example:
  • Machine Hard Guarding
  • Area Scanners
  • Light Curtains
  • Cell Access Requests & Estop Recovery Routines
Special attention must be given to standards specific to robot safety, as defined by the Robotic Industry Association (RIA) via ANSI B11.  Safeguarding devices for robots fall into one of several categories:
  • Mechanical limiting devices
  • Non-mechanical limiting devices
  • Presence-sensing safeguarding devices
  • Fixed barriers
  • Interlocked barrier guards
  • Awareness devices (e.g. flashing lights, whistles, horns – always used in conjunction with other safeguarding devices)
The Safety Risk Assessment is reviewed again as the machine nears completion, to ensure the identified safety measures have been implemented, and to assess whether additional measures are needed.  The completed Safety Risk Assessment documentation is delivered to the customer prior to machine installation, as part of the complete documentation package.
< Back to Blog

Located in Madison, WI since 1980.

  • 4035 Owl Creek Dr. Madison, WI 53718
  • (608) 222-9000
  • salesinfo@isthmuseng.com
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Isthmus Engineering

Designed + Developed by The Digital Ring