Machinery Safety 101

Douglas Nix This short article discusses ways to test emergency stop systems on machines.

Douglas Nix Wireless emergency stop systems are transforming machinery safety for AGVs, mobile robots, and large industrial equipment, but they introduce new challenges involving reliability, latency, EMC, functional safety, and cybersecurity.

Douglas Nix This post explains the practical engineering differences between Category 2 and Category 3 safety-related control system architectures under ISO 13849-1.

Douglas Nix This article explores the practical application of ISO 13850, the international standard governing emergency stop functions for machinery.

Douglas Nix Electromagnetic disturbances can do more than cause nuisance faults — they can compromise safety-related control functions.

Douglas Nix Canada’s National Day of Mourning is a time to remember workers killed, injured, or made ill because of their work, while renewing our commitment to prevention.

Douglas Nix Unexpected start-up is one of the most underestimated hazards in machinery, occurring when a machine moves or re-energizes without warning—often when someone is most exposed.

Douglas Nix Series-connected E-stops and guard interlocks can unintentionally create fault masking, hiding dangerous failures and overstating diagnostic coverage.

Douglas Nix Cybersecurity is now a product compliance issue, not just an IT concern.

Douglas Nix The EU Cyber Resilience Act introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for machines with digital elements.