Integration of Risk Management into the Machinery Design Process

Risk management is currently a key component of any design process. The designers are required to identify all hazards within the whole life cycle of the machine and, if necessary, to take appropriate measures in order to reduce the risk of these hazards to an acceptable level. Furthermore, the new machinery directive 2006/42/EC requires this process of assessment and minimization of risk to be documented, which is an essential prerequisite of placing the product on the market or into operation. As people generally tend to underestimate the risks, it is necessary to pay adequate attention also to elaboration of the instructions for use of the designed machine, and besides, to take into consideration any reasonably foreseeable misuse. This paper presents a concept of application and documentation of the technical risk management process during the design of machinery, with an emphasis on its transparency.