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Q & A of the Day – Must all machines be stopped when a single emergency stop is activated?

Published: 3 September 2012 Category: Q&A

S. Garvie asks whether there a requirement to stop all machines in a workshop when just one emergency stop on a machine is activated. His question has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Fire, Safety, & Security):

Q & A of the Day – Must all machines be stopped when a single emergency stop is activated?
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.

Question: Is there a requirement to stop all machines in a workshop when just one emergency stop on a machine is activated?


Answer: This depends upon the nature of the workshop and the size and type of equipment and machines being used. A risk assessment would be carried out.

In small workshops, yes, an undervoltage device would be used to enable machines not to restart. BS EN 61508 gives advice on electronic, PLC or computer systems. BS EN 954 lists five categories of fault integrity determined - also there is an assessment chart to BS EN 954-1.

Under the Factory Act for small workshops, all machines should be activated by emergency stop.

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