Citation

Raafat HMN. Safety Sci. 1993; 16(1): 67-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In recent years, the safety of horizontal injection moulding machines has received particular attention in both the United Kingdom and Europe. Rapid developments in the field of machine design coupled with the increasing use of injection moulding processes and programmable electronic systems have led to an increasing concern for the safety of personnel involved in machine operation and maintenance. In many respects, horizontal injection moulding machinery poses unique problems and hazards, differing in nature from those presented by conventional machinery.Investigation of a recent fatal accident involving a 700-ton horizontal injection moulding machine has highlighted a vast difference in the principles of accident prevention on these machines between the United States, the UK and the rest of the European Community.The introduction of the new European Standard EN 292:1991 will benefit manufacturers from a more uniform application of risk assessment in the field of machinery safety. This paper considers the application of probabilistic risk assessment as a modern approach to machinery safety and for the comparison between the different strategies adopted in the USA, the UK and Europe for the prevention of trapping injuries between the platens of horizontal injection moulding machines.