Developing a method of specifying the requirements for an electro-sensitive device and a guide for choosing one

Outline of reasons and objectives
Reducing the mechanical risks related to using fixed machinery can lead the user or the designer to put in place devices for detecting people, such as intangible barriers, for example. Although highly regulated by Directive 2006/42/EC, the choice of such a safety component remains difficult because of the diversity of the supply and of the potential offered by such equipment.
In response to this observation, this study proposes to develop a method aimed at helping users and designers of fixed machinery to specify their needs in terms of safety functions and to identify the most appropriate protective device for performing the function of detecting people. Particular attention is being paid to analysing the precautions to be taken when implementing such solutions, and in particular when they use specific operating modes or innovative technologies.
Approach
The approach proposed is based firstly on compiling a collection of information. The state of the art of existing solutions was drawn up and the potential suppliers were identified. Documentary analysis of such devices has made it possible to identify the characteristics that are determinant in their choices and to study the features proposed by each of them. Experimentations conducted on devices that are representative of the existing ranges on offer has made it possible to highlight the limitations of those devices and in particular those related to implementing the proposed features. On the basis of the information collected in this way, a choosing method has been developed with the aim of helping users chose the people detection device that is most appropriate to the mechanical risk related to their particular working situation.
Main results
The study has led to the development of a method of choosing a people detection device. It is based on a questioning approach aimed at helping the user or the designer to specify their needs in terms of desired function while also taking into account the organisational and environmental constraints inherent to the conditions of use being considered for the machinery. On the basis of the resulting specifications, users find themselves guided towards the most appropriate solutions. A guide to choosing such a device has also been written to enable users or designers to identify the characteristics that are determinant in their choices of equipment. The limitations of the equipment are also indicated in the guide, as are recommendations for implementation and precautions for use resulting from knowledge acquired during experimentations conducted in the context of the study.
Discussion
It appears from this study that choosing sensitive protective equipment is a multi-criteria task and that the phase of specifying the needs remains essential for making the choice. Since each working situation is unique, and since there are sometimes multiple possible solutions, the method developed in the context of the study is not always deterministic, but it does propose to systematise the approach to specifying the needs and to guiding towards solutions whose characteristics are compatible with the needs. The information necessary for the final choice of the equipment and for implementing it is available in the INRS brochure to be published in 2015 for users, designers, and occupational safety and health specialists.