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General safety notices

Avoiding dangerous situations​

Dangerous situations during operation can be avoided through safety-conscious and proactive behavior on the part of the staff.

The following guidelines apply to anyone who works on or with the system:

  • Keep the entire manual in a clearly legible condition and within easy reach of everyone at the system's location.
  • Use the system only for its intended purpose.
  • The system must be in working order and in perfect condition. Check the condition of the system before starting work and at regular intervals (as specified in the maintenance manual).
  • Ensure that operators are aware of the location of the emergency stop devices and have been instructed to activate an emergency stop device in the event of an emergency or unusual situation.
  • Wear close-fitting work clothes when performing any work on the system.
  • Never wear rings, necklaces, or other jewelry that could cause injury while working on or with the system.
  • Do not wear your hair down, in braids, or loose-fitting clothing. There is a risk of injury, such as getting caught.
  • Make sure that no one can be injured by any parts of the system. Do not touch any hot surfaces (robot, control unit).
  • Report any malfunctions or noticeable changes to the system immediately to the person in charge.
  • Comply with accident prevention regulations and local regulations.
  • Ensure that safety measures and/or safety parameters for the robot are configured to protect programmers, operators and third parties in accordance with the risk assessment.

Notes on assembly and installation​

The following principles apply to setup and installation:

  • The modules are designed so that they can be safely carried by one person using both hands and securely held with one hand during installation.
  • Two people are needed to assemble the robot. They must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (safety shoes).
  • All modules of the system must be securely installed before the system is commissioned.
  • Safety devices must be connected exclusively to the safe inputs/outputs of the control unit.
  • During installation, appropriate system settings (e.g., robot mounting angle, mass at the TCP (Tool Center Point), TCP offset, safety configuration) must be configured.
  • Combining different machines can increase hazards or create new ones. Depending on the assessed risk, different levels of functional safety may apply. If different security levels are required, always select the highest security level.
  • When integrating the robot with other machines, it is strongly recommended that you test all functions and the robot program separately to prevent collisions.
  • End effectors may not have any sharp edges or pinch points.
  • If a trapped person cannot be freed by any other means, individual robot modules must be disassembled using appropriate tools.

Operating notices​

The following principles apply during operation:

  • Only one operator is allowed to work on the system.
  • Safety devices may not be modified, dismantled or decommissioned. Safety devices must be inspected at regular intervals, as specified in the maintenance manual.
  • All panels, covers and hoods must be installed as intended.
  • The system may only be used if it is fully assembled and free of damage.
  • Manual operation must be performed with caution, paying close attention to the movements of the robot at all times.
  • The control unit must be positioned so that all safety-related functions are accessible from outside the hazard zone. Safety-related controls, such as the reset button or the mode-select key switch, can alternatively be mounted on the safety enclosure (cage) using external wiring. If these controls are positioned outside the danger zone in this manner, the control unit itself may also be placed in the immediate vicinity of the robot.
  • A prerequisite for such a deviating arrangement is that the integrator conduct a corresponding risk assessment that demonstrates the permissibility of this arrangement. Structural modifications to the system are not permitted. Any changes to the system must be reported immediately to the person in charge.
  • The danger zones must always be kept clear in automatic mode. No objects may be left in the danger zone.
  • Do not enter the operating area of the robot during automatic operation unless a safety function has been triggered.

Information on malfunctions and troubleshooting​

The following principles apply to the causes of malfunctions and troubleshooting:

  • Only adequately qualified personnel may perform this work on the system.
  • The system must be placed in a safe state.
  • Hot system components must be allowed to cool down.
  • If power outages or fluctuations occur, they are detected. The control unit switches to fault mode and all outputs go into a safe state. Once the power supply has returned to normal, the control unit must be restarted.
  • Do not perform work directly beneath system components under gravitational load (vertical axis), as these could fall downward due to component failure.

Then the cause of the malfunction can be identified and resolved.

Maintenance and repair notices​

The following principles apply to maintenance and repair:

  • Only adequately qualified personnel may perform this work on the system.
  • The system must be turned off and secured to prevent it from being turned back on.
  • Hot system components must be allowed to cool down.

Then maintenance and repairs can be carried out.

Notes on the electrical system​

The following principles apply to all work on electrical equipment:

  • The system is electrically powered. If the electrical system is installed incorrectly or if the insulation fails during operation, there is a risk of death.
  • Only licensed electricians are permitted to access and work on electrical equipment. Always keep control boxes locked. Do not touch any exposed electrical contacts.
  • Changes to the control system may compromise safe operation. All planned modifications must be approved in writing by the system manufacturer.
  • After completing all work, check that the safety devices are functioning properly.
  • No unauthorized modifications may be made to the system. All planned modifications must be approved in writing by the system manufacturer.
  • The control unit can only be powered by a 110–264 VAC power supply.
  • Make sure that all devices not designed for contact with water remain dry.
  • Use only the original cables provided.
  • Never disconnect the robot from the power supply while the system is turned on.
  • Cable lengths from the control unit to other machines and systems must be less than 20 m. For longer lengths, additional tests must be conducted.
ATTENTION

Damage caused by high EMC exposure

The robot is designed to withstand electromagnetic interference (EMI) in accordance with the international IEC standards for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Higher levels of EMC radiation can cause the robot to behave erratically. Very high signal levels or excessive stress can cause permanent damage to the robot.

High levels of EMC radiation often occur during welding processes. The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by high levels of EMC radiation,

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)​

When used as intended, this electronic equipment complies with the laws governing electromagnetic compatibility. These laws define the permissible emission levels for electronic equipment and the required immunity to electromagnetic fields.

Radio signals from high-frequency transmitters, such as cell phones or similar mobile radio equipment – even if they comply with EMC regulations – may affect proper operation if they are operated in close proximity and at relatively high transmission power. For this reason, the operation of such radio equipment in the immediate vicinity of electronically controlled equipment should be avoided.

Note

Make sure there are no electromagnetic fields near the system.

Environmental protection notices​

Safety-conscious and proactive behavior on the part of staff prevents environmentally harmful effects.

The following principles apply to environmentally responsible behavior:

  • Substances that are hazardous to the environment may not be allowed to enter the soil or the sewer system.
  • Regulations regarding the prevention, disposal and recycling of waste must be followed.
  • Substances that are hazardous to the environment must be stored in appropriate containers.
  • Containers holding substances hazardous to the environment must be clearly labeled.
  • The system must be recycled through RobCo GmbH.