SafeNet. Safety by design

Citation

(1999), "SafeNet. Safety by design", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319baf.008

SafeNet. Safety by design

SafeNet ­ safety by design

Keywords Machines, Safety

Smartscan Limited have introduced SafeNet ­ a whole new technology for machine safety applications.

SafeNet is a state of the art integrated safety system, radical in concept, offering major benefits in design, implementation and installation of machine safety systems. The SafeNet integrated safety control system incorporates a fail-safe, two-wire communications highway designated <EBUS> for transfer of power, safety and diagnostic data between field devices and a central command module. Field devices would include: emergency stop buttons, light curtains, gate interlock switches, two-hand controllers, safety mats, solenoid valves etc. (See Plate 7).

SafeNet uses a Windows-based program designated Smartgram, for design, configuring, reconfiguring, verifying and setting-up of the safety system.

Plate 7 The SafeNet integrated safety control system

Smartgram's power is not limited to design and configuration for in conjunction with an HMI or PC, Smartgram can be used to monitor, in real time, the condition status of every field safety device on the system.

Field safety devices can be connected directly to the <EBUS> data highway as fully integrated SafeNet compatible components, or conventional hard wired components can be used, connected on to <EBUS> via decentralised multi I/O units, allowing simple integration of conventional safety components from other manufacturers.

SafeNet is an "open" system, thus enabling all safety component manufacturers to design and manufacture compatible devices for direct connection on to the <EBUS> data highway.

SafeNet provides a means of verification of the entire safety system for the designers, operators and national enforcement agencies, in a format which is understandable to all. It is suitable for single machines, complex linked machines or entire production systems, and satisfies all European legislative requirements for control, monitoring and use of safety critical components. On 2 November 1998, the system obtained full European Third Party Type Accreditation, confirming the system meets all the relevant legislative requirements for Annex IV safety components, as defined in the European Machinery Directive and The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations.

The SafeNet system exceeds the level of safety integrity defined Category 4, as specified in European Harmonised Standard EN 954-1: Safety Related Control Systems.

For further information contact Smartscan, Pywell Road, Willowbrook Industrial Estate, Corby, Northants NN17 5XJ. Tel: +44 (0)1536 401313; Fax: +44 (0)1536 268954.