BSI Raises Machinery Safety Awareness

BSI Business Information will be in attendance at Contract Manufacturing 2003 during Total Engineering and Manufacturing Week (TEAM) 2003.

BSI will be raising awareness of machinery safety at the NEC in Birmingham in a bid to reduce deaths and serious injury. According to the Health and Safety Executive, in 2001 there were 7,216 accidents on the factory floor. These included 13 deaths, 1,732 major accidents and 5,471 cases resulting in employees taking three or more days off work.

It is therefore vital for manufacturers and engineers to implement BSI's major new machinery safety standard BS EN ISO 12100:2003. This provides designers with an overall framework and guidance, enabling them to produce machines and equipment that are safe and relevant for their intended use.

ISO 12100:2003 is divided into two parts. The first part of the standard defines the basic overall terminology and methodology used when designing machinery and is used in achieving safety. The second part defines technical principles to help designers achieve safety in the design of machinery.

Santa Marku, senior marketing manager of BSI Business Information says, "Health and Safety standards protect both business and employee needs. ISO 12100 will assist a company to safeguard its reputation and operate more seamlessly. The ultimate goal is an accident-free workforce and, of course, a happier, safer work place is more productive."

The new standard will assist designers and manufacturers of machinery interpret the essential safety requirements as set out in the Machinery Directive 98/37/EC amended by Directive 98/79/EC.

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For more information please contact:

Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330