From risks to solutions

Machine safety is a complex topic because of the many factors involved. Machine builders therefore often seek advice from specialists, but then struggle to translate the formulated advice into a concrete solution. Inrato combines areas of focus: the company performs risk analysis, can CE mark and has a complementary package of safety products.

Machine builders are required to CE mark their machines before placing them on the market. For a significant part, the Machinery Directive is very clear and, moreover, OEMs have already gained experience to know which components to apply to comply with the laws and regulations. However, the remaining smaller part is often tricky and not infrequently advice is sought from safety specialists to carry out a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E).

Advice with guarantees

Of course, it is a good thing to call in specialists on such important issues. Practice shows, however, that the inventory and evaluation report that is eventually delivered does not provide sufficient leads to put the advice into practice. Machine builders are left with questions about the components they should use and not infrequently the advice is also not easily verifiable or advisors do not want to give guarantees. Leendert Jan IJspeert is founder and owner of Inrato International and says: "For that reason, we are addressing this within Inrato differently. When providing advice regarding machine safety, we specifically name the required components. In addition, we state in the report how the solution meets the standards."

Successful for 17 years

That this approach works is evidenced by the growing number of clients where Inrato does not shy away from the complex issues. "Precisely not actually," IJspeert points out. "Over the past 17 years, we have worked within Inrato gained a lot of knowledge and experience on the subject of machine safety. We also know what is technically available and what properties these products have. Within our own company, we also have a standard range of components available."

Safety components

IJspeert is referring, among other things, to the light curtains, machine guards, safety switches, emergency stop relays and safety PLCs the company supplies. But also to signaling technology, which involves transmitting warning signals or machine status. He summarizes, "We have everything we need to translate safety issues into concrete solutions." Inrato also delivers proven safe solutions. Because of the aforementioned accumulated knowledge and the fact that the company tests in the same way as a labor inspectorate or an auditing organization, clients can be confident that the advice, in addition to being workable and affordable, also meets the standards. "In this way, we provide every client with the right interpretation of a safety issue, RI&E or CE marking process."

Chemical safety

Finally, it holds Inrato is also concerned with chemical safety. Especially smaller companies sometimes lack knowledge about the safe storage of hazardous or dangerous substances. And yet this is crucial for safe operations and every company actually has these kinds of substances on hand.

IJspeert concludes: "What matters to me is that companies work safely and machine builders deliver safe machines. But without drowning in details. By going back to the basic risk, we pragmatically determine what is needed to achieve this. As simple as it can be, as complex as it needs to be. When very specific knowledge or a customized product is needed, we can fall back on our partners. Together, we then provide the additional knowledge or products that we deliver customer-specifically."