Hazard identification, EN ISO 12100.

In the field of machine safety, hazard identification forms the basis for risk assessment and subsequent measures aimed at reducing potential risks. The purpose of hazard identification is to map all foreseeable hazards and hazardous situations throughout the entire life cycle of a machine. The EN ISO 12100 standard guides this process and defines it as part of the machine designer's responsibility. Hazard identification must cover the entire life cycle of the machine, including transport, assembly, installation, commissioning and normal operation, as well as maintenance, decommissioning and disposal. Hazards can occur continuously or arise in unforeseen situations, for example when a machine breaks down as a result of operating errors.

For the successful implementation of a safety plan, it is important to identify all the functions performed by the machine. The safety plan covers the actual behaviour of the machine as well as situations involving interaction between the machine and humans. Troubleshooting, cleaning and maintenance are important tasks for identifying hazards, as they help to assess where the user may encounter dangerous situations and how risks can be controlled through design.

Hazards can be related to various characteristics of the machine, such as physical, electrical, radiation or temperature factors, as well as operating conditions. For example, noise, excessive load, floor damage or a broken hydraulic hose are situations that can pose a hazard when operating the machine.

An important factor is the operating condition of the machine. Although the device may be functioning properly, it may also be in a situation where it is unable to perform its task, for example due to a malfunction, software error or external influence.