What did Australian Standards get wrong with AS/NZS 4024.1:2014?

If you're not aware, AS/NZS 4024.1 series of machine safety standards was revised late last year. In this revision most of the parts were revised, some were unchanged, some new parts were added and some parts were removed. If you want more information on what's revised, unchanged, new and removed check out this previous NHP blog topic: New Revision of AS 4024.1 Series of Machinery Safety Standards.

The 2014 dated parts of the series are "direct text adoptions" of international standards. This is confirmed by looking at the first page of each part, the adopted international standard is printed below the AS/NZS title. In figure 1 we can see that AS/NZS 4024.1602:2014 is a direct text adoption of ISO 14119:2013.

Fig 1. Part title, appears in top right corner on the first page of the part

OK, so you're thinking what's the big deal about direct text adoption?

Direct text adoption means that nothing can be changed from the international standard's wording, even references. So if AS/NZS 4024.1602:2014 is referencing a clause from AS/NZS 4024.1503:2014, the reference will appear as the international standard, ISO 13849-1:2006. This obviously makes the series a little difficult to use. Assistance can be found in the "Preface" section of each part, which will list the international standards that are referenced and will show the equivalent AS/NZ 4024 part. There is also a cross reference list available in Appendix B of the application guide, AS/NZS 4024.1100:2014.

In the previous version of the AS 4024.1 series, the parts were based on international standards but some changes were allowed. In this series the references were changed from international standards to the relevant AS 4024.1 part. As mentioned previously some parts of the series have been unchanged in the 2014 revision, for example AS 4024.1501-2006. Thus this standard still has references to clauses and parts from the 2006 version.

For example AS 4024.1501-2006 references standards AS 4024.1202 and AS 4024.1301, both of these standards are now superseded by AS/NZS 4024.1201:2014 and no longer exist in the AS 4024.1 series. So be aware of this issue when using any of the 2006 version parts of AS/NZS 4024.1:2014

Hopefully this blog topic can help you avoid this gotcha when using AS/NZS 4024.1:2014.

Have you come across anything strange with this series? Or do you have some useful hints and tips? If so please share in the comments section.

Are Safety Categories Obsolete?

Have you heard that Safety Categories are a thing of the past? That changing international standards have rendered Safety Categories redundant since the start of 2012? And that all new safety control systems for machinery must be designed to Performance Levels (PL) or Safety Integrity Levels (SIL)?

If so, here is some more information on the matter:

Yes, international standards have now moved to probabilistic methods, with two current standards as the options:

1. IEC 62061 – Highly mathematical method where safety control systems are designed to a Safety Integrity Level (SIL)
2. ISO 13849.1 2008 – Method based on the architecture of Safety Categories where safety control systems are designed to a Performance Level (PL)

However, Australian Standard AS 4024.1501 is a current machine safety standard where safety control systems can be designed to a Safety Category. So if you are comfortable using Safety Categories, you can continue to use this standard.

It is true that AS 4024.1 will eventually be updated to reflect current international standards, but AS 4024.1501 will remain unchanged for at least the next 3-4 years.

In my opinion, for simple safety systems, (i.e. systems using devices such as safety relays), Safety Categories is a good option that will result in a high level of integrity. If software is being designed, I would recommend following the software lifecycles available in IEC/AS 62061 or ISO 13849.1.
However, be aware that at some stage in the future our Australian Standards will transition to these probabilistic methods, but not in the immediate future.

Is Work Health and Safety Harmonisation Still Alive?

In July 2008, an agreement was reached between the Commonwealth and all states and territories within Australia except Western Australia (WA) to begin the process of harmonising Australia’s work health and safety laws. This new model was aimed at reducing red tape and compliance costs for businesses that operate in multiple states. The umbrella laws would also provide workers with equal levels of safety across the nation as well as recognising their licensing and training nationally.

Fast forward to 2013 and what is the state of play? We now have Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales, ACT, South Australia and Tasmania all adopting the harmonised model. This leaves just WA and Victoria out of the loop.

WA are still committed to the process and have completed their draft WHS which is expected to be implemented in 2013. WA has also started public consultation on the Regulations in August 2012 and will be working through this process in 2013.

This leaves Victoria. The last communication on the WorkSafe website stated that Victoria would not adopt the national legislation. The reason for this stance is an expected $3.4 billion cost over five years with no perceived benefit in terms of safety levels.

So what does this mean for harmonisation? Do you believe it will still be successful without the involvement of Victoria? Do you believe that Victoria will eventually join the rest of the states and adopt national safety legislation or stay with their own set of rules?