Overview
ISO/TR 17529:2014 - "Machine tools - Practical guidance and example of risk assessment on electro‑discharge machines" provides targeted, practical guidance for performing risk assessments on electro‑discharge machines (EDM). The Technical Report bridges machine safety and control‑system assessment by showing methods, tools and worked examples used to develop ISO 28881. Its aim is to help reduce hazards associated with EDM equipment throughout the machine life cycle (design, installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning).
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Practical guidance for risk assessment of EDM equipment and EDM systems in accordance with ISO 12100, ISO 13849‑1 and ISO/TR 14121‑2.
- Life‑cycle approach: Hazard identification and tasks across transportation, installation, commissioning, operation, cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and disposal.
- Hazard types emphasized:
- Electrical hazards (electrode voltage and related risks)
- Flammable dielectric fluids (fluid level, temperature, fire detection)
- Hazardous substances (used dielectric fluids, sludge, filters, electrodes)
- Electromagnetic emissions (radiated and conducted EMC considerations)
- Risk reduction strategy: Application of the three‑step method per ISO 12100 - inherently safe design, safeguarding/complementary protective measures, and information for use.
- Risk estimation methods: Guidance on using ISO/TR 14121‑2, ISO 13849‑1 and ISO 28881 approaches to estimate and evaluate risk, select Performance Levels (PL) and verify protective measures.
- Practical examples: Worked examples, specifications and task tables for wire EDM and sinker EDM, illustrating typical hazards, misuses and protective measure verification.
Applications
- Who uses it: Machine designers, control‑system engineers, safety specialists, equipment manufacturers, maintenance technicians and certification bodies working with EDM machines.
- When to use: During design, installation, modification, commissioning and preparing instructions for use and maintenance procedures.
- Practical benefits:
- Structured method to identify and evaluate EDM‑specific hazards.
- Helps select appropriate safeguards and safety‑related control measures (including PL selection).
- Supports compliance with relevant machine safety standards and prepares documentation for conformity assessment.
Related Standards
ISO/TR 17529:2014 is a practical, example‑rich resource for anyone responsible for safe design and risk assessment of electro‑discharge machines.