Glossary · Risk assessment and risk reduction
Risk reduction
German: Risikominderung
In machine safety, risk reduction comprises the measures used to eliminate hazards or reduce the associated risks. For manufacturers, ISO 12100 structures it as the three-step method; users add their own measures, such as organization, training and PPE.
- Machine safety
- Risk assessment
In one sentence
Risk reduction covers all measures that eliminate hazards or lower risk, applied in a defined order from design to information for use.
Example
To reduce the risk at a palletizer, the manufacturer lowers robot speed near the infeed, adds a light curtain with muting and describes the remaining risks in the manual; the user adds training and access rules.
How it applies
- Machine safety: The manufacturer applies the three-step method: inherently safe design, safeguarding and complementary protective measures, then information for use. Each step is used only to the extent the previous one is not enough.
- Functional safety: Where risk reduction depends on a control system, the safety function must reach the required Performance Level or SIL, determined from the risk assessment.
- Technical documentation: Link every measure to the hazard it addresses and to its verification. The information for use is a legitimate step, but it cannot replace design or safeguarding where those are practicable.
- Evidence: Measures can introduce new hazards, for example a movable guard creating a pinch point. Re-assess after each change.
Risk reduction vs. risk assessment
Risk assessment determines what the risk is and whether it is acceptable. Risk reduction is what you do about it. The two alternate until the risk is judged adequately reduced.