Glossary · Risk assessment and risk reduction
Risk analysis
In machine safety, risk analysis is the process of determining the limits of the machinery, identifying hazards and estimating risk. Together with risk evaluation it forms the risk assessment.
- Machine safety
- Risk assessment
In one sentence
Risk analysis is the analytical part of a risk assessment: machine limits, hazard identification and risk estimation, before any judgment is made.
Example
For a new AGV fleet, the team defines routes, speeds and loads, identifies collision and crushing hazards at transfer stations and estimates the risk for each.
How it applies
- Steps: Determine the machine limits, identify hazards and hazardous situations across all lifecycle phases, then perform risk estimation for each.
- Methods: Structured methods support the analysis: checklists based on ISO 12100 hazard lists, FMEA for component failures, HAZOP for process deviations and task analysis for human interaction.
- Technical documentation: Record the analysis in a traceable form, with stable IDs for hazards and a clear record of the assumptions. It is a core part of the technical file.
- Integrated systems: Interfaces between machines and between control systems are a frequent blind spot. Analyze them explicitly.
Risk analysis vs. risk assessment
Risk analysis produces the facts: limits, hazards and estimated risks. Risk assessment adds risk evaluation, the judgment whether risk reduction is required.