# Safety & Compliance Shelfbot is designed so operators interact with bins at a station — not moving machinery in an aisle. Guarding, interlocks, and predictable stop behaviour are part of the normal workflow. **Key features:** - Category 3, PL d safety architecture - Interlocked access + perimeter guards - Designed for daily operation --- ## Design principles ### Operators interact with bins, not moving machinery Shelfbot's workflow is designed around fixed stations. People shouldn't be near the robot aisle during normal operation. ### Safety is built into every pick cycle Access to a presented bin is controlled by an interlocked hatch and a safeguarded stop that occurs every pick cycle. ### Clear constraints, explainable behaviour Shelfbot is designed to be conceptually transparent: predictable modes, clear limits, and diagnosable issues. --- ## What happens in normal operation ### During a pick A bin is presented at the station. Opening the access hatch triggers a safeguarded stop. After picking, the hatch is closed and the operator presses RESET to safely return the bin. ### Emergency stop Emergency stop applies a Category 0 stop and motor brakes. It's intended for infrequent emergency use only and typically requires reporting and support involvement before restart. ### REST mode After inactivity, the system can enter REST mode, lowering the platform and disabling motors while maintaining safeguarding. > **Important:** entering restricted areas after an emergency stop is not permitted without the proper safety process. Emergency stop is for emergencies, not a normal access method. --- ## Safety systems and functions The Shelfbot safety control system includes a safety PLC, redundant contacts, interlocked doors/hatches, emergency stops, and a reset process designed to prevent unintentional restart. ### Perimeter guarding - Guards surround robot aisles to prevent unauthorised access to the restricted area. - Racking-side guards maintain safe distance from moving equipment. ### Interlocked access - Front door interlock remains locked during normal operation. - Access hatch interlock releases only when a bin is presented at the station. ### Emergency stop & safeguarded stop - Emergency stop initiates a Category 0 stop and applies motor brakes. - Safeguarded stop occurs during each pick cycle when the access hatch is opened. ### Safety control system - Safety PLC with redundant contacts (Category 3, PL d architecture). - Reset button ensures intentional restart after hatch closure. ### Motor brakes & safe state - Brakes apply automatically on emergency stop, power failure, and REST mode. - System modes include IDLE and REST to control safe behaviour when inactive. ### Signage & inspections - SWL and safe work procedure signage near the system. - Monthly visual inspection checklist for racking and guarding. --- ## Hazardous materials Shelfbot has not been assessed to be intrinsically safe for storage of hazardous materials. The following are **not permitted** to be stored in the system: - Flammable liquids - Solvents - Hazardous chemicals If you have special storage requirements, raise them early so site risk assessment and fire engineering can be completed. ### Practical constraints that matter - Do not overfill bins above the top edge (prevents jams and dislodgement). - Do not exceed bin payload limits. - Maintain clearances and keep aisles free from loose objects. --- ## Applied standards (overview) Shelfbot documentation references the standards below for safety, guarding, electrical, and racking context. ### Safety of machinery / guarding - AS/NZS 4024 (safety of machinery) - ISO 12100 (risk assessment principles) - ISO 13849 / ISO 13849-1 (safety-related control systems) - ISO 14120 (guards) - ISO 13857 / ISO 13855 / ISO 14119 / ISO 13854 (safety distances & interlocking) ### Electrical - IEC 60204 / IEC 60204-1 (machine electrical safety) ### Racking & installation context - AS4084:2023 (steel storage racking) - Additional reference codes listed in documentation (FEM, SEMA, RMI, etc.) **Downloads:** - [Safety risk assessment (PDF)](/docs/Shelfbot_Safety_Risk_Assessment.pdf) - [Technical data sheet](/docs/technical-data-sheet) --- ## Customer and operator responsibilities ### What good operation looks like - Only trained and authorised personnel operate the system. - Do not bypass or tamper with guards or interlocks. - Do not use emergency stop as part of normal routine. - Never enter restricted areas after an emergency stop without the proper safety process. - Do not overfill bins above the top edge; do not exceed payload limits. - Undertake monthly visual inspections of racking, guarding, signage, and clearances. ### Ongoing inspections The customer is responsible for ongoing racking and guarding condition. A monthly visual inspection checklist is part of the normal operating expectation. - Check racking for impact damage, corrosion, and out-of-plumb uprights - Verify SWL signage and safe work procedure signage is present and legible - Confirm bins are stable, not protruding, and not overfilled - Confirm guards and panels are intact and locked For the full checklist and procedures, refer to the user manual. --- ## Need this in a safety pack? We can provide a site-specific pack for your consultant/fire engineer/racking partner using the standard docs as a baseline. [Request a safety pack](/contact) • [Product overview](/product) • [Integration](/docs/integration)