Risk assessment is key in new safety standard: the new PMMI B155.1-2006 safety standard harmonizes global standards, while emphasizing risk assessment for machinery makers and users.(standards)

Packaging Digest, September, 2006

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI [www.ansi.org]), is harmonized with the international (ISO) and European (EN) standards by the introduction of hazard identification and risk assessment as the principal method for analyzing hazards to personnel and achieving acceptable risk.

The requirements of this standard apply to new, modified or rebuilt industrial and commercial machinery that performs packaging functions for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. The standard describes procedures for identifying hazards, assessing risks and reducing risks to an acceptable level over the life cycle of the packaging machinery, encouraging risk-assessment activities during the design stage of the equipment.