MaSeM: Web application for determining the incentive to defeat protective devices on machines

The MaSeM web application uses an assessment method that allows manufacturers and operators of machines and plants to determine the incentive to defeat protective devices, enables automatic documentation and provides results automatically. The web application gets its name from the German phrase "Manipulationsanreiz von Schutzeinrichtungen an Maschinen", which, translated into English, means "the incentive to defeat protective devices on machines".

Defeating refers to the action of rendering protective devices inoperative, resulting in a machine being used in a manner not intended by the designer or without the necessary safety measures. The incentive to defeat protective devices depends on the benefits defeating would offer when working on the machine. If a protective device hinders or even prevents the performance of a task, then this is an incentive to defeat the protective device.

The assessment method was developed in the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) and incorporated into the standard DIN EN ISO 14119. It assists manufacturers and operators during the design or selection of user-friendly machines and plants.

Alternatively, the assessment matrix for individual protective devices implemented in the web application can also be used in the form of an Excel sheet. The background of the method and instructions can be found  here.

In contrast to the method used in the Excel sheet, the web application enables the creation of machines with multiple protective devices. After the assessment has been carried out, the results can be exported to an automatically generated report containing all stored data for documentation purposes.

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Using the web application

The assessment using the MaSeM web application should also only be carried out by persons who are familiar with the operation of the machine to be assessed. It can be used at any time, e.g. during the design of a machine, prior to delivery or when the machine is already in use.

The benefits of defeating a protective device are dependent on the tasks carried out within the protected area of the protective device. Therefore, to carry out the assessment method, the following information must be provided via text input or by selecting from a list:

• The modes of operation and protective devices of the machine
• All tasks that are carried out in the protected area of the relevant protective device
• The benefits resulting from defeating the protective device for the relevant task. This can include a higher machine throughput or a better view of the process.

MaSeM determines the incentive to defeat the protective device based on this information and the classification of the potential benefits by the person using the tool.

After completing the initial registration, the web application can also be used offline, provided that it can be ensured that an internet connection will be available again at a later point in time. The data is automatically synchronised. The web application is suitable for use on mobile devices and PCs.

Use and liability

The content of the website and the implementation of the standardised method were created with the utmost care and to the best of our knowledge and belief. As the provider of this web application, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, up-to-dateness or reliability of the provided content.

If you have any questions or suggestions for improvement, please contact the IFA (see Contact). The software is available for free, provided that it is used as a stand-alone application. Users of the web application or not entitled to support from the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), however, we will be happy to help you to the best of our ability.

Privacy information

The app can only be used by registered users. To register, click or tap the registration button on the homepage of the app. When you register, the following personal data is saved:

• First name and surname (will no longer be the case in the next version)
• Email address
• Password

Passwords are not stored in plain text, but as hash values.

Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address you specified. This email will ask you to confirm your registration. In this way, we can ensure that the registration was actually carried out by you as the owner of the email address.

The legal basis for such data processing is GDPR, article 6 (1) point f. We only use your data for the creation of a personal account and to enable you to use the app. You can find further information in the Privacy Policy.

Feedback on the web application

If you have questions or concerns about the app, you can let us know by sending an email to manipulation@dguv.de.

Accessibility

The Declaration on Accessibility describes any barriers to the use of the software.