Machinery, processes, and production methods, are all considered
to be System Resources. All of these types of systems require some
type of management or coordination. The CIRSMA system refers to
management and coordination activities as “Administration”. The
System Resource module is used to link system resources to System
Resource Administrators.
Where machinery is purchased from a supplier, the employer is typically
responsible for coordinating the safe use and maintenance of the
systems and processes. Therefore the user would be considered as
the System Resource Administrator. In this scenario the System Administrator
is responsible for determining the training and qualifications required
of personnel who will interact with the system or process. Training
and qualifications can be assigned in the System Resource module
in order to ensure that people interacting with the system or process
are qualified to do so.
It is possible for the System Resource Administrator to be an entity
that is not the employer. Where systems are provided under a leasing
agreement for example, the supplier of the system could be held responsible
for the protective measures that are supplied as part of the system,
as well as making recommendations to the user regarding the training
and qualification requirements. These requirements should have been
determined during the supplier’s risk assessment. In this scenario
it is imperative that the employer clearly communicate their expectations
to the supplier before the system is provided. Once the system is
supplied, the employer must verify that the supplier has complied
with the employer’s expectations and that the supplier’s training
and qualification recommendations have been met.
In all scenarios, extensive communication between all parties is
required. User involvement, early in the risk assessment process,
can help to prevent injuries and avoid costly safeguarding changes
required as a result of the verification process.