European workplace safety legislation is transforming how organisations manage energy-related hazards.

The European Norm (EN) 17975 offers a task-based framework to address 'grey zone' risks during machine and pipeline interventions, enhancing the efficiency of Lockout/Tagout programmes.

Data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work indicates that 10% to 15% of fatal industrial accidents in Europe stem from maintenance operations. These often result from underestimating risks during minor tasks like sensor adjustment, quick cleaning, or machine greasing. Because these are not always classified as maintenance, they remain outside traditional Lockout/Tagout protocols despite the inherent dangers.

Shifting to Task-Based Isolation

EN 17975 introduces a task-based risk approach to combat these hazards. Mustafa Ekseri, EMEA Safety Engineer at Brady Corporation, explains the operational advantages:

“Not having to halt an entire production line for every intervention can save valuable time - if it is possible in a safe way. To achieve this, EN 17975 proposes a layered approach based on risks related to specific tasks on specific machines and pipes. These risks are to be highlighted in a risk analysis. In absence of a risk analysis, machine zero energy states remain the safety standard. In that sense, EN 17975 builds on ISO 14118 by providing more options for compliance with European workplace safety legislation. Impacted activities can be defined using EN 17007 and EN 13306 and are also listed in EN 17975.”

Structuring Robust Risk Assessments

Identifying specific intervention risks requires rigorous assessment frameworks. Existing standards, such as ISO 12100 for machinebuilders and ISO 31000 for general risk management, serve as vital navigational tools. Ekseri highlights the thoroughness required:

“EN 17975 proposes 6 steps to analyse the risk in any machine intervention task, starting with the identification of the task, all the way to a feedback loop for continuous improvement. That includes a thorough energy source inventory and identification. The standard also requires a risk analysis update before applying Standard Operating Procedures, and during maintenance activities. In addition, EN 17975 advocates clearly identified degraded situations that may deviate from the standard risk assessment.”

The European Norm categorises four risk control processes, building upon the French norm X60-400:

• Neutralisation: Equipment shuts down through control system design to allow safe task execution.

• Standard isolation: All energies and fluids are locked out using an isolating device.

• Reinforced isolation: Energies are removed via separation or combined isolating and opening devices.

• Specific provisions: Measures allow diagnostics and observation safely while active energies remain present.

Establishing these processes demands meticulous documentation. Ekseri notes, "All 4 risk control processes require an inventory of energies and fluids per machine with their effects on people, property and the environment, a mapping of the isolating devices and an identification sheet of energies, fluids, components and lockout devices."

These isolations follow a nine-step procedure encompassing energy separation, lockout, tagout, and dispersion. Ensuring security involves rigorous testing. Ekseri adds:

“The ‘check’ step in EN17975 is already widely known in the industry as the ‘Tryout’ in Lockout/Tagout/Tryout or LoToTo. It is a vital step to help make sure that measures are implemented correctly and that they are still effective.”

Upgrading Safety Standards

While EN 17975 is not legally mandated, it heavily influences best practices.

“The standard however considerably facilitates compliance with EU workplace safety legislation. It sets a clear expectation for any machine intervention: if no risk analysis for the task is available, a machine zero energy state is required.”

Rethinking traditional safety assumptions is vital. Ekseri cautions against over-reliance on technology without proper assessment:

“Some forms of automated safety may not be sufficient for every task without an underlying risk analysis. Take a safety cage for example, equipped with sensors that deactivate moving machine parts the moment someone enters the cage. Do these nullify any residual energy that may pose a risk? Is gravitational, and other potential energy taken into account? The goal of EN 17975 is to prevent accidents, and to avoid a false sense of safety that does not provide any real protection.”

EMSTEEL Group has won five awards at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2026, including four Gold Awards and one Bronze Award

The awards were announced during the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2026 ceremony in Dubai, which celebrates outstanding sustainability initiatives and practices across the Middle East. The awards span 21 categories covering key areas, including environmental impact, social impact, governance and professional excellence, with entries assessed by a specialised judging panel.

EMSTEEL received the awards for its achievements in sustainable products, the circular economy, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, environmental sustainability, and innovation in sustainable technologies.

Together, these achievements reflect the Group’s integrated approach to sustainability, encompassing the development of lower-carbon products and solutions, improved resource efficiency, and increased recycling and utilisation of industrial by-products.

EMSTEEL stresses that environmental stewardship is a core value embedded in every aspect of its operations. It emphasises environmental responsibility through rigorous internal and external audits, and all its operational sites are Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) certified. The company is committed to compliance with environmental laws and regulations; continuous improvement in environmental and resource management; and continuous reductions of GHG emissions through innovation and adopting the best available techniques such as CCUS and green hydrogen.

One of the EMSTEEL has established a Metals Recovery and Slag Processing facility to enhance environmental management by processing slag and recovering scrap metal. This facility contributes significantly to recycling efforts and the circular economy, improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

EMSTEEL also employs a comprehensive waste management system that prioritises waste minimisation and recycling. This system includes effective waste segregation, handling various waste types, and implementing strategies to enhance recycling processes.

Materials science company Arclin showcased its latest personal protection solutions at the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo 2026, held from 14-16 September at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis

At booth #4103, the company presented personal protection technologies incorporating Nomex and Kevlar, highlighting solutions designed to address workplace exposure to heat, flame, arc flash and cut hazards.

Arclin’s participation marked its return to the NSC event and provided an opportunity to highlight developments across its Nomex and Kevlar portfolios. The company said the brands build on nearly 60 years of experience in personal protection, with solutions focused on protection and durability for workers and manufacturers.

"Protecting people in demanding environments requires us to continually look for ways to improve how materials perform when workers need them most," said Trey Roy, Arclin's North American Market Leader for Personal Protection.

"Nomex and Kevlar have protected workers for generations, and at Arclin, we're building on that foundation with new technologies designed to address the evolving needs of today's workforce. Returning to NSC is an opportunity to connect with the safety community and demonstrate how we're continuing to advance personal protection."

Among the solutions showcased was Nomex Xtreme Arc (NXA), a next-generation flame-resistant fabric designed for utility and electrical applications. The material is designed to help protect workers against arc flash and flash fire hazards.

Arclin also highlighted ArmorCell technology, which forms insulating air pockets when exposed to heat. According to the company, the technology helps slow heat transfer and reduce burn severity.

The company’s Nomex personal protection portfolio includes materials designed to help protect against heat, flame and arc flash across demanding industrial environments. Its Kevlar solutions use high-performance fibre technology in protective equipment and apparel to address cut and other workplace hazards while supporting durable protection.

During the Expo, Arclin’s team discussed its personal protection portfolio, developments in flame-resistant and cut protection, evolving workplace safety requirements and applications across utilities, manufacturing, construction, aerospace and petrochemical operations.