Machine Safety Executive Projects: Ensuring Compliance with NR-12

In industrial machine safety engineering, the stages of risk assessment and technical solution development are essential for identifying hazards and proposing preventive measures. However, it is during the executive safety project phase that these solutions become concrete, detailed, and ready for implementation, ensuring safe operation and compliance with NR-12 and ISO 12100.

According to Guilherme Neto, engineer, Master of Safety Sciences, Managing Partner of UniSafety, and Brazil’s representative in ISO 12100, the executive project is where theory becomes practice. "We specify sensors, interlocks, and emergency stop devices in an integrated manner, ensuring that each machine operates with maximum safety, in compliance with standards and aligned with the operational reality of each industry."

What Are Machine Safety Executive Projects?

Machine safety executive projects represent the transition from planning to execution. During this phase, every protective device, including industrial safety sensors, door interlocks, emergency stop buttons, physical barriers, and perimeter guards, is specified in detail, including model, manufacturer, capacity, exact location, and integration with automated systems.

In addition, executive projects define operational layouts, risk zones, maintenance workflows, and integration with PLCs and automation systems, ensuring that the machine operates only under safe conditions. This level of technical detail is essential for minimizing accidents, optimizing industrial processes, and achieving full compliance with NR-12.

Technical Documentation: Replicable Safety

A key differentiator of the executive project phase is the development of comprehensive technical documentation. The project includes:

• Detailed mechanical and electrical drawings

• Bills of materials and safety device specifications

• Installation, operation, and maintenance instructions

• Functional validation criteria for sensors, interlocks, and emergency stop devices

This documentation enables any team involved in installation, operation, or maintenance to follow clearly defined standards, reducing human error and ensuring consistent safety performance.

How UniSafety Applies Machine Safety Executive Projects

With operations in more than 18 Brazilian states and 10 countries, UniSafety stands out in the development of customized machine safety executive projects tailored to each machine and industrial process.

This approach ensures that both national and multinational companies implement robust industrial machine safety systems, minimizing risks while maintaining strict compliance with NR-12 and ISO 12100.

Executive safety projects are critical to ensuring that planned protective measures effectively safeguard operators and optimize industrial processes. Without proper specification and detailing of industrial safety sensors, door interlocks, and emergency stop systems, even the most advanced technical solutions may fail in practice.

As Guilherme Neto concludes: "Investing in this phase means ensuring regulatory compliance, real safety for operators, and operational efficiency, while strengthening the culture of safety throughout the industry."