Robot Safety in Industrial Environments: Why Certification Matters

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Across North America — from oil and gas facilities in Texas to chemical plants and offshore platforms — robotics are transforming how industrial operations function. As these systems increasingly share space with human workers, one question becomes critical: are they certified to operate safely?

The Critical Role of Certification

Modern industrial robots are no longer confined to fenced zones. They move, sense, and collaborate in dynamic workspaces. In hazardous locations (HAZLOC) such as refineries or chemical plants, even a small electrical fault could trigger a catastrophic event.
Certification ensures that these robots are engineered to prevent such failures, protecting people, assets, and operations.

Certified robotic systems incorporate explosion-proof housings, intrinsically safe circuits, and purging systems.

Certification isn’t just about compliance — it’s a strategic investment in reliability, safety, and operational trust.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

Certified robots reduce legal exposure, simplify insurance approvals, and provide documented assurance that safety risks were addressed at the design level.

Beyond compliance, certification signals to clients, regulators, and employees that your organization values safety and operational excellence.

Emerging Standards: UL 6260 and Beyond

The introduction of UL 6260, an emerging robotics safety standard, represents the next frontier in automation. It covers advanced robotic platforms — drones, legged robots, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) — increasingly used for inspection and maintenance in hazardous or remote environments.

By defining safety benchmarks for mobility, autonomy, and environmental resilience, UL 6260 helps ensure robots can be deployed confidently and consistently.

Certified Robots vs. Hot Work Permits

Traditional “hot work” permits temporarily authorize human personnel to perform high-risk tasks under supervision. Certified robots eliminate the need for many such permits by embedding engineered safety directly into their design — enabling continuous, reliable operations and reducing human exposure.

A Safer Path Forward

Certified robotics mark a pivotal step in industrial transformation. They protect workers, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance while enhancing efficiency.

At Microwatt Controls Ltd., we help clients across North America deploy certified robotic systems that meet the highest safety standards and deliver reliable performance in the most demanding environments.

Learn more, access full whitepaper: “Robot Safety in Industrial Environments: The Importance of HAZLOC & ORDLOC Certifications — or contact us to learn how certification can protect your people and your productivity.