§ 61. Mr. Woodasked the Secretary of State for Employment what conclusions were reached by the recent study by Her Majesty's Factories Inspectorate of the safety aspects of robotics and microprocessor controls.
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§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe study of the prevention of risks in the use of microprocessor controls and robotics is continuing. I am advised by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Health and Safety Executive is to issue guidance documents on both topics. A guidance document on the safeguarding of industrial robotics is being prepared. A draft will be circulated to those in industry with an interest in the subject. Their views will be taken into account before the guidance is published. A draft of a three part document "Guidance on the Safe Use of Programme Electronic Systems" has already been circulated to industry for comment. Publication is intended for 1985, and again the opinions expressed at the consultation stage will be taken into account. Copies of the draft have been placed in the House of Commons Library.