Summary
In short
- An interlock function test is a record used in KnowSafe that tests that safety interlocks stop the machine when a guard is opened, and cannot be bypassed. It is built against ISO 14119, CSA Z432 and forms part of the Machine Safety programme.
- Run to the frequency set by the risk assessment. Carried out by a qualified technician.
- The template holds 37 fields across 3 sections, with interlocks repeating for each entry.
- Scoring is pass or fail, where high is good.
- ISO is international Organization for Standardization. A voluntary international standard. Widely adopted, often required by customers, and certifiable where a management system standard.
- It connects to the rest of the library: links Asset; feeds work order.
What it is
What it is
What is an interlock function test?
An interlock function test is a record used in KnowSafe that tests that safety interlocks stop the machine when a guard is opened, and cannot be bypassed. It is built against ISO 14119, CSA Z432 and forms part of the Machine Safety programme.
When is an interlock function test completed?
An interlock function test is completed at the moment the event happens, rather than reconstructed afterwards. Run to the frequency set by the risk assessment.
When to use it
When to use it, and when not to
This record is one step in a larger programme. Using it for work that belongs to a neighbouring template produces records that are hard to report on later.
Use it for
- The event or activity this record covers has occurred, or is about to
- A new record is needed; each one gets its own ID in the form INT-2026-000
- You are running the Machine Safety programme and this is one of its steps
- A linked record needs this one to exist: links asset; feeds work order
Not for
- Machine Risk Assessment, which assesses a machine across its whole life, including setup, running, cleaning, clearing jams and maintenance.
- Guarding Verification Checklist, which confirms that guards fitted to a machine match the risk assessment and cannot be easily defeated.
- Robot Cell Safety Assessment, which assesses an industrial or collaborative robot cell, covering reach, speed, force limits and how people enter the space.
- Anything outside KnowSafe, which belongs in the workspace that owns that process
Standards
What it is built against
ISOInternational Organization for Standardization
A voluntary international standard. Widely adopted, often required by customers, and certifiable where a management system standard.
CSA Z432Safeguarding of machinery
Guard design, interlocks and safe distances for machinery.
CSACanadian Standards Association
Canadian consensus standards. Frequently referenced into provincial regulation, which makes them enforceable.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the interlock function test template based on?+
It is built against ISO 14119, CSA Z432. ISO is international Organization for Standardization. A voluntary international standard. Widely adopted, often required by customers, and certifiable where a management system standard. CSA Z432 is safeguarding of machinery. Guard design, interlocks and safe distances for machinery.
What sections does the interlock function test contain?+
There are 3 sections: header, interlocks, result. Together they hold 37 fields, 30 of which are required.
How often is an interlock function test raised?+
A new record is raised at the moment the event happens, rather than reconstructed afterwards. Each one is given an ID in the form INT-2026-000, so it can be traced and referenced from other records.
Which programme does the interlock function test belong to?+
It is part of Machine Safety. Guard integrity verified, interlocks tested, and jam clearing controlled rather than improvised.
How is an interlock function test scored?+
Scoring is pass or fail. High is good. Scores exist to make the form tell you something, not to produce a percentage for its own sake.
Can the interlock function test template be changed?+
Yes. Every field, option, score and conditional rule is editable, and the links to other templates come with it. Most teams install it as it is, run it for a cycle, then adjust.
The agents
What the agents do with it
The form is the easy part. Keeping it current, routing it to the right owner and holding the evidence together is the work that actually slips.
Holds the interlock function test library against your registers, routes each record to its owner, and keeps the evidence trail together.
Coordinates the crew, rolls completion and exceptions into one view, and holds every write for your approval before it touches a record.
This template lives in KnowSafe — safety and compliance. Incidents, hazards, permits, inspections and the critical controls behind them.
Meet KnowSafe→Sources
Sources
- ISO — International Organization for Standardization
- CSA Z432 — Safeguarding of machinery
- CSA — Canadian Standards Association