Optoelectronic safety device, its method of operation and the safety system comprising that device

An optoelectronic safety device for an industrial plant with a machine positioned within a predetermined monitoring area (A), said optoelectronic safety device (1) comprising:

• imaging means (14) configured to capture digital images (D) of said monitoring area (A), and
• an electronic control unit (16), which is configured for:
• driving said imaging means (14) in such a way as to capture said digital images (D),
• processing said digital images (D) to determine a dangerous condition when movement associated with the presence of persons (P) and/or objects within said monitoring area (A) is determined during a monitoring period,
• preventing the start-up of said machine (101) if said hazardous condition is determined, or vice versa, and
• allowing that machine to start up (101) if no such hazardous condition is determined.