Machines are commonplace in factories and industrial environments, but they also come with inherent risks. Hazards such as sharp edges, clamps, presses, hot surfaces, and moving parts are evident, and operators must be protected from these risks. In addition to training for the safe use of machines, operational measures are necessary. The primary approach should always be to eliminate hazards by implementing physical protection or guards. Clear warning signs should also be installed. Machine safety systems using keys, sensors, and opto-electronic protective devices that monitor how an operator interacts with a machine are a secondary way to reduce risks in cases where physical protection is impractical.
What are the best machine safety products?
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- Emergency stop buttons
- Emergency stop buttons, also known as e-stops or kill switches, are fault-safe mechanisms that ensure the immediate shutdown of machines in the event of an accident or other serious incidents. E-stops should be clearly marked and easily accessible, but not so accessible that they can be unintentionally activated. There are three models available: push-pull, key release, and turn-to-release.
- RF-ID Switches
- Non-contact safety switches are designed to quickly shut down dangerous machines and prevent injuries. They operate through transponders, inductors, or magnets, typically being highly durable and requiring minimal maintenance.
- Radar Systems
- Radar systems send signals to a designated area, and when an object is detected in that area, they send a signal to stop the system, protecting operators from moving parts and hazardous areas of the machine.
- Area Scanners
- Safety laser scanners provide a laser safety solution to safeguard mobile vehicles and fixed applications that are not protected by other safety solutions, such as internal sections of robotic work cells.
- Light Curtains
- Also known as safety light barriers, these optoelectronic devices detect the presence of objects in specific areas and initiate the emergency shutdown of hazardous machines when such detection occurs. They are designed to prevent injuries to workers who approach and are at risk of injury due to their proximity to the machines. They come in various sizes with different scanning capabilities and powers.
- Safety PLCs and Relays
- These devices manage all safety equipment in the field, whether through software or control circuits. They facilitate communication with the machines in your operation.
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