Entrepreneurs establish new businesses to make money. Their operations must be optimized for productivity to achieve this goal. However, they cannot ignore safety, as accidents or injuries can disrupt operations and possibly cause a temporary shutdown. Many business owners install protective systems to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Enhancing Machine Uptime with Protective Systems offers numerous benefits. However, the protective system must be designed to meet the organization’s unique needs. Some businesses need guards and shields, while others will benefit from sensors and emergency stops. The business owner should work with a reputable provider to ensure the correct items are selected and installed properly to guarantee the highest level of safety.
Ensuring the Success of a Safeguarding System
Many business owners fail to realize that a safeguarding system is only effective when used correctly. The company must prioritize operator training, which must be specific and detailed. When the operators know how to use the various components of the safeguarding system, they are less likely to be injured in an accident because the safeguards are in place and working as intended.
Planning a Machine Guarding Project
The business must know which areas are vulnerable and how to prevent workers from accessing hazardous parts to plan a successful machine-guarding project. Once the parts have been purchased and installed, the company must ensure all leaders and operators are trained in their use, and the company must empower employees to halt operations when a hazardous situation is detected. Business owners should turn to third-party professionals for help planning the project, as they are objective and may see things employees and company leaders overlook.
Protecting Workers with the Help of Safeguarding Devices
Safeguarding devices prevent workers from coming into contact with machine parts while they are moving. Countless machines today have guards that prevent this access. They enclose the hazard or restrict access to moving parts using interlocking mechanisms. These guards come in many forms. They may be a gate, fence, or barrier. Any device that restricts access to the hazardous area is considered a guard, and perimeter guarding is often used to prevent unauthorized individuals from coming close to the machine and its moving parts. Workers feel safer when these protective devices are in place, making them more productive and increasing output.
OSHA Machine Safeguarding Types
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration divides machine safeguards into four types. Fixed guards protect humans from hazardous moving parts. The stationary devices remain fixed and don’t move even when the machine is operating. Barrier guards and light curtains are two examples of fixed guards used on machines.
When an extra layer of protection is needed, business owners invest in interlocked guards. When a guard or shield is opened or removed, the machine automatically stops operating to protect the worker. Electrical switches operate the interlocking guards to ensure workers aren’t harmed.
Adjustable guards are needed for machines that must be routinely cleaned or maintained. Workers access hazardous areas on these machines with the help of the guards, and they can alter the guards for different situations. However, many machines today come equipped with self-adjusting guards.
A self-adjusting guard remains in place when the machine is operating. It allows the operator to access the machine as needed. When a person must gain access, the guard detects their movements and automatically adjusts. The worker won’t need to stop the machine or make manual adjustments because the guards do the work for them.
Hazardous Mechanical Motions
Protective systems are needed to safeguard workers from three types of hazardous mechanical motion. Rotating machine parts can harm someone because they may be exposed to flying objects or pinch points. Saws, drills, and lathes are three examples of machines with spinning parts that require guards to safeguard workers from injuries. Milling machines and meat slicers are other commercial devices that require guards to protect workers from rotating parts.
Reciprocating motions are also of concern to business owners. These up-and-down or back-and-forth movements can trap a worker’s hands, fingers, or body parts in an opening. Presses and punching machines are two examples of machines that complete reciprocating motions and need guards to protect workers.
The third hazardous mechanical motion category is transverse motions involving a linear movement across an axis. Anyone who has seen a conveyor belt in motion is familiar with this type of movement. These devices need safety guards to ensure workers won’t have contact with moving parts.
Where Mechanical Hazards are Found
Mechanical hazards may be found in several places. Employers must focus on the point of operation where the machine alters a material, as guards are needed to keep workers from harm. The transmission apparatus that powers the machine and transmits energy between points must have guards to protect workers, and other moving parts, such as the feed mechanism, must have safeguards in place.
Safeguarding Solutions Enhance Productivity
Safeguarding solutions do more than protect workers. They also enhance productivity. The devices ensure workers and supervisors have clear lines of sight. Communication improves. Workers feel more confident using the equipment because they don’t have to worry about injuries or worse. They can focus on their task, knowing the safeguards are in place.
The workplace environment becomes more efficient because the protective devices reduce downtime while streamlining processes. Workers move faster when they know their safety is prioritized. Business owners also spend less on maintenance because the machines are regularly inspected and proper safety procedures are used. Minor issues are detected before they escalate. Having these safeguards in place makes it easy to establish standard operating procedures and train new employees in the use of the machines and safety measures.
Every business needs a robust safety culture. Many business owners focus on installing protective devices and implementing safety procedures. However, every person in the organization must be committed to safety in operations and mindset. When employees see the company prioritizes their safety, they are more willing to do their part. Everyone will be safer, and the workplace will be better for all.
