Machine Safety
We provide safety solutions for new and existing automation and industrial machines
We provide safety solutions for new and existing automation and industrial machines
Think of a fence around a swimming pool or a garage door sensor. These are examples of safety measures.
Automation and industrial machines require similar (and typically more sophisticated) measures to keep workers safe from the hazards they present. Sometimes fencing is appropriate, while in other instances, sensing devices are required.
MTEs management team has CMSE® - Certified Machinery Safety Experts (TÜV NORD) certified in machine safety. We will work with our clients and their Pre-Start Health and Safety engineer to get the right solution on both new and existing equipment.
A risk assessment will identify the hazards on a machine. Simple but effective measures are considered first. Can the hazard be eliminated or reduced by substituting a material, process, or device?
Safeguards such as guarding, light curtains, and gate interlocks, to name a few, are installed to protect workers from hazards which cannot be removed or designed out. In this situation, we cannot remove the hazard, but fortunately, we can lower the risk.
Enclosing or distance guarding is the most effective measure by making it impractical for the employee to reach the hazard. However, this measure is not feasible in situations where the worker is required to have frequent access to the hazardous area.
Applying safeguarding controls such as gate interlocks, light curtains and area scanners should be functional for the worker. Over guarding is not the objective. When we have met or exceeded the requirements of the standards and the worker is not motivated to defeat safeguards, the correct solution has been implemented.
The employer should remember that employees will assume equipment is safe to work around and therefore the employer has a moral obligation for reasonable risk reduction.
