Machine safety is a paramount concern in industrial settings, where the use of machinery and automated systems is integral to operations.
As technology advances and automation becomes more prevalent, ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining compliance with stringent regulations become increasingly complex challenges.
EllisCo Machine Safety Consulting can assist businesses and individuals to upskill their knowledge in the field of machine safety. This can be achieved by utilising the following options:
Machine Safety Training
Either 1 or 2-day courses depending on your requirements covering the following modules:
- Legislation & Standards
- Risk Assessment & Risk Reduction
- Safety component installation and the different types
- Presence sensing
- Fluid power systems
- Complimentary measures
- Lockout Tagout
- Safety validation
Risk Assessment service which we can tailor to the businesses requirements and are carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 4024 and cover the following:
- Determine applicable legislation and standard for machinery.
- Determine the machines limits.
- Determine and assess the existing hazards.
- Estimate and assess the level of risk.
- Propose risk reduction measures.
Safety concept and safety design
As a business you need an intelligent and cost-effective safety concept and safety design that is individual to your requirements and does not impact on your machine’s productivity. Building on the safety concept the next stage is the safety design which EllisCo machine safety consider the following as part of their safety concept and design process:
- Implementation of fixed and movable guards
- Devices for monitoring safe stand still and the shutdown of other energy sources that may be present.
- Detection of people in danger zones
- Define the required performance level for safety related measures for safety functions.
- Assist with component selection.
- Assistance with safety requirements specifications
Safety validation
Ensures that protective measures that have been implemented are correct and the safety systems are fully functional, this is carried out in a structured process that includes the following services:
- Assessment of the current design against the safety requirements
- Implementation of functional tests of the safety system
- Testing of fault simulations and exclusions
Machine safety systems
Involve the integration of various safety features and protocols to protect personnel from hazards associated with machinery. Below are key considerations for implementing machine safety systems:
- Machine Guards: Install appropriate guards, such as fixed guards, interlocking guards, and barrier guards, to prevent access to hazardous areas.
- Emergency Stop Devices: Implement emergency stop buttons or devices that can quickly shut down the machine in case of an emergency.
- Safety Interlocks: Use interlocking mechanisms to ensure that certain conditions are met before the machine can operate.
- Lockout Tagout: Develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures to ensure the safe de-energization of machines during maintenance and servicing.
- Labelling: All controls, wires, cables, and components shall be labelled to indicate their function or identify the conductor.
EllisCo support a range of world leading brands to assist businesses with the implementation of machine safety:
Axelent:
X-Guard machine guarding is developed based on three basic criteria: the system should be flexible, easy to install and meet all possible safety requirements and applicable legislation (X-Guard meets standards AS/NZS 4024.1601 and EN ISO 14120 Safety of Machinery Guards – General requirements for the design and construction of fixed and movable guards). This ensures that the main
part of the safety system (fixed guarding) is compliant.
X-Protect is a range of modular impact protection and is the most recent addition to Axelent’s portfolio of workplace safety products. The X-Protect Pedestrian Barriers are the most important means of protection to separate forklifts and potential workplace hazards from people. Pedestrian Barriers have built in damping in the rails as well as the core which makes it highly shock-absorbing. The rails themselves are incredibly strong, which results in wider centres between posts, making it a very cost-effective solution. Axelent’s products are designed with a keen emphasis on durability, ease of use, and adaptability to diverse workplace layouts, making them instrumental in fostering a safer working environment.
Sick:
Sick has a range of sensors that provide measuring and sensing solutions for applications to control processes, even in the harshest environments. They consist of Capacitive, Inductive, Photoelectric, and Magnetic sensors. To compliment the process range they also have a range of safety sensors, interlocks, relays, and controllers that protect people and machines.
Danfoss:
Variable Speed Drives are advanced systems that enable precise control over the speed and torque of electric motors. By adjusting the motor speed according to the actual demand, these drives optimize energy consumption and enhance overall system efficiency. This not only leads to significant energy savings but also extends the lifespan of the motors, making them an essential component in applications where variable speed control is crucial. Danfoss automation Drives have STO – safe torque off, this allows you to use the drive as part of the safety solution.
Fortress:
Discover our wide range from Fortress Interlocks of safety switches and interlocks for Hazardous sites, Heavy Duty Electrical, Hygienic and Wash Down environments, mechanical safety switches and Fortress FluidSentry Hydraulic and Pneumatic safety valves. Fortress systems are used in warehouse automation, wood, pulp & paper, food & beverage applications.
IDEM Safety Switches:
We offer a vast choice of machine safety solutions for a host of industrial sectors, from simple E-Stops to the most advanced networked interlock systems. IDEM has the largest range of Stainless-Steel safety devices, including IP69K and EHEDG hygiene compliant products designed for the most challenging environments.
Brady Lockout Tagout:
Designing an effective Energy Isolation Program is critical to ensuring your site is safe for all. With Brady’s Lockout Tagout products, this is easy. Brady’s products combined with adequate procedures, confined space permits and all documentation, are keys to reducing the risk of fatal injuries on-site. To compliment the LOTO system is Brady Printing Systems that enable you to create all your sites safety and facility signage and labels quickly, easily, and cost-effectively with Brady. With an extensive range of handheld and DIY printers, high-performance media, and design software, you are sure to find one that satisfies your printing needs.
Eaton Safety Contactors:
The DILMS safety contactors of the Eaton Moeller series offer reliable switching in safety-related applications, to make your machines and systems even safer. All versions of the DILMS safety contactors (from 7 A to 150 A) are equipped with a top-mounted auxiliary contact that is non-detachable. This prevents tampering and the manual actuation of the contactor. They have a range of coil voltages from 110VAC, 230VAC and 24VDC standard and electronic coils. Switch-position indicator with inspection window to prevent tampering. The integrated mirror contacts allow for reliable monitoring of the contactor status.