Machine Safety Technology News

Instead, says this report from Automation World, companies can save as much as 95% in engineering costs by integrating safety systems and process control. The first benefit of integration, besides cost savings, is to improve operator visibility into the plant and speed up operator reaction times during emergency situations. Another advantage is the ability to monitor a central control system without using separate monitors and user interfaces. This helps operators "coordinate effective responses to developing problems much sooner than would otherwise be possible." In addition to laying out the benefits of integration over segregation, the report goes on to describe three basic strategies for integration.

Join key manufacturers and industry professionals from around the globe at GlobalSpec's Plant & Facilities event. Find out about solutions for keeping your facilities and operations running safely, smoothly, and efficiently. Watch for registration details.

• Exhibitor Opportunities
• Speaking Opportunities

EUCHNER's MGB with PROFINET (Multifunctional Gate Box with PROFINET): The MGB basic system already contains everything that is needed to protect a safety guard in PLe/category 4 according to EN ISO 13849-1. In the PROFINET version we are additionally relieving you of time consuming wiring. You define which functionality is required and simply integrate the required elements to achieve your wishes. The MGB delivers the protocol frame with the PROFINET input and output data bytes required for it.

ROSS CONTROLS^® announces its new book "Fluid Power Safety for Machine Guarding" and the accompanying program "Risk Locator for Machinery with Pneumatic Power". The book covers safety-related topics pertinent to machine guarding for pneumatic equipment. Topics include control integrity, energy isolation, alternative lockout, risk assessment for fluid power, safety standards, clutch/brake controls for mechanical presses, understanding press counterbalance systems, standards references, and FAQ's. No charge. Download the 40 page PDF or request a printed copy.

If you are still using EN 954-1, it's time to migrate to a new functional safety standard, either EN ISO 13849-1 or EN 62061; the former includes both electrical and non-electrical hazards. To help with the transition, MachineBuilding.net offers a roadmap that not only points you in the right direction, it links you to additional resources and support.

Global Industrial carries over 50,000 safety equipment and supplies, choose from machinery guards, railings, safety rails, flammable OSHA cabinets, spill control and cleanup, emergency lighting, and more. Browse Global Industrial and start saving money today on all your safety needs.

Since its inception in 1988, JOKAB SAFETY has been developing innovative solutions for machine safety. The company has supplied everything from individual safety components to fully installed protection systems for entire production lines and works on a daily basis with the practical applica­tion of safety requirements in combination with produc­tion requirements.

The XYR6000 position sensor from Honeywell Sensing and Control helps improve overall reliability by giving users the ability to remotely monitor a number of applications ranging from valve position to safety shower emergency use. It's based on one of the company's most-proven sensor technologies.

When safety switches are wired in series, opening a safety guard can "clear" a fault but leave an undetected, or masked, fault in existence. Fault masking drastically reduces the performance level of your safety system, potentially allowing machines to operate with safety guards up instead of down. Under new machine safety standards, the maximum diagnostic coverage a switch can provide depends on the masking probability. This report from HazardEx explains.

Safety bumpers are used on transport vehicles, high-reach forklifts, and in applications where overtravel and cushioning is critical. The short response time of the actuated bumper initiates an immediate controller stop signal. From ASO Safety Solutions Inc.

Carlton-Bates Company services many industries with exceptional expertise and resources in safeguarding, keeping machines and equipment operating safely and productively, and protecting workers from electrical hazards, while meeting the ever-changing global workplace safety standards.

Safety light curtains from AA Electric protect personnel from injury and machines from damage by guarding points of operation, access, areas, and perimeters. The two-piece optoelectronic safeguarding device creates a screen of synchronized modulated infrared sensing beams that extend from end-to-end of the housing-ensuring operators are completely protected from machine safety hazards.

The versatility of press brakes permits changing their operation significantly from job to job. This same flexibility makes them difficult to safeguard. Consider light-based guarding, which is available in a variety of types; each type has its own benefit. For instance, laser-based proximity guarding systems are the safest, but they're only effective on hydraulic machines. Setting up the optimum safeguarding system depends on the press brake application.

Would you use high pressure natural gas to clean your lines? In some industries, that was standard practice. Not only is it inherently unsafe, there are much better options. Inherently safer methods of production eliminate or significantly reduce hazards instead of controlling or managing them. Two examples are minimizing the amount of hazardous material on site or substituting safer materials. Watch a short video on inherent safety, or read about it here instead.

Most arc flashes occur during maintenance or troubleshooting procedures. Arc-resistant switchgear can significantly increase safety, but only if the doors remain closed. Maintenance, however, usually requires that the doors be open. Arc-preventive motor control centers (MCCs) allow technicians to make or break connections with the doors closed, greatly enhancing safety for maintenance personnel.

Because dust confined in manufacturing spaces can explode, and because dust collection devices are not 100% effective, industrial vacuums designed to collect fugitive dust are a must. Look for Class II Div 2 equipment; it is designed to minimize the potential of ignition, even from static electricity on the dust flowing through the hose.

At a cost of $70 billion annually in the U.S. alone, slipping and tripping on the job is an expensive, and mostly preventable, issue. To design your matting system, assess the layout of the plant and determine usage zones. Choose durable, zone-specific matting, and don't forget to clean it! Pay particular attention to entryways. The savings in workers' compensation, medical costs, and lost productivity will be well worth it. (Article begins on page 18.)

Newsletter Subscriptions
Your source for technology news and industry information

Questions & Discussion
CR4: Q&A and discussion for the engineering, scientific, and technical community

Product Alerts
Receive e-mail updates on new products and suppliers

Engineering News
Engineering and scientific news from hundreds
of sources

Download the Engineering Toolbar
Put the power of GlobalSpec right at your fingertips

Product Announcements
New and featured products from manufacturers and suppliers

Online Trade Shows + Events
Featuring educational presentations from industry leaders and product and technical content presented by participating manufacturer exhibitors.
Call for Speakers — submit your proposal

Directory of Companies
Part Number Search
Technical Articles
Engineering & Scientific Links

To ensure prompt delivery, add do-not-reply@email.globalspec.com to your safe senders list. Learn how.

Please do not reply to this e-mail, as we are unable to respond from this address. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to: newslettercomments@globalspec.com

To unsubscribe from this e-newsletter, click here.
To unsubscribe from all GlobalSpec email communications, click here.
To edit your user profile, visit Your Profile.
If a friend forwarded this e-newsletter and you'd like to receive it in the future, subscribe directly.