Safety Devices for a Variety of Applications

A manufacturer can use a risk-utility analysis to determine whether it is responsible for making a product safe. In some cases, industry practice may shift this duty to the consumer.

For example, smart wearables can track temperature, body heat and muscle fatigue. These data can help managers identify and address lone worker issues.

Safety laser scanners

Unlike safety mats, which must be laid out in a linear fashion to guard a whole machine, a scanner can protect a larger area of floor space by creating protective zones that are configured for different applications. These zones can be shaped to fit the needs of your operation, including a robotic weld cell or pallet transfer conveyors.

In addition, a laser scanner can monitor multiple locations at once, making it easy to safeguard machines that have many sideways entry points. It also allows you to set a warning zone, which will prevent the machine from starting up as long as someone remains within the protected field. The device will then send a signal to the control system that the robot or machine should be stopped, which can help to avoid accidents that might occur when the machine is accidentally activated.

These sensors meet the requirements of a Type 3 device, meaning that they have been rated to withstand the dangerous effects of failures due to parts and ambient conditions. They must be able to detect a person and determine whether it is in the protected zone or not, and must be able to distinguish between objects. They are suitable for a wide range of safety applications, such as automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and collaborative robots. They are also less restricted in terms of where they can be mounted than light curtains.

Safety interlock switches

When hard guarding isn’t enough, safety interlock switches offer an extra layer of protection. They monitor doors, gates and other movable physical barriers that separate people from a machine’s hazards and send a signal to stop systems if the barrier is open, removed or out of position.

lone worker monitoring The system includes a sensor and actuator mounted to a gate or door. When the door is closed, a key fits into a slot and actuates the switch to turn off a machine or a specific function within a machine. They can be used to create a power-to-release or power-to-lock configuration and are available in a range of voltages, mounting options and connection types to suit any application.

Noncontact options eliminate the possibility of tampering by detecting a door or gate condition without touching the sensor or actuator. These are ideal for sanitary applications like food production where product contamination can be costly. They also feature a high-enclosure rating to resist dust, debris and long term wear and tear.

These safety switches come in a variety of materials to accommodate various industrial environments, including aluminum and chemically resistant steel. Some have a built-in actuator that moves when the switch is activated, while others have an external actuator. They are typically tamper-resistant and can shut down the entire machine if the actuator is moved or disconnected from the switch.

Emergency stop buttons and pull systems

The standards for e-stop systems vary by region, but most require that the emergency stop button be easy to identify in an emergency situation. This is why they’re usually colored red and mounted on a yellow background. There are also specific requirements relating to the size of the button and how it must be mounted on the machine.

The e-stop system must also have a means of manually resetting the safety function. This is typically done by either turning the button in a specified direction (turn-reset type) or pulling the button back to its original position (pull reset type). Some switches have dual-purpose reset types that allow both methods.

It’s important to remember that e-stop buttons can only be used in situations where they will help reduce actual or potential hazards, not to introduce new risks. The machine must also be designed so that a failure of the safety system would not cause the hazardous motions to start up again.

MISUMI offers a variety of UL-certified and DIN rail-mounted safety pushbutton switches, including models that meet the NFPA 79 standards. The e-stop switches are available in various shapes and sizes with a choice of color, mounting options and illumination features. The switches are also highly durable and offer a high level of protection, with ratings up to IP67 or IP69K.

Lights





Lights are used as safety devices in a variety of applications. They are generally mounted at equipment openings and can be exposed to dirt/debris, liquids and direct impact. Many models are designed to withstand such conditions, while also meeting the high safety standards set by IEC-61496 parts 1 & 2.

For example, pedestrian safety warning spotlights are mounted on forklifts to alert workers to avoid walking under moving equipment. They can include features like an intense color and a large footprint to ensure people are aware of the hazard even if they are distracted or absorbed in their work. These lights are also not affected by sound, which is important in environments where workers wear hearing protection or the noise of machinery drowns out backup alarms.

In health care settings, battery-powered scene lights are installed to provide illumination in areas where patients undergo deep sedation or general anesthesia. These lights can continue to operate for 30 minutes if normal power fails, providing enough illumination to safely terminate procedures. Some lights can be positioned at the entrance to manholes and pits to help workers see where they are going when working in dark, cramped spaces. A growing number of lights offer rechargeable batteries to keep them running for several shifts or days, which reduces maintenance time and expense.