Safety / HAE

Just like all items which are used every day, Laser Safety Eyewear eventually suffers from the rigours of constant use. Frames may be loose, damaged or uncomfortable and lenses become scratched, impairing the performance and vision of these safety critical items.

A new concept in safety engineering has been developed by Euchner which combines several elements of their equipment range into a single multi-featured safety device. Called the MGB (Multifunctional Gate Box) system, it incorporates a safety switch, bolt and door-locking mechanism into a cohesive package ideal for machine builders, safety engineers and process system designers.

The Ringler suction extraction devices, available in the UK from M Buttkereit Ltd, can be supplied to cover a wide range of machine-shop and production engineering requirements. The product development has very much been based upon user-related feedback, with a wide range of product models complemented by an even more extensive range of accessories which have been geared to application specific requirements.

The potential for serious accident or data loss has been ruled out with the introduction of a new ‘Pull to Turn’ facility which can be added to any of the rotary switches made by WASP.

Given the state of the economy, it is understandable that everyone has to be more careful with their budgets than ever before. But engineers should beware of trying to save money by buying cheaper safety-related products, as it could cost them dear in the long run.

The Universal Power Alert (UPA) device from Marsh Bellofram Europe Ltd provides a highly visual external indication of live power or stored energy conditions existing within an electrical enclosure. This inexpensive safety device helps prevent arc flash and possible electrocution for operating and maintenance personnel, by pre-verifying that full electrical isolation conditions exist before the access door or cover is opened to any enclosure containing electrical power devices.

The TP and STP range of safety switches manufactured by Euchner enable machine builders and both production and process engineers to ensure compliance of individual machines and production installations with the latest European Machinery Directive regarding ‘risk of being trapped in a machine (code 1.5.14)’. The new Directive (2006/42/EC) is due to become effective on 29th December 2009 and states ‘machinery must be designed, constructed or fitted with a means of preventing an exposed person from being enclosed within it or, if that is impossible, with a means of summoning help’.

New safety switches from Euchner feature compact, reinforced thermoplastic bodied designs, ideal for applications on very small machines, typically as used with packaging systems. Designated as the NQ and TQ series, these versatile products can fit in spaces where it would be impractical to install other guard locking solutions.

A new hard-backed book on safety engineering is available from Euchner, providing nearly 200 pages of useful information for process and production engineers covering the planning, development and construction of safety systems for machine based operations.

Pilz Automation Technology is launching a new PSENslock device that combines the functions of a safety gate monitoring switch and interlock in one compact, robust unit. Suitable for mounting directly on 45mm extruded aluminium profiles, the PSENslock is designed for applications up to EN/IEC 62061 SIL3 (safety integrity level 3), EN 954-1 Category 4, and EN ISO 13849-1 PLe (Performance Level e). Sealed to IP67, it can be used on a wide variety of machinery across a diverse range of industries.