Safety Relays Explained: A Guide to How It Works

October 1, 2024 / in Machine Safety Blog
Introduction A safety relay is an electromechanical or electronic device designed to reduce risk and implement safety functions, particularly in industrial environments. Its primary goal is to shut down power and remove risk safely and reliably. It reduces the risk of hazards and decreases the chance of damage, injury, or death. It’s important to note…
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Mechanical Hazards and Injuries in the Workplace

September 5, 2024 / in Machine Safety Blog
The primary purpose of machine guarding is to protect people from mechanical hazards in the workplace. However, to safeguard a machine, you should first be able to identify the primary hazards that can be found in and around machinery. But first, let’s define mechanical hazards, and later, we will give examples. Mechanical Hazards “Mechanical hazard”…
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Connecting Safety Interlock Switches in Series

July 29, 2024 / in Machine Safety Blog
To save on costs and simplify wiring, a standard method of connecting multiple interlock switches is daisy chaining them. Daisy chaining means connecting several devices in a linear series. But doing it that way may present what is called fault-masking, which are faults that the safety system may not detect. Daisy Chaining Mechanical Interlock Switches…
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Two-Hand Control for Machine Safeguarding

June 3, 2024 / in Machine Safety Blog
An adequately installed two-hand control on an operating machine will keep its operators’ hands away from dangerous areas. These hazardous areas include dangers such as crush points. What’s a crush point? A crush point is any location where a body part might become trapped between two moving objects or one moving towards a stationary object….
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Comparing Machine Safeguarding Assessments and Risk Assessments

April 17, 2024 / in Machine Safety Blog
Are you uncertain if your machinery can meet modern safety regulations? Using safeguarding or risk assessment methods, you can pinpoint areas where machine protection is lacking and identify potential safety hazards. Tons of machines are being set up in companies every day. From small machines like a Home Depot saw to giant machines like automated…
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Presence-Sensing Devices, An Essential Guide

March 6, 2024 / in Machine Safety Blog
Introduction – What are presence-sensing safety devices? If you can’t use a permanent barrier for machine safety, or if the situation demands it, you might need a device that can tell when someone is there. These devices, called presence-sensing devices, use electronic sensors to notice if a person or object is in a certain area….
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Choosing Safety: What to Look for in Machine-Guarding Companies

November 21, 2023 / in Machine Safety Blog
Introduction Numerous machine-guarding companies are available, each claiming to enhance safety through effective machine-guarding solutions. While some companies specialize in specific services like conducting risk assessments, others provide more comprehensive solutions encompassing a wider range of machine safety services.  Machine guarding involves installing safety devices on or near industrial machinery to shield workers from hazards…
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Band Saw Safety 101: Guarding Against Risks in Vertical and Horizontal Band Saws

August 11, 2023 / in Machine Safety Blog
In the world of manufacturing, metalworking, and woodworking, band saws – vertical and horizontal alike – are indispensable tools. While they contribute immensely to operational efficiency, they also pose significant safety risks if not handled and safeguarded appropriately. Today, we’ll delve into how to make these machines safer for operators, thereby mitigating potential accidents. Understanding…
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