Safety in manufacturing
As manufacturing continues to become increasingly automated, manufacturers continue to look for ways to protect their most important asset: their workforce. Robots, autonomous ground vehicles, material handling equipment, and more complex systems can create more dangerous workspaces than ever before without the proper safeguards installed on the production floor. There are many forms of safety devices available today–the below are just a couple to get you thinking about the options available to you. E-Stops (emergency stops) are one of the most recognizable and most commonly thought of safety devices on the production floor. Think of them as the immediate interface to stop a machine. The E-Stop is typically in a normally closed position within a circuit that when pressed opens the circuit and cuts power to the device. To re-engage the circuit, the E-Stop must be pulled out or in a twist to open configuration returning the circuit to operational. According to OSHA, ANSI, NFPA79 and ISO 13850, IEC 60204-1, E-Stops are required to be installed where they are easily accessible to the operator and resetting the E-Stop should not allow operations to resume. A second redundant action is required such as an all- clear function through a circuit on the PLC (programmable logic controller).
Written by: Eric J. Halvorson
Partnership Marketing Manager II — Strategic Programs I Automation & Control At DigiKey
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