Machine safety in industry

Meet the highest safety standards

At Contrologic, we adjust industrial machines to meet applicable safety standards.

We mitigate the operational risks associated with the use of machinery and industrial production lines. We carry out all technical and legal activities related to the CE certification process for both new and modified machines. Therefore, we take responsibility for ensuring compliance of your machines with regulations.

In our solutions, we particularly focus on meeting the requirements associated with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and harmonized standards.

Because we are practitioners with years of experience, we know that legal requirements are only part of the issue. Nevertheless, it is important to make a wise choice of technical solutions tailored to the realities of the production process. Solutions that will be:

 

as simple and reliable as possible

friendly and adapted to the capabilities of maintenance services

easily and quickly available spare parts

not hindering the operator from working on the machine

 

Below, we present just a sample of #solutions that can serve as inspiration!

See our previous projects

Adaptation to the safety requirements of the robotic cell

One of our clients conducted a comprehensive safety audit of their robotic cell for welding components. The report resulting from the audit identified a number of issues, both mechanical and electrical in nature, and we #resolved them all. Here, we’ll only outline selected mechanical aspects.

One of them was securing the workstation operated by both the robot and the operator. The absence of any barrier between the robot’s work area and the operator’s space meant a lack of protection. We addressed this by introducing sliding doors, additionally filled with transparent material to shield against sparks. Their position is continuously monitored by the machine’s safety system.

Another issue was the unrestricted access to the interior of the cell. We implemented a #solution by using automatic access gates. The gates only open when the operator, after leaving the loading area, slides the safety shutter closed. Additionally, conveyor belt limiters prevent components from falling off the belt onto the operator’s feet. Implementing these and many other safety measures, along with updating the documentation, enabled us to affix the CE marking and approve the cell for use.

Adapting to the safety requirements of tank welding stations

The leading aluminum foundry approached us with a request to modernize their tank welding stations in accordance with the safety audit presented. We took on the challenge of adapting eleven stations! The audit identified a number of problems, both mechanical and electrical in nature. We addressed the electrical issues by designing a new automation and control system, in line with current safety standards. The biggest mechanical hazard was posed by the lifting platform. To mitigate the risk of accidents, we installed both mechanical guards and optical curtains to prevent individuals from leaving the platform unattended. We also made changes to the hydraulic system to protect the platform from the risk of falling in case of a flexible hose rupture. Implementing these safety measures and completing comprehensive documentation enabled us to issue the CE marking.

Two-handed safe start

#SafeBall We highly recommend this #solution. Here’s an example of its application at one of our clients. They were facing a common #issue with the safety of positioning the two-handed start buttons on the production line. Pressing both with one hand, using the palm and elbow, was not a challenge, and employees often “simplified” their lives this way. So, how does SafeBall work? The ball consists of black and yellow parts, and to activate it, you need to simultaneously press the top and bottom! This means no matter how an employee tries, activating each SafeBall requires the entire palm of one hand. It’s a simple and brilliant solution!

New line safety fence

Safety enclosures primarily ensure the safety of workers, but also prevent unauthorized access to the machine. They also protect the machine from interference in the production process. In the case of our client, the old enclosure of the production line was no longer suitable for use. We took on the #challenge of restoring safety. Each gate is equipped with a locking mechanism coupled with the machine’s safety system and has an escape system. Distances from hazardous areas now comply with standards! There are also safety markings, updated documentation, and a newly assigned CE marking.

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