3 Essential Interlocking Devices for Machine Safety
June 19, 2024
3 Essential Interlocking Devices for Machine Safety
The success of your machine operations hinges on two key things: the safety and productivity of your operators. This is why it’s vital to invest in and implement machine safety solutions to protect what matters most.
However, industrial workplaces are complex. Even with guards on every machine, there’s no guaranteed way to avoid all accidents or injuries.
Machine guarding safety can be tricky to understand, but there are several simple ways to improve machine guarding in your workplace. One solution you should prioritize when you’re looking to take safety to the next level? Interlocking devices.
What is an Interlock Safety Device?
Interlocking devices improve safety for your machine operators. These small tools prevent your operators from making unsafe or inappropriate maneuvers.
In this article, the machine safety experts at Stronghold Safety Engineering take a look at the 3 essential interlocking devices to improve safety and maximize productivity. Furthermore, we’ll detail the importance of implementing these safety solutions across your workplace.
Machine Safety Interlocks to Safeguard Industrial Operations
When you want to prevent a machine from operating when a guard or gate isn’t in place, interlocking devices are the ideal solution. Machines can be prevented from starting if they are not properly guarded with the right interlock switch, protecting your operators and employees in the process.
With the help of these small, powerful devices, you can outfit every machine across your facility with superior safety measures — preventing accidents, injuries, or worse. As the perfect complement to a moveable guard, interlocking devices:
Prevent the machine from turning on at the wrong time
Preventing the operator from making an inappropriate maneuver that could potentially harm themselves or others.
For example, an interlock can prevent a machine from being used when a guard has been removed. These devices put the machine in a secure state when an unauthorized activity occurs, facilitating safer and more efficient workflows for your operators.
3 Essential Interlocked Machine Guards to Boost Safety
At Stronghold Safety Engineering, our goal is to provide industrial workplaces with the tools to help prevent injuries, maintain compliance, and maximize production. That’s why we offer a variety of safety products to enhance the safety of your machines, including interlocking devices.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our most powerful and flexible interlocking devices:
Optional Interlock for Silvaflame L and SL Lathe Guard Types
Optional Interlock for Silvaflame Cylindrical Grinder Guard SGG
Optional Interlock for Silvaflame L and SL Lathe Guard Types
The Silvaflame L and SL Lathe Guard Types are optional interlocks that increase the safety of lathes. They work by preventing the spindle from rotating unless the guard is in place. This helps to prevent the operator from being injured by the rotating spindle.
The Silvaflame L and SL Lathe Guard Types are both easy to install and use. They are a great addition to any shop, and are sure to keep operators safer.
Optional Interlock Kit for Stronghold Ejection Curtain Kits
The Stronghold Ejection Curtain Kits are designed to boost safety when a hydraulic press is in operation. The optional interlock kit prevents the hydraulic press from being operated unless the ejection curtain is installed and in place.
This reduces the likelihood and frequency of flying debris. As you can imagine, this provides an extra layer of safety for anyone who might be nearby.
Optional Interlock for Silvaflame Cylindrical Grinder Guard SGG
An Optional Interlock for the Silvaflame Cylindrical Grinder Guard SGG is a device that stops the machine from operating if the guard is opened. Another interlock that’s optional, it isn’t necessary for the machine to operate, but it is highly recommended in order to help protect the operator.
The Importance of Implementing Safety Solutions
When you’re working hard to create a safer workplace, it’s important not to overlook effective safety solutions outside of machine guarding and various safety products. Without implementing regular assessments, ongoing training, effective communication protocols, and other safety efforts, the products you use won’t deliver the best results.
While safeguards act as a first line of defense for your employees, it’s critical to integrate a well-rounded safety plan to ensure complete protection. At Stronghold, we’re committed to helping industrial businesses create and maintain a safer workplace.
Through our thorough machine guarding assessments, we’ll help you identify areas of risk affecting your operations — and work to implement solutions that support your bottom line. While solutions from Stronghold are a vital first step, continuing to keep up with safety solutions as time goes on is just as imperative.
Communication
One key to maintaining a strong safety culture in your workplace is clear and honest communication. Open communication is necessary for regulating safety properly; without it, it’s almost impossible to effectively express and address day-to-day safety issues.
Having a detailed communication plan is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a protected workplace—especially in emergency situations. Communication allows for an open, transparent workplace — where employees feel comfortable about addressing health and safety concerns with their teams and leaders.
In turn, this puts an emphasis on the safety culture in your organization. By investing in products and practices that promote safety culture, you can nurture a safer and stronger workplace that runs more efficiently, too.
Implement Essential Safety Solutions with Stronghold Safety
When the safety of your employees and machines are at risk, it’s time to take action. With the right interlocked guards, you can feel more confident that every member of your team is operating with the best protection available.
At Stronghold Safety, we’re ready to help you create a safer and more productive work environment. Are you looking to invest in industrial safety services (such as machine guarding assessments) or do you need an extra bit of protection with an interlocking device?
We’re here to help you identify areas of risk and set your team up for long-term success. If you’re ready to get serious about safety, then reach out to our team today.