Banner Safety Mat Monitoring Modules User Manual

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The mounting surface should be level and clean. Avoid the collection of fluids under or around the sensor. Prevent the risk of failure due
to build-up of dirt, turning-chips, or other material under the sensor(s) or the associated hardware. Give special consideration to joints
between sensors to ensure that foreign material does not migrate under or into the sensor.
Immediately repair or replace any damage (e.g., cuts, tears, wear, or punctures) to the outer insulating jacket of the interconnect cable (in
the presence of fluids) or to any part of the exterior of the sensor. Ingress of material (including dirt particles, insects, fluid, moisture, or
turning-chips) which may be present near the mat can cause the sensor to corrode or to lose its sensitivity.
Routinely inspect and test the sensor(s) per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Care must be taken not to exceed operational specifi-
cations (e.g., the maximum number of switching operations).
Securely mount the sensor(s) to prevent inadvertent movement (creeping) or unauthorized removal. Methods include (but are not limited
to) secured edging or trim, tamper-resistant or one-way fasteners, and recessed flooring or mounting surface, in addition to the size and
weight of large mats.
Install the sensor(s) to minimize tripping hazards (particularly towards the hazard). A tripping hazard may exist when the difference in
height of an adjacent horizontal surface is 4 mm (1/8") or more. Minimize tripping hazards at joints, junctions, edges, and when additional
coverings are used. Methods include a ground-flush installation of the sensor, or a ramp that does not exceed 20° from horizontal. Use
contrasting colors or markings to identify ramps and edges.
Size and position the safety mat system so that persons cannot enter the hazardous area without being detected, and can not reach the
hazard before the hazardous conditions have ceased. Additional guards or safeguarding devices may be required to ensure that expo-
sure to the hazard(s) is not possible by reaching over, under or around the device’s sensing surface.
Take into account the possibility of easily stepping over the sensing surface without being detected. ANSI and international standards
require a minimum depth of field of the sensor surface (the smallest distance between the edge of the mat and hazard) to be between
750 mm to 1200 mm (30" to 48"), depending on the application and the relevant standard. Prevent the possibility of stepping on machine
supports or other physical objects to bypass or climb over the sensor.

Separation Distance

As a stand-alone safeguard, the sensor must be installed at a separation
distance (safety distance) such that the exterior edge of the sensing sur-
face is at or beyond the safety distance, unless solely used to prevent
start/restart or solely used for clearance safeguarding (see ANSI B11.19
or ANSI/RIA R15.06).
The separation distance required for an application depends upon several
factors, including the speed of the hand (or individual), the total system
stopping time (which includes several response time components), and
the depth penetration factor. The user must refer to the relevant standard
to determine the appropriate distance or means to ensure that individuals
can not be exposed to the hazard(s).
One formula used to calculate separation distance (Ds) is:
Ds = K × (Ts + Tr) + Dpf
where:
K = the OSHA-recommended hand speed constant of 1600 mm (63") per
second (see NOTE below);
Ts = the overall stop time of the machine, measured from the application
of the “stop” signal to the final ceasing of all motion (including stop times
of all relevant control elements, and measured at maximum machine ve-
locity).
Tr = the response time of the safety mat system: Module response time
plus the response time of the sensor(s), as stated by the manufacturer.
Dpf = the added distance due to depth penetration factor: 1.2 m (48")

Hazardous

Zone

Area

Safety Mat

K(Ts + Tr)

Dpf

Figure 2. Determining Separation Distance for the Safe-

ty Mat

NOTE:
NOTE: The OSHA-recommended hand-speed constant (K) has been determined by various studies, and al-
though these studies indicate speeds of 1600 mm (63") per second to more than 2540 mm (100") per second,

SM-xA-5A Safety Mat Monitoring Modules

P/N 122364_Web
rev. C