Pinnacle Systems SLT Series User Manual

Page 27

A-3

Appendix A:

Regulations & Guidelines for Safe Operation

SLT Series

Saf

Safe

eeguar

guar

guarding with Mec

ding with Mec

ding with Mechanical

hanical

Guar

Guards

When a light system is used to protect the operator or

passerby from penetration, it must be mounted and

properly sized (grid length) so it is impossible to reach

under, around, or over into the hazardous point of

operation zone. Infrared light systems normally guard

the front or feed area of a machine. The sides or the

areas where the light screen does not guard must be

guarded by some other means.
If the position of the safety light curt ain will allow the

operator or others to place themselves between the

sensing field and the hazardous area, auxiliary guards

or devices such a safety mats, barrier guards or devices

should be used in conjunction with the safety light curtain

to prevent the operator or others from exposure to the

hazardous area.
If mechanical guards such as: polyurethane, expanded

or perforated metal, hairpins, etc. are used to guard these

areas, the opening must comply with the OSHA safety

distance in relationship to the openings.
After installation of point of operation guards and before

a job is released for operation, a check should be made

to verify that the guard will prevent the operators hands

from reaching into the point of operation or any hazard

zone.

Table 0-10: Mechanical Guards

Distance of opening from

Maximum

point of operation

width of

hazard (inches)

opening (inches)

1/2 to 1-1/2

1/4

1-1/2 to 2-1/2

3/8

2-1/2 to 3-1/2

1/2

3-1/2 to 5-1/2

5/8

5-1/2 to 6-1/2

3/4

6-1/2 to 7-1/2

7/8

7-1/2 to 12-1/2

1-1/4

12-1/2 to15-1/2

1-1/2

15-1/2 to 17-1/2

1-7/8

17-1/2 to 31-1/2

2-1/8

The table above shows the distances that guards should

be positioned from the nearest point-of-operation

hazards.
The various openings are such that for average size

hands, an operator’s fingers will not reach the point of

operation.
After installation of point-of-operation guards and before

a job is released for operation, a check should be made

to verify that the guard will prevent the operator’s hands

or other body parts from reaching the point of operation.