Problem
Mixing machines are widespread throughout industry. They are used extensively in the food industry for producing meat and dough products.
The potential hazards have long been recognised with the use of mixing machines. The operator could become entangled in the mixing blade or revolving spindle.
Solution
One company who recognised the hazards incorporated a high standard of safety in the design of a guard to prevent risk of injury to the operator.
The major hazard was seen as the high speed rotation of the shaft. It was decided to design a cage with an access area which would provide an unobstructed working passage and when fully enclosed, isolate the work undertaken from the operator.
A Programmable Logic Control circuit was incorporated into the design to ensure that the work is fully enclosed and inaccessible until the machine has completed the operation.
Other design features include:
- Normally closed limit switches activated by an indented cam, prevent the machine from operating unless the cage gates are closed.
- Inductance sensor was used to sense that the lock cylinders are activated and in place to begin operation of the shaft.
- The speed of the rotating shaft is gradually increased to ensure that there is no overflow of the product and that it is mixing correctly.
- Another sensor is used to sense when the shaft has completely stopped, it then sets off a time delay which deactivates the lock cylinders to allow access. Access cannot be gained while the shaft is in motion.
- Extraction of product fumes.
An emergency stop button and warning lights are also included in the design.
Hierarchy of Controls:
Engineering
Benefit
- A lifetime cost-effective protection for workers which has improved morale and production.