Running any manufacturing operation and keeping it efficient isn’t just about ensuring a good workflow. It’s about preventing accidents and injuries as best as possible. While good training and effective oversight are important, you should also be aware of the safety installations that can make a huge difference. Here, we will look over 5 of the most critical of them.
By Team Savant
Image: Ron McClenny
Signage
Signage plays a critical role in communicating safety instructions, warnings, and operational guidelines throughout the facility. It helps workers quickly identify hazardous areas, understand the proper use of machinery, and adhere to safety protocols. Proper signage should be strategically placed in high-traffic areas, near machinery, and at entry and exit points. In addition, signs should be made from durable materials and feature clear, easy-to-read text and symbols to ensure they are effective in preventing accidents and guiding employees.
Flooring
The flooring in a factory must be designed to withstand heavy loads, resist slips, and minimise the risk of accidents. In areas where machinery is in operation or where there is a high risk of spills, non-slip flooring is essential to prevent falls and injuries. Additionally, flooring should be colour-coded or marked to designate specific zones, such as walkways, loading areas, and hazardous zones. This visual differentiation helps keep employees aware of their surroundings and reduces the likelihood of accidents.
Barriers
Barriers and bollards are also vital security installations in a factory setting. These physical barriers help protect both personnel and machinery from potential collisions or accidents. Barriers can be used to separate pedestrian walkways from areas where heavy machinery operates, reducing the risk of employees being struck by vehicles or equipment. Bollards, often made of steel or concrete, can be placed around sensitive areas, such as fuel storage tanks or electrical panels, to prevent unauthorised access or accidental impact from vehicles.
Stops
Emergency stops are another critical component of factory security. These devices allow workers to quickly shut down machinery in the event of an emergency, such as a malfunction, entrapment, or other hazardous situations. An emergency stop button should be easily accessible and clearly marked on all machinery to ensure that they can be activated without delay. Regular testing and maintenance of these stops are essential to ensure they function properly when needed, potentially preventing serious injuries or damage to equipment.
Sensors
Finally, automatic sensors that stop machines are a sophisticated security measure that can greatly enhance factory safety. These sensors are designed to detect any anomalies or unexpected movements in the machine's operation and automatically halt the machinery to prevent accidents. For example, sensors can detect if an object or person enters a restricted area around a machine, triggering an automatic shutdown to prevent injury. Integrating these sensors into your factory’s machinery adds a layer of protection, particularly in environments where manual monitoring may not be sufficient. Regular calibration and testing of these sensors ensure they are always in optimal working condition, providing reliable protection for your workforce.
With the installations above, you can ensure that you have the provisions in place to make accidents much less frequent. It’s never possible to reduce the rate of accidents and injuries to zero forever, but you can get as close as possible with the necessary attention.