Complete package keeps processes safe

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 1, 2003

Using top quality safety equipment such as that produced by Erwin Sick is very important, but the safety of operators and others in industrial plants requires more than just good products.

Using top quality safety equipment such as that produced by Erwin Sick is very important, but the safety of operators and others in industrial plants requires more than just good products.

Sick has been looking at how safety in manufacturing companies can be enhanced and now introduces its Sick Safety Specialists and Service Portfolio.

Based on the German parent company's approval from the DAR as an inspection body to DAT-1-003/01-00, it has trained engineers in various parts of the world, including the UK, to the same high standard.

Safety inspection protocols and internal training are certified according to EN45004.

The system offers comprehensive support for safety-related issues and a modular programme that can be adapted to individual needs or assembled to create an overall solution.

The services offered include: initial commissioning inspection - covering correct mounting, effectiveness against potential risk, trouble-free interaction with the machine controls system and compliance with the valid safety regulations; and periodic inspection - to check the whole safety equipment once a year according to valid safety regulations, verify component life expectancy and attach the Sick Inspection Seal.

A repair and exchange service provides a quick on-site service, bench repairs at fixed rates and exchange unit delivery within a set time frame.

Stop time measurement measures the stopping time of the machine with appropriate equipment, determines the required safety distance for the protective device, and provides professional documentation and machine labels to indicate measurement is in compliance with the regulations.

Technical advice on site provides advice on safeguarding systems in an application, assistance in the selection of adequate protective devices and examination of reportable incidents.

Customer training involves tutors with practical experience offering product introductions in relation to the application.

Comprehensive product training programmes are available to help protect against accidents and provide optimum availability of the machine.

Finally, service contracts provide contracted regular annual inspections, with priority call-out, to protect against unforeseen risks.

Often safety is not even considered until a plant is operational, but much more can be achieved if it is taken into account at the planning stage.

Experienced engineers from Sick can give help and advice to eliminate the sources of danger, and also save time and money.

Sick knowhow helps minimise the risk of accidents, reduces machine downtime and ensures compliance with the relevant safety standards.

Stop time measurements, using professional methods with calibrated measuring equipment and competent implementation, will produce clear and documented results and determine the needs of the system.

The installation package covers mounting, adjustment and programming of Sick equipment.

In addition Sick can carry out a safety inspection of the equipment and an instruction session specifically tailored to the needs of the staff, if requested.

In cases of emergency, specially trained engineers can quickly repair equipment, either on-site or by returning it to the factory.

Service contracts are also available to ensure priority service and reduced downtime through regular inspection.

Versatile training programmes will help operators and other users learn about the efficient and best use of all Sick protective systems.

Sick already has a strong safety product and service reputation.

With the introduction of this accredited safety inspection regime, it can also now offer fully traceable services.

Safety specialists are all experienced Sick Safety Service Engineers, now with extensive training to bring their knowledge up to the highest level.

They are qualified to inspect and corroborate work safety in accordance with the applicable regulations in respect to electro sensitive protective equipment (ESPE).

The SICK Safety Inspection Seal will offer the user and inspection bodies, confirmation that an accredited Sick Safety Specialist, using traceable procedures has validated the ESPE and its interfacing.