Feature Cover Story Customisable safety systems


The main danger associated with palletisers is lack of visibility. Fortress Interlocks has developed a system using trapped keys to control access, ensuring all actions are taken in a predetermined sequence


door; he then takes the released key with him into the area, preventing the door from being closed and the machine starting up again.


Machine control additions such as Request to enter and Restart push buttons can be integrated into the tGard body to create an efficient system. EN ISO 14119 standards on machine safety states that if there is a risk of a person becoming trapped behind closed guards, an emergency escape is needed.


Internal release element tGard features an internal release ele- ment. If an operator inside the guarded area needs to exit through another door in the cell because his first option is blocked, the operator pushes the tGard Internal Release inside the cell and is granted immediate access out of the area and away from danger. This is an example of tGard in use; tGard is suitable for several kinds of machines in a wide range of industries from pharmaceuticals to electronics.


A


customisable safety system that controls access to hazardous machinery and equipment has been introduced by Fortress. Whatever the application, tGard has the flexibility to be configured to the customer’s needs. Housed in a metal body, tGard accepts elements (compo- nents) to create an overall assembled product that is easily mounted onto machine guarding. You choose which elements are nec-


essary. If you want a standalone emer- gency stop, you can have it; if the application requires a trapped key interlock to control access, you can have it. If a safety gate switch is needed, (solenoid or non-solenoid), you can have it and if that gate switch needs machine control buttons inte- grated, that too is possible. tGard is built to suit customer needs with almost unlimited configurations.


tGard in action


tGard is ideally suited to safeguard workers in the packaging industry. Modern automated packaging machines often use robots to handle bigger payloads by picking up com- plete layers of product for packing. The main danger associated with


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palletisers is the lack of visibility; a maintenance person can go into the guarded area to undertake work and if he is underneath the machine, he may not be seen. The door can easily be closed and the machine restarted with him inside, resulting in possible injury or death. EN safety standards recom- mend the use of safety interlocks to protect workers from the dangers of palletising machines.


tGard in use in the packaging industry


Benefits of tGard Along with its flexibility, tGard offers several additional benefits including a combination of access and control features such as gate switches, trapped key interlocks and operator control buttons, all in one unit.


Simple, robust and future-proof, it allows for elements to be added at a later stage. tGard is easy to install, requiring just two fixings; if the Quick Disconnect version is selected then the device comes pre-wired and the


“EN ISO 14119 standards on machine safety states that


if there is a risk of a person becoming trapped behind closed guards, an emergency escape is needed”


Due to its flexibility, tGard can be configured to safeguard the palletiser in a number of ways. The device can include a solenoid controlled interlock on the guard door.


This uses trapped keys to control access, thereby preventing potentially dangerous situations by ensuring actions are undertaken in a predeter- mined sequence.


Once the solenoid has been ener- gised the operator uses a unique, coded key in the door lock to shut down the machine and release the


installer simply connects the cable, reducing the install time significantly in comparison to other systems on the market. tGard has been designed to be fully compliant with the new machin- ery safety standards.


For further information about tGard and how it can be used in your appli- cation contact:


Fortress Interlocks T: +44 (0)1902 349 000 sales@fortressinterlock.com www.fortressinterlocks.com


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 Factory Equipment


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