Company Recommends Machine Safeguarding Assessment Resolution for 2019

Along with singing Auld Lang Syne at the start of the New Year, making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. Of the many resolutions that will be made January 1st, pledging to conduct a machine safeguarding assessment may not be as popular as losing weight or balancing family finances, but, according to Rockford Systems, it is certain to change the way your manufacturing plant operates in 2019.

A machine safeguarding assessment, said Rockford Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Carrie Halle, “is a critical first step in an ANSI B11 program to reduce risks, especially for companies commissioning new machinery, relocating machines, or that have much older or refurbished machinery. When performed by a safeguarding professional trained and experienced in OSHA, ANSI, RIA and NFPA standards, an assessment takes the guesswork out of maintaining compliance and helps to keep a company's employees safe, machines productive and processes online." 

Halle stresses, "Not only do traditional industrial metal-working machines need assessments, but also industrial and collaborative robots."

In the U.S., workers operating or maintaining industrial machinery suffer more than 18,000 amputations, crushed fingers, and other traumatic injuries each year, the company said. While these injuries vary greatly, the majority of cases have one thing in common: the injury was largely preventable, or would have been less severe, if machine safeguarding equipment had been in place.

Machine safeguarding assessments identify tasks and hazards. Along with inspecting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems on machines, the assessment includes:

• Function testing machines and safety devices
• Analyzing machine hazards, tooling and operator tasks
• Identifying safeguarding options
• Detailing the strengths and weaknesses identified in the audit findings
• Providing hazard reduction strategies required to comply with OSHA, ANSI, RIA and NFPA standards.

While choosing a resolution is easy, sticking to it can be sometimes be difficult. In the case of machine safeguarding assessments, an assessment can be scheduled with Rockford Systems online or by calling 800-922-7533. Once completed, Rockford Systems will present an economical and timely project proposal outlining an equipment compliance roadmap for the plant. For more information, visit www.rockfordsystems.com.