In 2016, EHS Today covered the story of a Green Bay-based company that faced severe consequences after failing to provide proper machine guarding, “Investigators determined a worker had his left hand crushed on July 21, 2016, by a molding machine, when the tamp head smashed his hand as he removed a mold from the machine. According to OSHA, the machine’s
safety interlock on the door guarding the operating parts was damaged and not functional properly, which disabled the safety guard and led to the injury.”
These types of accidents are happening every single day at companies across the world. This is why we created RapidGuard® II, to present an easy-to-install machine guarding system that offers industry-changing safety standards to keep employees safe while still optimizing space. It is incredibly dangerous not to provide machine guarding when running machinery that is potentially hazardous to your team. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of machinery that require this type of guarding.
Common Machinery Utilizing WireCrafters Machine Guarding
We provide RapidGuard® II machine guarding for a multitude of applications. While the types of machines may vary, here are a few examples that show the breadth of the industries we work with on a regular basis:
- Weld Cells
- Robotic Cells
- Press Break Equipment Stations
- Laser Cutting Operation Areas
- Metal Stamping and Folding Areas
- Punching Stations
- Milling Machines
- Saw Machines
Each of these machines has different functions, but all pose a threat to nearby employees if not properly guarded. It can be tempting to say, “Well, nothing bad has ever happened before.” But ultimately, it’s not about what hasn’t happened before but what could happen later. Machine guarding not only follows OSHA standards but also takes the guesswork out of wondering if your people are properly protected.
If you have questions about whether the machines in your facility require guarding, our experienced team is here to provide guidance. At WireCrafters, we take machine guarding seriously, and this includes our own facility and spaces for clients like you.
Real World Applications of RapidGuard® II
The Positive Impact of RapidGuard® II
The 1¼ inch wire mesh on our machine guarding is revolutionizing the industry. How, you may ask? This size opening allows your people to get closer than ever to the guarding while still being completely protected. Now, instead of having to utilize multiple feet of space to create the proper distance, your facility can save room and modify your environment to its fullest potential.
In addition, our hinge or slide doors offer what is called a safety interlocking system. This provides an access door to the machine if something needs to be modified or repaired, and when that door is opened, the safety interlock will automatically shut down the machine. This can give your employees added peace of mind when their job requires them to work near or with the machinery.
You’ll also save time when installing RapidGuard® II. The pre-drilled threaded inserts on the vertical posts make installation a one-person job! The lift-off wire mesh partitions make the system easy to install and simple to adapt if a machine is moved or you need to add panels for a larger machine.
The most significant impact is the trust it builds with your team. When you invest in the proper safety products, your team will take notice. OSHA standards are there for a reason: to protect both your people and your company as a whole. However, that doesn’t mean you must do the bare minimum just to get by. Utilize a machine guarding system like RapidGuard® II that follows ANSI, ISO, OSHA, and RIA Standards and provides added advantages to your team, such as optimizing space and easy installation.
Maybe seeing RapidGuard® II in other facilities inspires you to follow suit, or perhaps you still aren’t sold on it as a solution for your facility. Wherever you may be in the process of upgrading your machine guarding, we would love to talk with you and work together to find the right solutions for your business. So, if you’re looking to change the way your operations function for the better, contact us today!
To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
