INFEED TRAINING

Safety, PPE & Emergency

Introduction

Safety is the highest priority when operating the Infeed. Understanding and adhering to safety protocols not only protects you but also ensures the well-being of your colleagues and the quality of our production. This lesson covers general safety practices, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the location and operation of Emergency Stops (E-Stops) and isolation gates.

General Safety

The primary purpose of the Rotary Press is to automate the layup, clamping, and curing processes required to produce high-quality Glulam beams. This equipment ensures that the beams are pressed to the required specifications and standards before being transferred to the finishing planer for dressing. By automating these critical steps, the Rotary Press significantly enhances production efficiency while maintaining stringent quality control.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Hi-Vis Clothing

Ensures that you are easily seen by others in the work area, especially in low-light conditions or during busy production times.

Safety Glasses

Protects your eyes from dust, debris, and potential splashes of glue or other hazardous materials.

Ear Protection

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Gloves

Provides hand protection from sharp edges, hot surfaces, and chemical exposure, particularly when handling glue or during maintenance tasks.

Steel-Toed Safety Boots

Protects your feet from heavy objects, such as timber or machinery parts, that could accidentally fall or roll.

Safety Lockout Padlocks

Used to Isolate equipment to ensure it is safe to enter before performing tasks such as cleaning and maintenance

Isolation Points & Emergency Stops

Knowing the locations and functions of isolation points and E-STOPS is critical for responding quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Full Current Isolation Areas: 

Location: E-Stops are strategically placed around the Rotary Press workstation. Familiarize yourself with their locations so that you can quickly stop the machine in an emergency.

Operation: In the event of an emergency, press the nearest E-Stop button. This will immediately halt all press operations, preventing further movement of the machinery and allowing you to address the issue safely.

Isolation Gates:

Purpose: Isolation gates are designed to physically block access to dangerous areas of the press during operation or maintenance. They help prevent accidental entry into hazardous zones.
Usage: Always ensure that isolation gates are properly engaged before beginning any maintenance or when the press is not in use. Only trained and authorized personnel should open or close these gates, and this should only be done when the press is fully powered down.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures:

If maintenance is required, follow the lockout/tagout procedure to ensure that the press cannot be accidentally started while someone is working on it. Use your isolation tag/padlock to lock the press in the off position, and only the person who locked it can remove the tag/padlock once the work is complete.

Isolation Point 1 - MCC Vacuum Destacker

Isolation Point 2 - Docking Saw

Isolation Point 3 - Long Paddle Station

Isolation Point 4 - Long Paddle Station

Summary

Safety is not just a priority but a responsibility for every operator. By adhering to general safety practices, wearing the appropriate PPE, and understanding how to use E-Stops and isolation gates, you play a crucial role in maintaining a safe working environment. Always remain vigilant, follow established procedures, and never compromise on safety.

In the next lesson, you will learn about the pre-operational checklist that must be completed before starting the Rotary Press to ensure that all systems are ready and safe for operation.