ROTARY PRESS TRAINING

Safety, PPE & Emergency

Introduction

Safety is the highest priority when operating the Rotary Press. 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.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Mandatory PPE: When operating the rotary press, you must wear the following:

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

It is mandatory to wear Grade 5 puncture-rated gloves when handling timber inside the orange zones of the rotary press. These gloves provide the necessary protection from sharp or splintered timber and reduce the risk of hand injuries.

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

E-Stops and Isolation Gates

Understanding how to use Emergency Stops (E-Stops) and isolation gates is critical for ensuring safety during press operations.

Emergency Stops (E-Stops):

Emergency stops (E-Stops) are positioned along the length of the rotary press to quickly halt operations in the event of an emergency. Knowing their location and how to use them is critical.

E-Stop Locations:

  • Main E-Stop: Located on the HMI control panel at the front of the rotary press.
  • Additional E-Stops: Found along the sides of the press, in key locations near the infeed, glue applicator, and outfeed sections. These E-Stops are clearly marked with red buttons and signage.

When to Use an E-Stop:

  • Press the E-Stop if you observe any hazardous condition, malfunction, or safety risk.
  • Always use the E-Stop to halt the press immediately in case of an emergency.

Isolation Gates:

Proper isolation of the rotary press is crucial when performing certain tasks such as maintenance, size changes, or clearing blockages. The press must be fully isolated whenever there is a risk of unexpected startup during these activities.

Isolation Points:
The rotary press has multiple isolation points located around the machine. The primary isolation point is:

  • Located near the main HMI control panel on the side of the press.
  • Additional isolation points are located near the infeed and outfeed sections for further safety.

When to Isolate:
You must isolate the press in the following situations:

  • Before conducting maintenance or troubleshooting.
  • When performing size changes or adjustments.
  • If you need to enter the orange zones for any reason.
  • Anytime you are required to handle timber or components near moving parts.

Always ensure that the lockout tag is applied before entering any restricted areas to prevent accidental startup.

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.