3 Tips for Safety with Automated Equipment
Factory automation has quickly become the norm in many industrial and production settings. While it offers a number of benefits, factory automation also introduces new safety risks that must be considered. Below are 3 tips for keeping your factory safe when using automation.
First, always ensure that factory workers are properly trained on how to use and operate automated equipment. Improper training is one of the leading causes of accidents in factories. Some items to train your team on are:
- Emergency stop buttons
- Proper handling of materials
- Understanding the machine cycle and automation process
Second, create a comprehensive safety plan that covers all aspects of factory automation. This safety plan should be created in collaboration with workers, management, and other stakeholders. It should address both the risks posed by factory automation and the measures that will be taken to mitigate those risks.
What risks? Well, consider this: if a factory worker is injured while operating an automated machine, who is responsible? There should be clear protocols in place for addressing these types of accidents.
Finally, make sure to conduct regular safety audits of your factory. These audits should be conducted by an independent third party to ensure that all potential risks are being identified and addressed. Examples of such audits are:
- Machine safety audits
- Factory layout and design audits
- Process safety audits
An independent third party should always conduct the safety audits to ensure that no potential risks are overlooked and that everyone is following the safety protocols that have been put in place.
Factory automation can be a great asset to any factory, but it is important to consider safety when implementing or expanding automation. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe working environment for your team.