What are the OSHA Requirements for Machines?
OSHA Section 1910.212, General Requirements for all Machines states, “Point of operation is the area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material being processed. The point of operation of machines, whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded. The guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards therefore, or, in the absence of applicable specific standards, shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the operator from having any part of his body in the danger zone during the operating cycle. Examples of guarding methods are – barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.” Click here to learn more about high density mobile shelving. (See videos)
Safety Features are Included on All Powered High Density Mobile Shelving
In a powered high density mobile shelving system, the “point of operation” is the aisle that personnel must enter to access the material. Because powered high density mobile shelving without any safety features in some circumstances can be closed upon personnel and cause injury, standard safety features are included on all systems to meet these requirements. Additional features that go well above and beyond meeting the OHSA requirements can also be added to your powered high density mobile shelving system, depending on your specific needs.
Photo Sweep Safety Feature
The basic safety feature included on powered high density shelving is called Photo Sweep®. It uses infrared photoelectric technology to provide protection for people and objects in open aisles. Features include:
- Aisle lock out with manual reset protects objects left in the aisle by requiring that they be cleared from the affected sweep before normal system operation can resume. Also assures visual check of open aisle before being reset for activation.
- 3/4” beam activation height above the floor detects even low, small objects on the aisle floor.
- Design flexibility permits additional optional sensors that can be mounted at variable locations.
- Photo sweeps provide for zero activation pressure.
Photo Sweep with Aisle Entry Safety Feature
The next level safety feature is Photo Sweep with Aisle Entry. It uses the same infrared photoelectric technology but adds the security of aisle entry sensors. Features include:
- The invisible beam transmits across the entryway of each aisle preventing the shelving from moving once you enter into an aisle.
- Design flexibility that allows an opening to open to the full width and lock in position after a user has entered it.
- Should a user enter a closing aisle, the system will stop all carriage movement.
- Aisle lock out with manual reset assures visual check of open aisle before being reset for activation.
- Photo sweeps and aisle entry provide for zero activation pressure.
Zero Force Sensor Safety Feature
The top-of-the-line safety feature that can be added to powered high density mobile shelving is the Zero Force Sensor® system (ZFS). It provides a completely “passive” method of protecting people and objects in the open aisles of mobile shelving. Features include:
- ZFS is a microprocessor controlled infrared photoelectric system that requires no conscious effort or weight pressure to stop or prevent carriage movement when a person or an object is detected.
- Detects people, wheelchairs, carts, stools, and books on the aisle floor.
- Immediately stops the carriage movement into a closing aisle should a user enter it as it is closing.
- Provides for automatic reset.
Contact Us to Learn More about Powered High Density Mobile Shelving Safety Features
Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for powered high density mobile shelving. To learn more about these safety features, contact us by phone at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message.
Resources
Mobile Shelving Safety
