Inspection service serves as an MOT for light curtains
Conscious of the increasing pressures on production, coupled with safe working practices, Leuze electronic has introduced an inspection system to help ensure the safe light-curtain guarding of machines and danger areas.
For over 10 years, Leuze electronic has been running a successful inspection service in Germany, which helps to ensure the safe light-curtain guarding of machines and danger areas. Recognising the need for such a service in the UK too, Leuze electronic has invested in equipment and training in order to provide this locally to users of light curtains in the UK.
Leuze electronic’s Safety Inspections use a purpose-designed, standards-specific testing protocol to ensure a machine’s compliance with safety and quality standards. At the end of the inspection the customer receives a report which, like an MOT for a car, states that the machine complies to the legislation. Should the machine fail on specific criteria, this is detailed in the report, enabling the customer to resolve the problem and be assured that the machine is then compliant, without the need for another inspection.
Regular safety inspections guarantee compliance with safety and quality standards and also serve as a precautionary maintenance measure. Information supplied to a customer following a typical inspection includes:
- Identification of the machine and its protective devices.
- Tests of the installation’s integrity – For example, can light curtains or guarding be reached over, under, or around into areas of danger.
- Stopping-time measurements wherever possible – taking into account the complete ‘stopping chain’ from light-curtain interruption to actual machine stoppage. Testing performed with state-of-the-art, calibrated measuring devices – producing documented test results in accordance with DIN ISO 9001:2000.
- A check of the circuit diagrams for confirmation of correct and safe integration of the guarding curtains into the machine’s control system.
- Problem analysis and solutions presentation.
- The information is presented in paper and/or pdf format and a sticker applied to the light-curtain to indicate the work has been carried out and when it’s recommended to check again.
Commenting on the service, Leuze electronic’s MD, Mark Weymouth said “not every machine is fortunate enough to use Leuze electronic’s light guards, but we will inspect machines using any brand of curtain!”
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