Don’t run with scissors! Don’t touch the stove when it’s hot! Safety rules like these are deeply ingrained in us from a young age and serve to keep us safe in risky situations. At Sanson Machinery, we want to do our part to keep you safe while using our quality equipment. Being properly prepared and informed is one of the key parts to get the best experience with our machines.
Our plate roll machinery is an important piece of equipment, ensuring that pieces of metal can be pressed into the right shape and angle for a variety of projects and needs. While working with a plate roll, there are some standard procedures that should be followed for the highest quality pieces and the safest results. The operator should know the following checklists when operating the machinery: general, pre-rolling, during rolling, and post-rolling safety.
General Safety
Like with any piece of equipment, there are some general safety rules that should be followed at all times.
- Proper equipment training: Everyone who works with the plate roll equipment should have full knowledge and training on its unique features before working on the machinery.
- Proper attire: Any loose clothing or fabric can be extremely hazardous when operating the machinery. Taking care of basic wardrobe adjustments – closed-toed shoes, hair tied back, etc. – as well as wearing PPE (personal protective equipment), such as goggles and hearing protection, keeps the operator safe.
- Maintained workspace: Keeping both the workspace near the equipment and the walkways and exits clean, clear, and organized will help prevent any accidents during usage of the plate rolls and minimize hazards.
- Tend the machine: Operators should check the machine before use, inspecting for any potential problems that could lead to accidents. If an accident or malfunction occurs, it should be reported immediately so that servicing can make the machine work properly.
Now let’s consider the safety checklist right before operation.
Pre-Rolling Safety
Before beginning work with the plate rolls, going through these safety measures first is essential for keeping the process safe from the onset.
- Check for abnormalities in the machine.
- Fasten any screws or caps and make sure the safety guards are in place. Nothing should be loose.
- Check the brakes and make sure the emergency stops are working properly.
- Make necessary adjustments depending on your project needs.
- Don’t overload the machine.
Doing a brief, but thorough, examination of the equipment before usage can make a big difference in minimizing hazards. One should always go into the project being familiar with not only the specific settings required for the material and usage, but the emergency tools in case of an accident. This helps to protect against harming oneself and risking breaking or ruining the machine.
Plate Roll Safety
Similarly to the pre-rolling inspection, maintaining a watchful eye and staying attentive throughout the procedure will keep the process safe. Always check and be aware of the following.
- Ensure the machine is stable.
- Check that there is either enough pressure or an extra margin of material at the end of the plate. This prevents the plate from falling after rolling is completeMaintain the correct distance from the workpiece (never stand on the workpiece!).
- Keep hands and clothes safely away from the rolls.
- Feed the machine evenly without force.
- Stop the machine immediately if there are any unusual noises.
While the machine is being actively used, it is of the utmost importance that the operator is aware of the status of the machine. Once the metal has been rolled to the desired curvature, there are a few more steps that should be followed to complete the safety procedure.
Post-Rolling Safety
Though the majority of the work is done, leaving the machine correctly is essential for maintaining a safe work environment.
- Turn the machine off completely and disconnect from power.
- Return the machine to its designated stopping place.
- Safely remove the rolled material from the machine.
Once the machine has been turned off and returned to the correct location, the plate roll machine is in a position to be safely used by the next operator.
Quality Plate Rolls from Sanson Machinery
Though there are many ways that operating plate rolls can be dangerous and lead to harm, staying knowledgeable on how to use the equipment, what to look out for, and what one needs to do pre-, during, and post-rolling will ensure that the process is safe.
In whatever project you are working on, we at Sanson Machinery Group want to help you have the best and safest experience. We offer machines at the highest quality and have specialists who are available to help you and answer any questions to keep you feeling supported and prepared.