MODULE 4 - CLASS NOTES - MCN401- INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ENGINEERING


MODULE 4 : (Safety hazards in machines)

Machinery Safeguard-Point-of-Operation, Principle of machine guarding -types of guards and devices. Safety in turning, and grinding. Welding and Cutting-Safety Precautions of Gas welding and Arc Welding. Material Handling-Classification-safety consideration- manual and mechanical handling. Handling assessments and techniques- lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, palletizing and stocking. Material Handling equipment-operation & maintenance. Maintenance of common elements-wire rope, chains slings, hooks, clamps. Hearing Conservation Program in Production industries.

Machinery Safeguard

Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded.

·         to prevent contact with body parts

·         to control hazards like chips or sparks from exiting the machine.

·         to protect humans from injury while working nearby or while operating equipment.

·     It is often the first line of defence to protect operators from injury while working on or around machinery during normal operations

Point-of-Operation / Principle of machine guarding

A machine's point of operation is the area where its work is performed. These points can include moving parts that have the potential to cause severe injuries. Machine operators often need to come into close proximity to points of operation in the course of their work. In those cases, machine guards can be installed to prevent hands or other body parts from accidentally getting caught in those moving parts. One or more methods of machine guarding to be provided in the machine area from hazards created by points of operation, ingoing pinch points, rotating parts, and flying chips.

The following are some of the machines which usually require point of operation guarding:

·         Milling machines.

·         Power saws.

·         Portable power tools.

Selecting an Adequate Machine Guard

·         Make sure that hands and fingers can't reach past the guard

·         Use a guard that will not introduce additional hazards

·         Select a guard that does not compromise the operator's visibility

·         Guards should be made of strong, durable material

·         Install guards that cannot be adjusted or removed easily (i.e. without the use of tools)

·         Allow for lubrication with the guard still in place - If possible, one should be able to lubricate the machine without removing safeguards

·         Not interfere with the machine operation - Proper safeguarding can actually enhance efficiency since it can relieve the worker’s apprehensions about injury.

Types of guards and devices

There are several different types of machine guards. Guards are materials that keep workers from having direct contact with moving parts and other dangerous areas of a machine. Some guards also protect workers from shavings, flying shards or metal sparks created by working machines. Any machine part that could cause injury to be guarded. Guard design and material will vary from machine to machine and from tool to tool. The most common types of machine guards are:

·         Fixed guards

·         Interlocking guards

·         Adjustable guards

·         Self-adjusting guards

 

1.      Fixed Guards

Fixed guards are permanently attached to the machine or tool, don’t have any moving parts, and can’t be moved while the machine is in use. They’re most often used to enclose the point of operation, or other hazards that the operator doesn’t need to interact with, like fan blades or flywheels. Because fixed guards are permanent features of the machine, they must be disassembled and removed to perform any kind of adjustment or maintenance.

2.      Adjustable Guards

Adjustable guards, like fixed guards, are permanent, but they can be adjusted to allow the machine to handle different sizes of material. They must be manually adjusted and locked into place. If improperly adjusted or locked, adjustable guards can fail to prevent contact with moving parts, causing serious or even fatal injury.

3.      Self-Adjusting Guards

Self-adjusting guards serve the same purpose as adjustable guards, but automatically adapt to the size of the material. When the machine is at rest, these guards sit all the way down. When the machine is in use, the operator feeds material into the machine, which opens the guard just enough to let the material in. These guards are commonly found on table saws and woodworking tools.

4.      Interlocking Guards

Interlocking guards, also known as barrier guards, automatically shut off or disengage the power source when the guard is open or removed. These are particularly useful in situations where operators need to be able to open the guard or access the guarded parts of the machine, such as when clearing jams. These guards allow safe access to interior parts of the machine without requiring a total disassembly. However, they can be easy to open on accident and require careful adjustment and maintenance.

Other devices are

5.      Sensors that instantly shut off the machine's power when an invisible barrier is broken

6.      Safety light curtains that use an emitter to send beams of light to the receiving, creating a sensing screen that halts operation when it is breached

7.      Trips, such as floor mats or steel cables, that shut off power to the machine if the worker touches them or enters a specified area

8.      Restraints, such as wrist straps or safety ropes, that keep a worker from hazardous areas

 

 

Safety in turning


To avoid injuries, follow the safety precautions listed below.

 

·         Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses that include side protectors. Use a full faceshield for bowl, vessel, or any turning involving chucks and faceplates.

·         Wear hearing protection during extended periods of turning.

·         Turn the lathe off before adjusting the tool rest or tool rest base

·         Remove chuck keys, adjusting wrenches, and knockout bars. Form a habit of checking for these before turning on the lathe.

·         Tie back long hair; do not wear gloves; and avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or any dangling objects that may catch on rotating parts or accessories.

·         When turning between centers, be certain the workpiece is firmly mounted between the headstock driving center and tailstock center.

·         Ensure the belt guard or cover is in place.

·         Check that all locking devices on the tailstock and tool rest assembly (rest and base) are tight before operating the lathe.

·         Ensure the blank is securely fastened.

·         Rotate your workpiece by hand to make sure it clears the toolrest and bed before turning the lathe on. Be certain that the workpiece turns freely and is firmly mounted.

·         Be aware of what turners call the "red zone”. This is the area directly behind and in front of the workpiece, the areas most likely for a piece to travel as it comes off the lathe. A good safety habit is to step out of this zone when turning on the lathe, keeping your hand on the switch in case you need to turn the machine off. When observing someone else turn, stay out of this zone.

·         Always check the speed of the lathe before turning it on. Use slower speeds for larger diameters or rough pieces and higher speeds for smaller diameters and pieces that are balanced. Always start a piece at a slower speed until the workpiece is balanced. If the lathe is shaking or vibrating, lower the speed. If the workpiece vibrates, always stop the machine to verify why. As a starting point, consult your operator’s manual for recommended speeds for a particular lathe. Ensure the lathe speed is compatible with the size of the blank.

·         Exercise extra caution when using stock with cracks, splits, checks, bark pockets, knots, irregular shapes, or protuberances. Beginners should avoid these types of stock until they have greater knowledge of working.

·         Hold turning tools securely on the toolrest, holding the tool in a controlled but comfortable manner. Always contact the tool rest with the tool before contacting

 ·         Note that, when running a lathe in reverse, it is possible for a chuck or faceplate to unscrew unless it is securely tightened or locked on the lathe spindle.

·         Know your capabilities and limitations. An experienced turner is capable of lathe speeds, techniques, and procedures not recommended for beginning turners.

·         Always remove the tool rest before sanding, finishing, or polishing operations.

·         Don’t overreach, keep proper footing, and keep your balance at all times.

·         Keep lathe in good repair. Check for damaged parts, alignment, binding of moving parts, and other conditions that may affect its operation.

·         Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Don’t force a dull tool. Don’t use a tool for a purpose that it was not designed for or intended for.

·         Consider your work environment. Don’t use a lathe in damp or wet locations. Do not use in presence of inflammable liquids or gases, and always keep a fully-charged fire extinguisher close at hand. Keep your work area well lit.

·         Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Pay close attention to unusual sounds or vibrations. Stop the lathe to investigate the cause. Don’t operate machines when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

·         Guard against electric shock. Inspect electric cords for damage. Avoid the use of extension cords.

·         Never leave the lathe running unattended. Turn power off. Don’t leave lathe until it comes to a complete stop.

·         Learn and follow the safety guidelines for this equipment.

Safety in grinding

Grinding is the process of removing metal by the application of abrasives which are bonded to form a rotating wheel. When the moving abrasive particles contact the workpiece, they act as tiny cutting tools, each particle cutting a tiny chip from the workpiece.  Grinding machines are used daily in a machine shop.


To avoid injuries, follow the safety precautions listed below.

 ·         Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) to protect against flying particles. Gloves, aprons, metatarsal safety boots, hearing protection, and respiratory protection may be required, depending on the work.

·         Do not use wheels that are cracked or those that excessively vibrate.

·         Never operate grinding wheels at speeds in excess of the recommended speed.

·         Never adjust the workpiece or work mounting devices when the machine is operating

·         Do not exceed recommended depth of cut for the grinding wheel or machine.

·         Remove workpiece from grinding wheel before turning machine off.

·         Use proper wheel guards on all grinding machines.

·         On bench grinders, adjust tool rest 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the wheel. 

·         Guards must be provided and adjusted properly as per the manufacturers manual to protect you. Replace damaged guards because if an abrasive wheel breaks while rotating, it can cause a serious injury.

·         Follow manufacturer's manual for the safe use of grinder.

·         Clean and service grinders according to manufacturers' recommendations. Record all maintenance for grinders.

·         Ensure that a machine will not operate when unattended by checking the dead-man (constant pressure) switch.

·         Ensure the floor around the work area is clean.

·         Do not operate grinder on wet floors.

·         Use both hands when holding the grinder.

·         Keep the power cord away from the grinding wheel and the material being ground.

·         When required, have a hot work permit before use.

·         Make sure the work area is clear of flammable materials and that combustible dust is not allowed to accumulate.

Safety Precautions of Gas welding

Gas welding process uses gases like acetylene and oxygen to produce flames. Acetylene is flammable and hazardous. It has the ability to ignite and condense. Whilst, oxygen helps other substances to burn faster. It does not catch fire but can explode if exposed to fire. Hence To avoid injuries, follow the safety precautions listed below.

Personal protective equipment

1.      Eye goggles or safety glasses should use to protect the eye from infrared radiation.

2.      Protecting clothing such as flameproof apron, gloves, cap or helmet, should be wear before welding.

3.      The apron should be well fitted

4.      Protective clothing should be free from oil or grease. All these clothing should be in good condition

Storage and handling

1.      Cylinders should not be exposed to heat and should be securely chained to prevent from falling.

2.      they should be kept away from flammable and combustible materials

3.      they should be store in a well-ventilated area

4.      Acetylene and oxygen cylinders should be store separately.

5.      While shifting, there should not be a drag, but rolling on a slow movement on bottom edges.

6.      Valves on cylinders should be close before moving.

7.      Regulators and protective caps should be kept in place.

8.      Keep hands off grease or oil when opening or closing valves and regulators

Environmental safety

1.      Industries or shops where gas welding is used should have proper ventilation, lighting, walkways, store, escape route, safety poster, etc.

2.      The floor should be kept clean, free from water grease, and oil.

3.      Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible and welded jobs should be properly stored.

4.      The ceiling height should be at least 16feet from the ground.

5.      all equipment should be inspected before welding.

 

Work and equipment safety.

1.      Flame arrestors must be fitted in acetylene and oxygen cylinder lines. One of them should be fitted beside the low-pressure regulator and the other near the touch.

2.      Higher pressure should release on oxygen than acetylene to avoid acetylene flame from going back.

3.      However, acetylene should not be used when welding at a pressure exceeding 1bar of atmosphere gauge to avoid explosion.

General safety tips

1.      Whenever a backfire occurs, the oxygen valve should be close first and acetylene should follow immediately.

2.      Whenever a flashback occurs, all hoses should be replaced with new ones.

3.      Fittings should be used to securely tighten all hose connections.

 

Safety Precautions of Arc Welding

Personal protective safety

This safety is for the operators to protect their body from heat, flames and sparks produce during the operation. The shielded metal arc welding type seems to produce brighter lights, causing arc eye and skin irritation. That is why all operators are expected to cover all parts of their skin before welding.

An arc welding operator is expected to completely wear protective clothing such as a long sleeve jacket (apron), heavy leather gloves, helmet with dark faceplate, and booth.

Environmental safety

1.      Arc welding should be carried out in a well-ventilated area, due to the dangerous gases produced during welding. It causes the surrounding air to break down. Proper ventilation is necessary to protect the welders from these hazardous gases. There should be enough natural air entering into the workplace in order to push out these gases.

2.      The environment should be wise and big enough with spaces with located walkways, escape routes, stores, etc.

3.      The ground should be free from dirt, oil, grease, and water.

4.      All tools and equipment should be kept in the right place and jobs should be kept away from walkways.

Operation and equipment safety

1.      Arc welding operation should be performed in a covered place avoiding the ultraviolet light to be exposed

2.      The welding power source should be kept away from sun, water, grease, and oil.

3.      The welding machine should not be a bridge, using the wrong power source for the right machine.

4.      All switches should be in order and be performing fine. 

MATERIAL HANDLING

Material handling is the preparation, placing and positioning of materials to facilitate their movement or storage. "Materials handling is an art and science involving the movements, packaging and storing of substances in any from".

In most industries, the handling of materials, articles and equipment is one of the main source of injuries. We are required to frequently lift, handle material, and push or pull things in our daily life. Unfortunately, injuries can happen if we do not use the proper technique equipment and get help as needed.

Handling and storing materials involves diverse operations such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane, driving a truck loaded with aggregate or a concrete blocks, manually carrying bags and materials, and stacking drums, barrels, lumber, or loose bricks. The efficient handling and storing of materials is vital to industry, These operations provide a continuous flow of raw materials, parts of assemblies through the workplace, and ensure that materials are available when needed. Yet, the improper handling and storing of materials can cause costly injuries.

Major contributing factors to the worker's injuries are: back injuries, body movement (bending, twisting, and turning). In addition, workers can be injured by falling objects, improperly stacked materials, or by various types of equipment. When manually moving materials, however, workers should be aware of potential injuries including the following:

(a) Strains and sprains from improperly lifting loads, or from carrying loads that are either too large or too heavy,

(b) Fractures and bruises caused by being struck by materials, or by being caught in pinch points, and

(c) Cuts and bruises caused by falling materials that have been improperly stored. 

Safety considerations in Material Handling

To safeguard the worker from injuries due to materials handling, it is advisable to use handling equipment carefully for safe, efficient and speedy handling of materials. A safe and efficient material handling system improves the working conditions, by way of following:

(a) Safety aspects: Safety of men, materials and associated equipment not only prevents loss of money but also enhances the moral or workers and improves productivity.

(b) Easy working: By using proper handling equipment heavy jobs can be handled with ease, faster speed and at a constant rate throughout the period of production. This enables high morale and lower worker turnover and high productivity.

(c) Fool proof operation: Due to absence of manual handling, there are zero chances of confusion resulting in higher productivity.

Safety in Materials Handling

1.      If the material is very heavy and delicate in nature, ensure availability of proper handling equipment.

2.      Do not leave the load in hanging condition.

3.      Care should be taken to see that no person comes under the load while hanging.

4.      In case of forklift, no counter weight shall be used by driver cabin to balance load.

5.      While handling load with crane, working personnel should wear helmet and shoes.

6.      Ensure effectiveness of brake systems before using crane.

7.      The workmen should avoid.

(a)    Lifting too quickly or with a jerk.

(b)   Lift while in awkward position or with a poor footing.

(c)    Handling loads which are too heavy or too unwieldy to be handled by one man.

8.      Aisles and passages should be kept clear to provide for the free and safe movement.

9.      The materials should not be stacked to such a height so as to render the pile unstable and

cause hazards.

Classification

Equipment used for material handling can be divided in following three categories:

1.      Manual Handling (with or without using Non-Powered Equipment)

Commonly used Non-powered (manual) Equipment.

Hand truck.  Hand cart.  Dolly. Trolleys. Baskets etc

Manual handling means a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding an object. It has been estimated that about one-third of all work injuries occur during manual handling and most of them cause 'back injury'. Following are the reasons of such injuries:

·         Work involving sudden, jerky or hard to control movements or which causes discomfort and pain.

·         Work involving much bending or twisting.

·         Work where a long time is spent holding the same posture or position.

·         Work that is fast or repetitive.

·         Heavy weight to be lifted and carried manually.

·         Work where force is needed to carry out a task.

·         The loads to be handled below your mid-thigh or above your shoulder.

Some of the solutions to deal with such injuries are

a) Redesign the task or work area to make it safer, by

o   Modifying the object (shape, size or weight),

o   Modifying the work area or work station layout,

o   Eliminating unnecessary handling,

o   Ensuring that all heavy weights are at waist level where they can be handled comfortably.

o   Reducing the amount of bending, lifting, twisting, reaching and holding required to carry out a task,

o   Modifying the task by using tools such as levers, hooks, hoists, trolleys

o   Providing the training and information about safe working practices.

(b) In order to neutralise the effect of wrong postures for long periods during working, it is advisable to perform stretching exercises. Right type of exercise can be selected and practiced under the guidance of experts.

Manual handling equipment are manually operated and are used in the following circumstances:

o   Where handling volume is limited.

o   Where building or other limitations do not allow the use of mechanised equipment.

o   Where capital for investment is limited.

o   Where repair and maintenance facilities are not existing.

o   Where utility, flexibility, mobility and portability characteristics favour non-powered equipment.

o   Where loads are light.

o   For standby use i.e., when mechanised equipment comes under breakdown.

 

2.       Mechanised Equipment

Commonly used Mechanized Equipment are:

Gravity conveyor, chute.   Power conveyors (belt or roller).   Power truck (using pallet, skid, platform etc.)   Tractor-trailer.  Train.  Overhead travelling crane.  Stacker crane.  Monorail hoist.

These equipments are used under following circumstances:

o   Loads are over a particular weight say 22 kg.

o   Travel time is more

o   Unused space above floor is available.

Points in favour of mechanised material handling:

o   It can handle tough works which cannot be performed by manual labour.

o   It is cheaper when quantum of work is more a

o   material is required to be transported for long distances.

o   It delivers safe and better quality.

o   Time-bound targets are easily achievable.

o   Lesser number of persons are required.

Mechanized equipment is recommended in following circumstances:

o   High volume.

o   Continuous movement of material.

o   Much handling is required.

o   Increased capacity.

o   Hazardous materials to be handled.

o   Unit load concept is applicable.

o   Manual handling not practicable/possible.

3. Automatic Equipment

Automation in material handling ensures optimum mechanization with self-regulating control of functions. Commonly used automated equipment are:  

Tilting cars/trucks   Gravity, power conveyors.   Automated trains.   Automated overhead cranes.  Automated hoists.

Automated equipment’s are recommended in following circumstances:

o   High volume of material to be handled.

o   Much handling.

o   Uniform product/material.

o   Fixed material flow pattern

o   Movement between two points is fixed.

o   Process control is maintained. 

MATERIAL HANDLING TECHNIQUES

STAGING (STACKING) MATERIALS

Whenever possible make sure that heavier materials are staged between thigh and chest heights. This will make lifting easier and safer. Plan each lift and movement, know your route and make sure that the path is clear. Place some empty pallets under the material to raise the entire load to a convenient height for lifting.

Safe techniques:

·         Keep your head up.

·         Keep the load close to the body.

·         Use a staggered stance.

·         Do not twist yourself along with the load.

·         Ensure that materials are not stacked so high that they are in danger of toppling over or collapsing.

·         Store heavy items as low as possible to the floor.

·         Ensure that loads are properly secured against movement on pallets and pallets are in good condition and are of appropriate size and type for the load.

·         Where possible, try to stack articles of the same size and weight.

·         When stacking bags or bundles of material, alternate rows, e.g., place one row running lengthwise, the next running width wise, the third lengthwise and so on.

·         Ensure that, there is adequate space to all workers, forklifts and other lifting devices to navigate the workplace safely and efficiently.

·         Block or chock the bottom tiers of round items, so that they do not shift or roll.

·         Ensure that materials are not stacked so high that they block sprinklers; could come into contact with ignition sources or are near the energized electricity wires.


LIFTING AND CARRYING MATERIALS

 

Lifting appliances means a crane, hoist machinery, winch, pulley blocks, hooks 'or other equipment used for lifting. Although most works are done mechanically in the process of manufacturing, still many material handling works involving load lifting are done manually. It has been experienced that a man can easily lift about 22 kg and woman about 16 kg. But while doing work continuously in bent position, even with a smaller load, there will be immense strains on spine and back muscles that may result in injury especially for aged workers. Therefore, efforts must be made to the material at a certain height so as to minimize the strain and fatigue. Most lifting accidents are due to improper lifting methods rather than to lifting too heavy loads.

No machine shall be selected to do any lifting on a specific job until its size and characteristics are considered against:

·         The weights, dimension and lift radii of the heaviest and largest loads;

·         The maximum lift height. the maximum lift radius and the weight of the loads that must be handled at each:

·         the number and frequency of lifts to be made;

·         How long the crane will be required on site;

·         The type of lifting to be done (for example, is precision placement of loads important?)

 ·         The type of carrier required (this depends on ground conditions and machine capacity)

PULLING V /S PUSHING OF MATERIALS

·         It is easier and safer to push rather than to pull a load.

·         Plan to push rather than pull a load wherever possible.

·         Use these techniques considering the minimization of the chance of injury.

·         Use the best material handling equipment for the job.

·         Face the load squarely.

·         Grasp the handle or load firmly.

·         Keep your elbows close to the body.

·         Do not twist your shoulders or arms when making a turn.

PALLETIZING 

Palletization is the assemblage and securing of individual items of work pieces on a platform. Effective palletization can improve cycle times, reduce time and labour costs of set-up. It is a method of storing and transporting goods stacked on a pallet, and shipped as a unit load. It permits standardized ways of handling loads with common mechanical equipment such as forklift trucks.

Loading and unloading pallets of goods or produce are repetitive tasks that can easily lead to injury, if the risks are not removed. Pallets are usually placed on the ground and are loaded to the capacity of the truck or forklift that is used to move them. This can lead to serious strains, and sprains from bending over, awkward positions, using force in a stretched position, and lifting and manoeuvring above shoulder height.

Manually loading pallets can lead to sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments, inter-vertebral discs and other structures in the back, arms, and shoulders. Workers work in awkward postures below knee height and above shoulder height which exposes them to a high risk of having a sprain/strain injury. The risk of injury is increased due to its repetitive nature and long period of time. Pallets are often stacked too high causing workers to handle loads in stretched and awkward positions.

 

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT-OPERATION & MAINTENANCE.

Maintenance of a machine means efforts directed towards the upkeep and the repair of that machine. maintenance is responsible for the smooth and efficient working an equipment and helps in improving its productivity. It also helps in keeping the machine in a state of maximum efficiency with economy.

Objectives/Purposes of Maintenance

·         To maximise availability of equipment for productive purposes.

·         To extend the life span by minimising their wear and tear.

·         To ensure operational readiness of equipment at all times.

·         To reduce breakdown.

·         To maintain plants and equipment at its maximum operating efficiency, reducing downtimes

·         To safeguard investments by minimizing rate of deterioration.

·         To help management in taking decisions on replacement or new investments and actively participating in specification preparation, equipment selection, its erection and commissioning.

·         Help in standardization of spares and consumption.

·         To help in implementation of suitable procedures for procurement, storage and consumption of spares, tools and consumable etc.

·         To provide information to the management on the cost and effectiveness of maintenance.

·         To ensure safety through regular inspection and maintenance of plant, equipment and other facilities

Functions of maintenance

1.      Repair. Repair includes fault location (trouble shooting), disassembly and assembly and restore serviceability to an item by correcting specific damage, fault, malfunction or failure of a part, subassembly.

2.      Replace. Replace means to remove an unserviceable item and install a serviceable counterpart in its place.

3.      Overhaul. Overhaul is normally the highest degree of maintenance performed in the industry. Overhauling is an effort to restore an item to a completely operational condition.

4.      Rebuild. Rebuild means reconditioning or renovation for the restoration of unserviceable item to a like new condition in accordance with original manufacturing standards.

5.      Inspection or Check-ups. Inspection is an essential function of the maintenance programme. crew carry out both the external and internal inspection. External inspection. means to watch and detect defects from abnormal sound, vibration, heat, smoke etc. when machine is in operation, while internal inspection means inspection of internal parts, such as gears, bushes, bearing, tolerances in the parts, etc., during the period when the machine is under pre planned shutdowns.

6.      Servicing. Mechanical components like gears, bearing, bushes and other friction surfaces etc. give good performance for long periods, when they are systematically lubricated. Systematic lubrication means the application of right type of lubricant at the right time, at the right place and in right quantity. For servicing, a schedule should be prepared and followed strictly. Servicing includes cleaning, lubrication and check-ups.

7.      Testing. To verify serviceability by measuring the mechanical or electrical characteristics of an item and compare them with prescribed standards.

8.      Adjusting. Correct position or setting of the operating characteristics to specified parameters, adjustments are made to maintain the prescribed limits. Adjustments are made by way of making correct alignments, calibration and measurements. 

9.      Planning and Scheduling. Every maintenance work should be pre-planned in detail on the basic of the analysis done on the past records. A scheduled programme thus prepared should be followed strictly. Thus programme should be in detail specifying the points, required daily, weekly, monthly, half yearly or yearly attention. Recommendations of the equipment manufacturer should also be kept in view.

10.  Record and Analysis. Good record keeping is essential for good maintenance as it helps in forecasting maintenance. For this purpose, following records are generally maintained: (i) Operation manual, (ii) Maintenance Instruction Manual, (iii) History Cards and History Registers, (iv) Spares Procurement Register, (v) Inspection Register, (vi) Log books, (vii) Defects Register etc. With the help of these records, possible cause for major repetitive failures can be examined and rectified so as not to repeat so early.

MAINTENANCE OF WIRE ROPE

Wire ropes are well known for their strength; they are used in many different capacities. wire ropes don’t last forever. They are built to endure, but how long they can be in use depends on how well they are cared for. Care and maintenance for wire rope are essential.

1.      Protection Will Extend the Life of Wire Ropes

Protection and inspection will extend the life of your wire ropes. To protect wire ropes you must store them in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place, preferably up off the floor to protect from possible water damage. Take care not to drop ropes, especially when in a reel or coil. This will damage the ropes.

2.      Daily Inspection is Required

Make sure a professional examines the ropes before each and every use. These experts know what to look for and can identify deterioration, corrosion, and wear that an untrained eye may not see. Ropes must be removed every few months for a thorough inspection to make sure they are strong and undamaged to maintain safety.

3.      Lubrication is Key

An important final ingredient in the manufacturing of wire ropes is lubrication. This keeps the ropes strong and pliable. Original lubrication is eventually lost to heat and evaporation due to stretching and bending of the cable. Regular use of the rope requires relubrication after the original evaporates, The reason a rope must be relubricated is to protect the wire and its core and to minimize corrosion, thus extending the life of the cable.

4.      Cleaning the Rope

Also, if the cable gets dirty and particles get inside, it must be cleaned with a petroleum solvent and wire brush before relubrication. A steam cleaner or compressed air would also do the job, but either way, it must be dried and lubricated immediately thereafter. Moisture must be avoided at all costs for the preservation of your wire rope. However, to prevent safety hazards, excessive lubrication must be avoided.

5.      Corrosion and Oxidation

To lengthen the life of wire ropes, it’s important to avoid corrosion and oxidation of the ropes caused by salt air, salt brines, acid, sulfur, gasses, humidity, or fumes. When shutting down a machine for an extended amount of time, the wire ropes must be removed, cleaned, re-lubricated, and stored properly. To reduce corrosion of the cable, adequate lubricant must be properly applied in the field.  

6.      Removing from Reels or Coils

When removing the rope from reels or coils, the coils or reels must rotate. Unloading of the rope in a different manner will cause a kink in the rope, severely limiting its strength. Unwinding a rope from a stationary reel will result in kinks.

7.      Lowering and Recovery

Due diligence must be exercised during lowering and recovery operations to ensure even spooling on winch drums. Smooth re-spooling is necessary to keep the wire rope in tiptop shape.

8.      When to Remove a Wire Rope

Wire ropes are used for their strength and durability, but nothing lasts forever. You can extend the life of your wire ropes by following the guideline listed above, but when it shows signs of wear such as a reduction in diameter, broken wire, kinks, birdcaging, nodes, flattened areas, misplacement of outer wires, heat damage, corrosion, loose wires or loop formations, it must be removed from service.

MAINTENANCE OF CHAINS SLINGS

Lifting slings are an essential facet of the lifting equipment. Slings come in many different types including chain slings, wire rope-slings, and round slings, etc. Each sling will have its own individual purpose

A thorough examination must be carried out by competent person at least once in 12 month or according to statutory regulations,

·         Position the wire rope sling in a way that every part is viewable and accessible to the inspector.

·         The inspector will remove dirt and apply grease using a wire brush to reveal fittings and wires.

·         The inspector will closely inspect the sling to test the parts with a high chance of wear and tear.

·         The inspector will also focus on the end attachments, fittings, and the parts adjacent to those fittings.

·         The inspector will look for the damaged and worn-out parts of the wire rope sling. The inspector will also label the parts that were already inspected.

Be sure to keep a record of your sling inspections. A record will help you keep track of your last inspection date and sling conditions.

When to Replace Your Old Slings

You may find some signs of damages after the inspection. However, that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy to decide between repair and replacement of the damaged slings. This is a guide that might help you determine when it’s time to replace those damaged slings.

·         Deteriorated wires: Five damaged wires in a strand indicate that it’s time for a replacement if you are using single-part slings. If you’re using a multi-part sling, ten randomly damaged wires in a rope lay should warrant replacement.

·         Metal loss: The loss of metal may be indicated by the outer diameters of wires showing wear and tear signs. In this case, you should strongly consider replacing the sling.

·         Bent and cracked end attachments of wire rope slings should also warrant replacement.

·         Severe rope corrosion is a sign that you should replace your slings. However, light rusting will only reduce the strength of your slings. In this case, whether you replace them or not is entirely up to you.

·         Bent hooks: The standard throat opening is 15%. Once the hooks start to become bent, you should consider replacing them.

·         Chain and components wear should never exceed 10% of the original dimensions. 

·         Once a chain sling has been overloaded it must be taken out of service.

·         Store chain sling on a properly designed rack. Never leave chain slings on the floor where they may suffer atmospheres.

·         Chain slings must not be heat-treated, galvanized, plated, coated or subject to any process involving heating or pickling. These processes can have dangerous effects and will invalidate the manufactures certification.

MAINTENANCE OF HOOKS

A lifting hook is a device for grabbing and lifting loads by means of a device such as a hoist or crane. A lifting hook is usually equipped with a safety latch to prevent the disengagement of the lifting wire rope sling, chain or rope to which the load is attached.

Maintenance of Hooks

1.      Before use, hooks must be inspected by an experienced person.

2.      Remove a hook from service if any of the following are in evidence:

·         Cracks, nicks or gouges

·         Twist exceeding 10 degrees from plane of unbent hook

·         Damage or malfunction to the latch

·         Throat opening exceeding 15 percent

·         Wear exceeding 10 percent of original dimension

·         Damage from heat

·         Unauthorized repairs

3.      Cracks, nicks or gouges should be removed by a qualified person. Grind lengthwise, following the contour of the hook.

4.      If removing the damaged area results in a loss of more than 10 percent of the original dimension, the hook must be replaced.

5.      Never repair, alter or reshape a hook by welding & heating, burning or bending, unless approved by the hook manufacturer.

6.      When lifting, ensure the hook, not the latch supports the load. The sling or lifting device must always be seated properly in the bowl of the hook.

7.      Never side load, back load or point load a hook. It reduces strength and create an unsafe condition

MAINTENANCE OF CLAMPS

A clamp is a fastening device used to hold or secure tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application of inward pressure. There are many types of clamps available for many different purposes. Some are temporary, as used to position components while fixing them together, others are intended to be permanent.

Maintenance of Clamps

1.      To make sure the clamp works efficiently, it is important to keep all the parts clean. Any dirt may damage the ability of the tool and stain the surface of the work piece during clamping.

2.      After every use wipe the clamp with a dry cloth to clear any dust or debris that may have built up.

3.      Regularly oil all the moving parts to keep them in best condition and to prevent rust.

4.      Store the clamp in a safe and dry place, such as on a shelf in a garage

 

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM IN PRODUCTION INDUSTRIES

Hearing conservation programs are designed to prevent hearing loss due to noise. Hearing conservation programs require knowledge about risk factors such as and ototoxicity, hearing, hearing loss, protective measures to prevent hearing loss at home, in school, at work, in the military and, and at social/recreational events, and legislative requirements.

a hearing conservation program is required “whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels’’. This means that employers are required to monitor all employees whose noise exposure exceeds 85dBA during the course of 8 hours.

Benefits of Hearing Conservation

Prevention of occupational hearing loss benefits the employee by preserving hearing abilities which are critical to good quality of life: interpersonal communication, enjoyment of music, detection of warning sounds, and many more. The HCP provides a health screening benefit, since non-occupational hearing losses and potentially treatable ear diseases are often detected through annual audiograms. Lowering exposure also reduces potential stress and fatigue. The employer benefits directly by implementing an effective HCP, since workers will remain more productive Effective HCPs can reduce accident rates and promote work efficiency.

The key elements of a hearing conservation program:

1.Noise monitoring - this is measuring the noise levels in the workplace, the intensity, or loudness, and the duration. You can use either:

- area monitoring - measure the average levels in the workplace using a sound level meter.

OR

- personal noise (dosimetry) - the worker wears a microphone clipped on the shoulder, near the ear, and exactly what they're exposed to all day is measured, which gives a more accurate measurement of unprotected noise exposure.

2.  Audiometric testing - the annual hearing test for all employees that are enrolled in the hearing conservation program. It has to be done in an appropriate test environment, like an audio booth or a very quiet room.

3. Hearing protection selection and fit testing - the employer must provide hearing protection in a variety of types with suitable attenuation characteristics. Earplug fit-testing determines if employees are receiving optimal protection for their noise environment, require additional training, or need a different model of hearing protector.  All the measured data can be collected, stored, and uploaded to a cloud system for graphical display and analysis.

4.  Employee training and education - training should include information on the effects of noise, information on hearing protectors, an explanation of a hearing test, and information on the hearing conservation program itself and what is expected of the employee for the program.

5. Record keeping – employers should document the workers’ hearing history. When they first start the job, they should have a baseline hearing test, then an annual audiogram after that to look for any changes. All these, along with any evidence of training and education should be kept as a record, as well as any fit-testing results or other relevant documents.

6.  Program evaluation - constantly evaluate the performance of the program, by asking for employee feedback and reviewing responsibilities and records.

 

KTU MODEL QUESTIONS 

1.      Which are the hazards associated with manual material handling? (3 marks)

2.      Discuss the safety issues of Gas welding operations. (3 marks)

3.      Which are the various types of machine guarding devices used industries. Discuss the suitability of each machine guarding devices. (14 Marks)

4.      With suitable sketches briefly explain seven defects of wire ropes. (14 Marks)


Dear Faculty & Students ,  

Please send your valuable suggestions,corrections, or inaccuracies to  manojkumar@scmsgroup.org

Corrections will be done later with proper acknowledgement.

Thank you 

Dr Manoj Kumar B