Device Tools

Pullback Device:

  • Utilizes a series of cables attached to the operator’s hands, wrists, and/or arms
  • Primarily used on machines with stroking action
  • Allows access to the point of operation when the slide/ram is up
  • Withdraws hands when the slide/ram begins to descend

Restraint Device:

  • Uses cables or straps attached to the operator’s hands and a fixed point
  • Must be adjusted to let the operator’s hands travel within a predetermined safe area
  • Hand-feeding tools are often necessary if the operation involves placing material into the danger area

Safety Tripwire Cables:

  • Device located around the perimeter of or near the danger area
  • Operator must be able to reach the cable to stop the machine
  • Tripwire cables must be manually reset to restart the machine.

Two-Handed Control:

  • Requires constant, concurrent pressure to activate the machine
  • The operator’s hands are required to be at a safe location (on control buttons) and at a safe distance from the danger area while the machine completes its closing cycle

This kind of control requires a part-revolution clutch, brake, and brake monitor if used on a power press as shown.

A similar device, known as a two-hand trip, requires concurrent application of both of the operator’s control buttons to activate the machine cycle, after which the hands are free. This device is used with machines equipped with full-revolution clutches. The trips must be placed far enough from the point of operation to make it impossible for the operators to move their hands from the trip buttons or handles into the point of operation before the first half of the cycle is completed to prevent them from being accidentally placed in the danger area prior to the slide/ram or blade reaching the full “down” position.

Gate:

  • Movable barrier device which protects the operator at the point of operation before the machine cycle can be started
  • If the gate does not fully close, machine will not function

Another potential application of this type of device is where the gate is a component of a perimeter safeguarding system. Here the gate may provide protection not only to the operator but to pedestrian traffic as well.