Integrating Safety with Efficiency

With the rising costs of Worker Compensation Insurance, maintainng a clean operational safety record makes fiscal as well as ethical sense. The moving parts that are essential in any conveyor system can put your workers continuously at risk. ACS has faced this challenge head-on by utilizing a variety of overlapping safety systems to help our customers meet their safety goals.

Redefining the Cutting Edge

Protecting workers must be planned down to the finest detail. To that end, ACS addresses an often overlooked danger area. In the past, leading manufacturers such as Pentek have used metal shearers to fabricate parts for tension frames. This cutting process leaves a razor-sharp, burred edge at the end of the cut. The mere brush of a leg along such an edge has been known to slice through both cloth and skin, necessitating stitches.

In contrast, ACS uses state-of-the-art laser cutting machines to fabricate parts such as the one pictured here. The swirling action of the laser cutter naturally results in a smoother, rounder cut. Note also how ACS takes the time to make a small radial cut at the corners, softening the edge. An additional de-burring step and paint application complement these safety measures to make ACS tension frames some of the safest on the market.

ACS Safety Measures in Action

Perhaps the most obvious example of the ACS continuing commitment to safety is the SafeWalk Conveyor. Designed to provide a safe crossing point through a conveyor line, the SafeWalk has many features to protect your workers. The stop/start buttons on the SafeWalk are ergonomically mounted on posts on both sides of the conveyor. Bright orange steps on both sides include non-slip steps for secure passage. The Stedi Stak conveyor bed surface consists of 1" wide individual blue segments with a yellow segment inserted at regular intervals. The contrasting yellow strip makes the conveyor bed's motion easy to spot.

Indeed, Stedi Stak Conveyors themselves offer fewer pinch points that conventional roller conveyors. The chain's tight turning radius allows for smaller gaps between devices. The solid flat traveling surface maintatins constant contact with high loads for fewer incidents of load tipping. The Stedi Stak plastic chain even runs much quieter. Decreased ambient noise in your facility offers increased worker comfort and decreased chance of mild hearing loss. Accidents where ambient machine noise exceeds worker verbal warnings or warning buzzers can also be prevented.

Because of the added complications in an independent moving device, ACS Transfer Cars offer a variety of extra safety systems. A warning strobe lights and buzzer sounds whenever the car is in motion. The laser proximity devices mounted on both ends of the car are programmed to shut power to the car when it approaches obstructions in the aisle. Steel aisle guards attached between surrounding conveyors also provide a physical barrier to worker entry into the transfer car aisle.

The void zone created while an Infeed Pusher is in operation has always been a point of concern. ACS has solved this potential hazard by inserting a safety plate which rests in the cradle area. The plate stays in place while the pusher head moves along the length of the conveyor. Broken legs, sprained ankles and wrenched knees can all be avoided with this simple but effective solution.