Posted By Martin Taylor Hi this is one for equipment specialists. WE have recently recognised a major hazard for maintenance people on a series of our machines. The machines are ultrasonic welders and operate by lowering a series of welding heads onto a plastic component. The concern is that the welding head is supported by pneumatic cylinder and maintenance activities require working below the head. The whole system is fully interlocked to prevent it powering down during maintenance but there remain a risk of the cylinder or similar failing and allowing the the welding head to collapse. We have implemented a method of chocking to ensure safety during maintenance but my question relates to the original manufacture of these machines - I would expect that this arrangement should require some form of safety lock (scothlok) to retain the heads even should the cyclinder fail. My questions are:- 1) how are these machines arranged in other comanies? 2) are there any EN standards applicable to this type of equipment and what does it require manufacturers to do. As an absolute minimum I would expect manufacturers to post warning notices about chocking many thanks to anybody that can help Martin

Posted By Martin Taylor thanks for this - much in line with my thoughts - if anybody can offer advice on machines that are suitably protected by design or know of appliocable EN standards please let me know thanks Martin

Posted By Martin Taylor thanks John - I guess if your machine guarding was substandard that the manufacturer wouldn't consider maintenance side issues. I am wondering if good manufacturers of this kind of equipment do incorporate safety devices for maintenance or whther it always falls on the users to develop safe systems of work. So if there are any press manufacturers reading this what are standard practices out there ta martin