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Andrew W Walker  
#1 Posted : 24 June 2011 16:30:10(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Can anyone throw any light on this query for me please.

We have a carousel system in part of the warehouse, and this consists of a roller bed that moves packages that are to be removed by hand. This is a flat system with no gradients.

Is there a required distance between emergency stop buttons? Or is it risk assessment based?

Thanks

Andy
Andrew W Walker  
#2 Posted : 24 June 2011 16:48:07(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

From what I've read so far, I think the electrician has been a tad enthusiastic with the number of emergency stops on the equipment.

Andy
GeoffB4  
#3 Posted : 24 June 2011 19:03:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
GeoffB4

Give us a clue. How many have you got per metre?
paul.skyrme  
#4 Posted : 24 June 2011 19:42:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

Motorhead,
This will be RA based, and will also not be to BS7671 (IET Wiring Regs).
If this is a new install then it is much more complex for compliance than the number of e-stops and there are very few sparks out there who are competent to design and install such systems as they are normally only used to BS7671.
You need to think perhaps about one at every operator station, and the ergonomics of the layout.
Also the fact that they are SRPCS, and the category of stop system required.
If these are simple single channel devices then they may not meet requirements.
Is this a new install?
Cue PeteS for backup please?...
(He knows the regs better than I do to be honest, though I'm not that bad on them! Sorry I know self praise and all that, but it is my area really.)
Andrew W Walker  
#5 Posted : 27 June 2011 09:30:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Its been in for about 4 years, and the stop buttons are about every metre around the conveyor belt. They are not the "mushroom head" type stops either. This was because the people working there would be knocking them off all of the time.

I just feel that the electrician who installed it was a bit over enthusiastic- and obviously charged us for it.

I have asked for the spec of the system and will do further digging.

Thanks.

Andy
MB1  
#6 Posted : 27 June 2011 09:36:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

Likey to be a risk based system to look at, bearing in mind speed, number of people operating, risk/likelyhood of entanglement etc

metre intervals sounds a little excessive in this instance but if already installed would you remove?
Andrew W Walker  
#7 Posted : 27 June 2011 09:43:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

I don't intend to change it.

Its just another example of the contract electrician over egging things.

Like charging £59 for an £11 part. £200 to change some light bulbs...

Andy
MB1  
#8 Posted : 27 June 2011 09:45:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

A case of once bitten... twice shy from that certain electrician!
Andrew W Walker  
#9 Posted : 27 June 2011 09:51:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

You'd think so, wouldn't you?

We still use him. No matter how much I complain he still gets work.

paul.skyrme  
#10 Posted : 27 June 2011 15:12:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

Motorhead,
If they are not E-stops to the relevant standard then they are not actually e-stops at all are they!
As far as the pricing side goes then this is not really the forum for that.
£200 to change some lamps sounds reasonable to me depending on the situation, as does the cost of the part if he had to pay £35 to get it in on overnight carriage say before 09:00 for you?

We don't have enough info really to judge.
There are e-stops that are resistant to accidental knocks and, you can "protect" them to a certain extent to minimise the risk of accidental operation and still meet requirements, I'd have to look up the reference though!

I would check the category of the stop system to see that it is adequate to meet the requirements for the equipment CE marking if the electrician had free reign to design and install this himself it may not meet the conveyor manufacturers, or other, requirements?
Andrew W Walker  
#11 Posted : 27 June 2011 15:19:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Thanks Paul.

I have asked for more info on the stops, and I am going to contact the manufacturer.

As for the pricing; probably not the forum for that. Just very frustrated at some of the things I've found

Andy
andaroocarr  
#12 Posted : 27 June 2011 16:20:40(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
andaroocarr

The simple rule of thumb is that any workstation should have a stop within arms (or legs!) reach of the operator. Over and above that it's down to RA.

And like Paul says, they don't sound like "standard" em. stops either. You may well have been sold a pup.
paul.skyrme  
#13 Posted : 27 June 2011 16:47:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

Motorhead,
Perhaps you need a control systems specialist, or at least someone who is "well familiar"with the wiring regs 60204-1 & these aspects of puwer?
Andrew W Walker  
#14 Posted : 27 June 2011 16:59:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Paul.
When I get all of the info that's what I am going to do.

I know that this is a bit out of my area. A good learning experience for me though!

Thanks

Andy
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