Your Guide to Interlocking Devices: Switches vs. Guards
June 19, 2024
Your Guide to Interlocking Devices: Switches vs. Guards
Your Guide to Interlocking Devices: Switches vs. Guards
Industrial workplaces are complex, but there’s nothing that plays a more important role in the success of these organizations than safety. When your employees and machines are protected, the workplace can become more productive and efficient. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in and implement machine safety solutions that will protect what matters most.
Safeguarding your operators and machines is imperative in industrial facilities. However, guards alone won’t provide the best protection from accidents or injuries. When you need to improve your machine safeguarding, interlock devices are the perfect solution. These small yet powerful devices help prevent your operators from making unsafe or inappropriate maneuvers. The extra protection from interlocking devices can have a major impact on your organization.
When it comes to incorporating interlocking devices into your machine safety efforts, you can go one of two ways—a switch or guard. How do you know what is right for you? Is one better than the other? Can you use both at the same time? Let’s take a look at the differences between a safety interlock switch and interlocking guards—and how these important devices can improve safety and maximize productivity in your organization.
Interlocked Guards
An interlocked guard is a safeguard that is designed to automatically stop a machine’s moving parts when the guard is opened or removed during operation. This type of guard is already equipped with an interlock in its design, so you don’t have to add an additional interlocking device. Typically, the machine will not be able to start up again until the guard is back in place. Interlocked guards may use electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power—or a combination of them.
This style of guard can be incredibly powerful in providing additional safety for operators and effectively reducing hazards, accidents, and injuries in the workplace. At Stronghold Safety Engineering, we have a variety of interlocked guards to help meet your safety needs. Here are just a couple of options we offer:
Prismont Mill Guard – MST-PFR02—a multi-adjustable interlocked guard for universal milling machines.
Silvaflame Universal Drill Guard—a heavy-duty, optional interlocked shield that helps protect the operator from flying debris.
Interlocking Switches
One of the most important protective devices you can bring to your machine operations is an interlock switch. This device interlocks a guard door with the power source of the hazard. If a guard door is opened, the power is cut off to ensure that the machine is safe when the operator needs access. Interlocking switches, such as the Interlock Switch For Silvaflame Grinder Guards SGG from Stronghold, can be powerful tools to inhibit inappropriate maneuvers of a machine or opening a guard door when the machine is on—preventing accidents and serious injuries in the process.
There are many interlocking switches that can also be used in conjunction with interlocking guards. This approach provides even better protection for operators, minimizing machine hazards immensely. When you use these products together, you’re emphasizing the importance of safety within your workplace, and supporting safer, smarter workflows across your machine operations.
Safety Solutions from Stronghold
There’s nothing more important than your employees’ safety—and when it is at risk, it’s time to take action. Implementing the right safety solutions is essential to keep the members of your team protected. At Stronghold, we are committed to helping industrial businesses create and maintain the safest workplace possible.
With a thorough machine guarding assessment, you can identify areas of risk that are impacting your operations and implement solutions that make your facilities more productive and efficient. Our safety experts at Stronghold can also help you incorporate modern, high-quality safety products like interlocking devices to optimize safety.
At Stronghold, we’re eager to help you create a stronger, safer workplace. Whether that’s investing in industrial safety services (such as a machine guarding assessment) or adding more protection to your machines with interlocking devices, we’re here to support your organization every step of the way. So if you’re ready to get serious about safety, contact us today!