Servo Expert: Important Safety Information Warning: Always operate machines safely. This web-site discusses the operation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of motion control systems. Operation of motion controllers can produce hazards such as the generation of: - large amounts of heat
- high voltage potentials
- movement of objects or mechanisms than can cause harm.
- the flow of harmful chemicals
- flames
Unsafe operation makes it more likely for accidents to occur. Accidents can cause personal injury to you, your co-workers, or other people. Accidents can also damage or destroy equipment. By operating control systems safely you make it less likely that an accident will occur. Always operate control systems safely! You can enhance the safety of control-system operation by taking the following steps: - Allow only people trained in safety-related work practices and lock-out/tag-out procedures to install, commission, or perform maintenance on control systems.
- Always follow the manufacturer recommended procedures.
- Always follow the national, state, local, and professional safety code regulations.
- Always follow the safety guidelines instituted at the plant where the equipment will be operated.
- Always use appropriate safety equipment. Examples of safety equipment are protective eyewear, hearing protection, safety shoes, and other protective clothing.
- Never override safety devices such as limit switches, emergency stop switches, light curtains, or physical barriers.
- Always keep away from machines or processes in operation.
- Remember that any change of system parameters (for example, tuning gains), components, wiring, or any other function of the control system may cause unexpected results (system instability or uncontrolled system excitation).
- Remember that controllers and other control system components are subject to failure. For example, a micro-processor in a controller may experience catastrophic failure at any time. Leads to or within feedback devices may open or short closed at any time.
- Failure of a controller or any control system component may cause unanticipated results (system instability or uncontrolled system excitation).
If you have any questions concerning the safe operation of equipment, contact the equipment manufacturer, plant safety personal or local governmental officials such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Always operate control systems safely!
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